BA (Hons) in Graphic Design

Graphic DesignCourse ModulesWhat our Graduates doEntry Requirements

This course will introduce individuals to the importance of research and the design process, along with the practical disciplines of typography, illustration, printmaking and digital design.

The BA (Hons) in Graphic Design encourages and enables students to follow their individual pathway through a balanced combination of practice and theory in well equipped studio and workshop environments. Students are encouraged to explore concepts and apply appropriate design methodology and technology towards intelligent information communication. These skills are developed and realised using advertising, graphic design, illustration, packaging, publishing, photography and typography. Analysis, intellect, context, craft skills and the marketplace become the major drivers towards innovative outcomes.

The course prepares students for design studio work covering books, corporate reports and catalogues, journal and magazine design, packaging, corporate identity, poster and information design. The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, theoretical and practical investigation, studio and workshop practice, exhibitions and field trips, and self directed study.

In the second year I have felt a lot more confident with my ideas and projects. This is probably because I have learnt a lot about using new programs and feel able to produce a larger variety of things. I enjoyed designing the broadsheet because we were able to produce work which combined the hand-drawn with digital or different processes such as screen-printing. The punctuation project I also enjoyed because it felt like a team effort. I do like it when we work in groups because this is how it will be when we find jobs.


BA (Hons) Graphic Design Modules offered:

Year One Compulsory Modules

Introduction to Graphic Design Processes

Within this module emphasis will be on analysing and presenting a visual interpretation of the thinking process as a narrative sequence, utilising a wide range of materials and processes relating to graphic design, and developing relevant craft skills in the process.

Introduction to Personal Planning

Lectures, seminars andtutorials will familiarise students with the higher education learning environment. Students willdevelop skills central to their programme and they will be encouraged to reflect on their learning.

Investigation of Graphic Design Practice

Working from practical briefs students will develop their potential as designers in greater depth. Students will concentrate on the development, resolution of technical details, production and presentation of the final outcome. Through a structured series of workshops, lectures and demonstrations students will be asked to research specified aspects of their subject in order to expand their knowledge and experience of various genres and their social/political context.

Critical and Contextual Research

This module will explore contexts that have a bearing on art and design and will develop the student’s ability to write reports and essays. It will also develop the student’s communication, research and analysis skills as well as increase their skills and confidence to present their ideas to an audience.

Year One Optional Support Modules

Two modules are chosen from the following:

Photography for Advertising

Of particular interest to both photography and graphic design students, this module will introduce learners to a range of photographic materials, techniques and terminology and go on to explore the medium in relation to its use in advertising. Prior experience is not a requirement, as individuals will receive a thorough introduction to the photography darkrooms and studios, practising both analogue and digital photography. This will be followed by a series of short projects, where students will explore the use of photography in relation to advertising briefs or concepts.

Fine Art Print Autographic Expression

Through a series of practical workshops based around a set theme or brief, this module will introduce students to the materials, techniques and terminology of a range of printmaking processes, including Relief Printing, Monoprint, Linocut, Drypoint, Etching, Screenprint and Letterpress. This all takes place in our well-equipped Printmaking Studio, and is suitable for art or design students that enjoy working with process-based approaches to developing 2D visual language and imagery.

Illustration with Printmaking

Based in our Printmaking workshop, this is a practical module aimed at developing students’ technical and creative skills in printmaking with particular reference to illustration. Working from a set brief, learnerswill explore their illustration ideas and designs in relation to the specific qualities of printmaking techniques such as Linocut, Drypoint, Etching and Screenprint. This will give individuals the opportunity to see how theirideas develop and communicate when processed through different media.

Introduction to 3D Construction

This module introduces students to a range of basic skills and creative and technical processes in the use and manipulation of wood, metal and plastics. Based in our 3D workshops, through demonstrations, lectures and practical work students will produce a series of material and process samples, as well as learning about the safe working practice and health and safety that underpins all such activity. The study of historical and contemporary examples of work by other artists and designers will also inform the use and understanding of materials in relation to the making and design process.

Introduction to 3D Visual Communication and Design

This studio based module introduces learners to the communication and development of three-dimensional design through the use of visual language. This includes drawing, photography, rendering and visual presentation techniques as well producing models and maquettes for concepts and prototypes. Design thinking and development techniques are also examined and will help students build a sound design methodology as well as an understanding of basic design principles. IT facilities will also be used in later sessions to reinforce and develop previous learning on the module.

Introduction to Digital Imaging and Manipulation

This module provides a structured introduction to digital photography and image manipulation. Based in the Mac suite, students will learn photographic and digital ‘post production’ techniques, developing high quality images through manipulation and enhancement to open up a range of creative possibilities in creating ‘hyper-real’, ‘painterly’ or artificially enhanced images. It is not a requirement to take this module, but for those with previous experience of it, there will also be opportunity to apply any previous knowledge of analogue photography to digital processes.

Introduction to Fashion Construction

This module introduces learners to the materials and techniques associated with garment construction. It is a practical, workshop-based module, where students will be introduced to the skills, techniques, equipment and materials associated with flat pattern cutting and modeling on the stand, as well as learning how to produce seams, pockets, fastenings and collars. Students will produce a finished pattern from a block that they will then use to make a toile, or test garment. At the end of the workshops individuals will then have the chance to incorporate their learning into the design of a garment.

