Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Graphic Design explores the creation of visual materials, bringing together text and images to communicate ideas.

As a graphic designer, you will essentially be a problem solver, balancing creativity and flexibility to solve your client’s brief. This specialist course offers you an excellent understanding of the knowledge and skills needed for information, editorial, typographic and wayfinding areas in graphic design. It aims to develop you as an articulate designer able to work successfully in a variety of visual media.

During the course, you will also be encouraged to develop your business skills and learn how to plan, shape and communicate the message through live client projects, work placement opportunities and cross discipline collaborations with colleagues.

You will leave with a professional portfolio, confidence across a wide range of technical skills, and the ability to design in a creative and contemporary way that considers social, environmental and commercial factors.

Level 1

Introduces the fundamentals of graphic design theory and knowledge. You will focus on learning and developing specific design principles and skills required to work as a design practitioner. Topics include: ideas generation; typography; diagrams; layout and grid systems; logos, symbols and branding.

Level 2

Focuses on understanding interpretation, experimentation and collaboration. Your professional skills will be sharpened through ‘live’ client briefs and competitions alongside more subject specific group and individual projects. Topics include: communication techniques; information design; branding; wayfinding; spatial communication.

Level 3

Concentrates on your own aims and ambitions, to produce work of a high standard in both technique and concept, reflecting your graduate aspirations and future career planning. Topics include: live projects and competitions; major project; self-initiated work; a portfolio; a dissertation.

In addition, each Level contains elements of Contextual Studies, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, and Personal and Professional Development to give you a rounded education that prepares you for professional life.

Assessment

You will be continually assessed through the presentation of written and project work. Assessment in the final year is through a dissertation and portfolio.

Learning and Support

You will study through a mix of practice and theory-based learning. This will include lectures, seminars, workshops, individual tutorials, self-directed study and projects. You will be supported by well-qualified teaching staff, sessional staff and visiting professionals who will bring an industry perspective to the course.

Career Opportunities

A wide range of careers are open to Graphic Design graduates, including print design, corporate identity and branding, editorial design, wayfinding, and design project management.

To find out more on jobs in this field visit I can.

Progression

Successful completion of this course can lead to the postgraduate degree in MA Communication Design.

Download the full course programme specifications (PDF).

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