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Graphic Design Foundations

Graphic Design Foundations
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Liberal Arts Education

Learn how to use your talents in creating visual images that communicate a message. Get the basics of graphic design and fuel your passion!

This introductory studio course provides a foundation in design principles within a cross-disciplinary environment. Students engage in a continuous visual research project while exploring composition, form, texture, color and narrative through analogue and digital media. Learning is supported by lectures, discussions, workshops and critiques, emphasizing collaboration and correct design terminology. By the end of the course, students will develop creative, technical and reflective skills.

Learning Outcomes

Understand and Explain Design Theories 

  • Students will be able to remember and explain fundamental design principle theories—including alignment, composition, positive/negative space, texture, color and modular systems—demonstrating a foundational vocabulary in visual communication.

Apply and Analyze Visual Research Methods 

  • Students will be able to apply basic visual research methods and analyze findings to inform their design decision-making processes.

Present and Articulate Design Work Professionally 

  • Students will be able to present their work effectively using correct design terminology and justify their creative choices through structured critique, reflective writing and oral presentations.

Collaborate and Evaluate in Group Settings 

  • Students will be able to collaborate within group projects and integrate diverse perspectives to achieve shared design solutions.

Create Cohesive and Innovative Design Outcomes 

  • Students will be able to synthesize theories, research and design principles to create cohesive, innovative and scalable visual outcomes that demonstrate both narrative and systematic design thinking.


Duration and Location

  • July 26 - August 13, 2026
  • Application Deadline: One week before the course starts
  • Sessions will run daily from 9 am to 3 pm
  • AUC New Cairo campus
  • Fridays and Saturdays off


Apply Now


Fees

  • $1,000 (price including field trips) - This amount is equivalent to half the price of a regular undergraduate course.
  • 10% discount offered for siblings.
  • Egyptian students can pay the equivalent amount in Egyptian pounds.
     

Current AUC Equivalent

This course is a prerequisite for students interested to major in graphic design. 

Note: Program requirements may change by the time the student applies to AUC. If this course is no longer a requirement for the major, it will be counted as an elective course.


Course Transfer

  • Upon taking this course, you will receive a certificate of completion from AUC.
  • The course is equivalent to 3 credit hours. Only students who pass the course will be able to transfer these 3 credits when they enroll at AUC. In case transferring the course to other universities, their transfer assessments will apply. 


Requirements

  • An English writing sample (at least 750 words): essay or reflection.
  • A copy of your report card for the past two years of school.
  • A recommendation letter from a high-school teacher within the past academic year, if available.

Note: Students are encouraged to submit any art or design project portfolios, like drawing, painting, illustration, graphic design, photography, or anything relevant.


Transportation 

The AUC Bus Service is available for extra fees. Details on the schedule will be shared before the program’s start date.


Accommodation 

Accommodation is offered at the University Residences in case needed.


About the Instructors

Mahy Mourad 
Mahy Mourad is a Cairo-based architect, independent researcher and multi-disciplinary designer. She lectures on design and architecture in several universities in Cairo. Mourad is the founder of Studio 39, a multidisciplinary research and design practice in Cairo. The studio design work has been previously exhibited in Cairo, Alexandria, Dubai and London. Mourad holds a BA in architecture and a dual master’s degree in urbanism and design with distinction. Mourad has been teaching at AUC since 2017 and has been contributing to the development of the graphic design program.

Hana Issa
Hana Issa is an Egyptian graphic designer. She graduated with a BA in graphic design from The American University in Cairo (AUC) in 2018. Shortly after, she obtained an MA in editorial design, her main passion. Since 2019, she has been teaching design, starting from foundations all the way to supervising bachelor's degrees. Her passion is visual storytelling through design and getting inspired by everyday, mundane elements. She enjoys adding technological touches of AI every once in a while.


AUC Refund Policy

A 100% refund of the program fees will be granted if the request is submitted at least two weeks before the course start date, or if the request is due to one of the following reasons:

  • Course cancellation
  • Medical withdrawal
  • Visa denial

A 75% refund will be granted if the request is submitted within the last two weeks before the course start date.

No refund will be issued if the request is submitted after the end of the last working day (4 pm) and before classes begin, including the weekend prior to the course start date, or after the course has begun.