BA (Hons) - Graphic Design

Year one

In Level 4 you’ll gain fundamental knowledge and practical experience of visual communication, the building blocks of visual language, and professional attitudes and practices. When you join us you become part of a creative community and from the outset, you will be encouraged to share your ideas, experiences and work through discussion with tutors and fellow students.

A distinctive feature of the graphic design course is that, initially, you will work closely with Level 4 illustrators exploring the fundamental principles of visual communication as many of the core principles and considerations are shared between the two disciplines, for instance; colour theory and application, traditional and digital media, development processes, presentation skills, etc.

• Introducing Visual Communication
  Develop effective working practices and habits.
• Cultural Contexts
  An introduction to the cultural, historical, and social contexts in which creative work from a range of disciplines.
• Multi-Dimensional Graphic Design
  Explore multiple forms and formats, from traditional print to the latest digital platforms, simple symbols to complex information and ideas, ephemeral to iconic.
• Collaborative Practice
  Work with other students to explore and practice the skills involved in creative collaboration.

Year two

Second year is focused on applying the knowledge and skills you’ve gained to a series of design challenges. Testing and refining your design and personal management skills in a number of scenarios will give you confidence in your ability to tackle unfamiliar challenges. As your confidence grows through experience you’ll begin to develop personal strands of interest or specialism.

Your tutors bring a wide range of design experience to the course with particular expertise and interests in typography, editorial/publishing, corporate identity and branding work. There is an emphasis on knowledge, passion, and enjoyment, showing you how they can be utilised to make memorable, meaningful designs.

• The Designer's Toolkit
  Explore the structural elements that are essential when creating any piece of graphic design - alignment, hierarchy, contrast, repetition, proximity, balance, colour, and space.
• Type & Typography
  Explore letterforms and how they can be manipulated and arranged to inform, entice, and communicate lies.
• Graphic Design Projects
  Develop conceptual skills and an individual approach to graphic design problem-solving, providing the springboard to your final year of study.
• The Critical Designer
  Explore key contextual debates which impact production and the reading of graphic design texts. Consider design as a form of social practice.

Year three

As you enter your final year, flexibility increases where all of the skills, knowledge and confidence you have developed so far are brought together to produce a portfolio of design work that showcases your talents.

By this time you’ll be preparing for progression – life after you finish your degree - seeking work or preparing for Masters or Postgraduate study. Much of your professional practice will be focused on that exciting step.

• Advanced Design Projects
  An opportunity to work within a design brief and explore a particular area of interest.
• Independent Research Paper
  Develop specialised and focused knowledge and understanding of a subject of your own choice.
• Graphic Design Showcase
  An opportunity to show-off the skills, knowledge, and professionalism developed throughout the course to potential employers and the wider world.