Introduction to Textile Applications

Based in our Knit and Print workshop this module provides an opportunity to engage with a range of creative and technical textiles processes. Through workshops and demonstrations, students will experiment with traditional and new textile methods and techniques and carry out investigation and exploration through sampling and experimentation with the creative application of colour resist, knit and embellishment, culminating in the production of a collection of textile design samples.

Introduction to Drawing Processes

Delivered in our dedicated drawing studio, this module is designed to introduce students to materials, techniques and processes in relation to the act and language of drawing. Working from a range of sources, including the life model, it is intended to extend and strengthen skills and general knowledge of the subject, as well as develop an inventive approach to how individuals can apply drawing to their particular discipline. Students will also study the language of drawing through examination of historical and contemporary examples of work by other artists and designers.

Print Media

Of particular interest to photographers and graphic designers, this studio and IT based module will introduce students to the knowledge, skills and visual language of commercial print media. Students will investigate the use of print technologies in packaging, signage, corporate identity, advertising, mailing, point of sale and aspects of publishing. Through studio work individuals will practice the design of grids for documents or posters; work with typography as both text and image; explore the potential of photography and word interpretation and use narrative strategies in the organization of information. The module will culminate in the use of computer software to construct a paper-based document in relation to a set brief.

Fine Art Sculptural Processes

This is a workshop-based module open to all students who have an interest in developing their 3D process and making skills. It will introduce students to the visual language of sculpture and a basic range of associated materials, such as wood, metal and plaster. Students will also explore the practical concerns involved in processing, manipulating and combining those materials. As a focus for producing work, emphasis will be on the generation and development of ideas through a series of practical challenges that use particular materials and techniques.

Year Two Pathway Support Modules

Two Modules are chosen from the following:

Bookworks with Printmaking

Split between the printmaking workshop and studio this module encourages the development of a creative approach to traditional and non-traditional methods of book construction and print application. Working to a set brief, students will have the opportunity to employ printmaking techniques, such as screen-print, etching, linocut or letter press as they develop their work in conjunction with bookmaking craft and skills. As part of their project research students will explore technical print and book construction processes; paper manipulation techniques, such as cuts, folds and bindings; image and text editing and the relationship between printing and the book.

Packaging with Photography

Photography is often a major component in the production and design of commercial packaging materials and containers and this module is aimed at encouraging the development of a creative approach in that respect. Students will work from a set packaging brief, where the integration of a range of knowledge and skills will be integral to how they approach it, as they will need to incorporate media and processes such as digital photography, typography, 3D construction, print technologies and design software. Learners will also be expected to maintain a sketchbook and work diary record that shows the development process of their ideas and designs.

Development of Drawing Processes

Working in the drawing studio, students will be encouraged to develop a creative approach to traditional and non-traditional methods of drawing, with specific relation to the development of their own personal studio practice. Intensive weekly workshops will encourage individuals to extend and challenge their observational and analytical drawing skills and further develop ideas through image manipulation and media experimentation. Students will be challenged to explore conceptual and unorthodox approaches to drawing and mark-making and broaden their understanding of the role drawing can play in their own practice and demonstrate how it feeds their personal studio development.

Year Three Modules (All modules are compulsory)

Refinement of Graphic Design processes

Within this module, emphasis will be placed on professional standards in studio practice and the presentation of student’s finished work. Students will develop individual concepts and responses to a series of ‘live’ projects and national design competitions.

Dissertation

This is a detailed investigation of an agreed subject that mobilises the theoretical and contextual underpinning of graphic design. Students are required to write a dissertation that demonstrates their ability to present independent research and argue coherently.

Professional Developmental Planning

Students will undertake in-depth contextual and technical research into their personal development and professional career directions.

Professional Graphic Design Practice

Students will establish a clear relationship between personal ambition and the production of a body of work which fully demonstrates both the students’ creative potential and technical skills in order that those ambitions can be realised.

Dan Sly has been exceptional; his technical understanding and software knowledge is far beyond what we were expecting from a graduate. I’m really pleased to have appointed Dan as a Junior Designer with the agency.Ben Philp, Playgroup Design Agency.

Various positions in art and design, including graphic design, illustration, typography, packaging design, web design, education, multi-media, exhibition design and journalism.

An MA in Art or Design specialisms, or Design Management or Marketing. The educational sector can be accessed through a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Postgraduate study in related areas is a further option.

Portfolio of artwork supported by 160 UCAS points gained from study on Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or level 3 Diploma in an art related subject along with 5 GCSEs (grades A*-C) including English language, or an Art and Design Foundation Year. Exceptionally, A Level applicants with appropriate portfolio of artwork and knowledge. Students without formal qualifications but with appropriate portfolio of artwork/work experience. All applicants are formally interviewed.

How To Apply

Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to secure your place on your ideal programme.
Simply download and complete the relevant application form and return it to our Admissions team as early as possible.
You can return your completed application form in person or by post to our Colchester
(for applications to Colchester and Clacton) or Braintree campuses:

Admissions

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester

CO3 3LL

Admissions

The College at Braintree

Church Lane

Braintree

CM7 5SN

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