THE YDA DISCOVERY PROGRAMME
FOUNDATION IN CREATIVE DESIGN PRACTICE
A flexible, studio-based programme designed for gap year students and aspiring designers aged 18+ who want to explore their future in design.
Up to 450+ Guided Learning Hours
Students aged 18+
2+ BLOCKS
Build experience across multiple disciplines
1 BLOCK
Explore one design discipline
FLEXIBLE ENROLMENT
Choose your commitment
Join for one block, several blocks, or the full programme.
FULL PROGRAMME
Complete all six blocks and build a comprehensive design portfolio
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
The YDA Discovery Programme is an intensive, one-year, studio-based programme. Students complete one major design project, exploring five core design disciplines:
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Concept Design
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Industrial & Product Design
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Architecture, Interiors & Spacial Design
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Fahion & Textiles Design
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Visual Storytelling Design
Concept Design
Industrial & Product Design
Architecture, Interiors & Spacial Design
Fashion & Textile Design
Visual Story-telling Design
WHO IS IT FOR
The programme is designed for creative students who:
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Want to pursue a future in the art and design industries, but are unsure which path to take
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Prefer hands-on, practical, studio-based learning
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Want to build a strong professional portfolio
WHAT STUDENTS GAIN
By the end of the programme, students will:
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Understand the art and design sector and career pathways
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Experience five core design disciplines
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Gain confidence in presenting and explaining their work
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Build a strong portfolio for university and industry applications
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Develop self-awareness to choose the right future pathway
COURSE STRUCTURE
Over three terms, students will use one overarching project to explore five core design disciplines:
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Concept Design
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Industrial & Product Design
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Architecture, Interiors & Spacial Design
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Fahion & Textiles Design
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Visual Storytelling Design
Each discipline is taught as a 6-week teaching block, including key-skill sessions, one-to-one tutorials, and studio time.
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During the final 6 weeks, students finalise their projects and polish their portfolios in preparation for a final presentation to industry professionals.
TERM 3
Project Outcomes
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Final Presentation & Exhibition to Industry Professionals
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Professional Portfolio
Project Outcomes
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Conceptual Drawing
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Mood & Materials Board
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Design Ideas
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Mock-ups
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Project Completion​
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Portfolio Preparation​
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Portfolio Presentation
BLOCK 6:
VISUAL STORYTELLING DESIGN
Core Teaching
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Introduction to Fashion & Testile Design principles
Software Skills
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Adobe
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Drawing Skills
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Human Anatomy
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Drawing the Human Figure
BLOCK 5:
FASHION & TESTILE DESIGN
TERM 2
Project Outcomes
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Conceptual Drawing
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Mock-ups
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Scaled Drawing
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3D Model
Project Outcomes
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Mood & Materials Board
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Scaled Drawings
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3D Model
Core Teaching
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Introduction to Visual Storytelling Design (Game Design, Storyboarding, Character Design)
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Software Skills
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Illustrator
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Affinity
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Drawing Skills
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Storyboards
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Character Design
BLOCK 4:
VISUAL STORYTELLING DESIGN
Core Teaching
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Introduction to Architecture, Interiors & Spatial Design principles
Software Skills
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3D CAD
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Drawing Skills
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Interior Spaces
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Exterior Spaces
BLOCK 3:
ARCHITECTURE, INTERIORS & SPATIAL DESIGN
TERM 1
Project Outcomes
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Conceptual Drawing
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Mood & Materials Board
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Scaled Drawing
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3D Model
Project Outcomes
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Brand Book
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Logo
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Social Media Graphics
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Campaign Visuals
Core Teaching
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Introduction to Industrial & Product Design principles
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Software Skills
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3D CAD
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Drawing Skills
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Constructive Drawing using Geometric Forms
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Perspective Drawing
BLOCK 2:
INDUSTRIAL & PRODUCT DESIGN
Core Teaching
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Introduction to Concept Design principles
Software Skills
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Illustrator
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InDesign
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PowerPoint
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Drawing Skills
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Colour Theory
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Visual Language & Iconography
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Composition