BA (Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration

BA (Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration Course Structure
Year 1An ideas-focused year emphasising design-thinking, problem solving and brainstorming, with workshops providing hands-on media and software experience.
Design studies
Design process, use of media, printmaking, digital process, typography, presentation skills, production techniques, photography
Imagery
Divergent thinking, alternative solutions, interpreting a brief, drawing, analytical thinking
Cultural & critical studies
Introduction to analysis in design, design studies
Year 2In year 2 students can choose to specialise in either Graphic Design or Illustration. Work will focus on projects related to the creative and cultural industries, emphasising professional constraints and expectations. It includes:

• live projects
• pitching
• work-related experience
• design production knowledge.

Graphic Design
Students selecting the Graphic Design specialism in year 2 will focus in particular on:

• design studies
• challenging conventions
• developing external links with industry
• research and analysis
• professional design knowledge and skills
• cultural and critical studies
• exploring aesthetic and theoretical frameworks used in graphic design and illustration.

Illustration
Students selecting the Illustration specialism in year 2 will focus in particular on:

• imagery
• design process
• divergent thinking / alternative solutions
• design problems
• drawing, imagery and design
• presentation skills
• negotiated project.

Year 3The final year is focused on:

• professional portfolio with national competitions
• emphasis on professional standards of working
• support from staff whose experience best matches your interests.

Students will emerge as a creative individual able to work to professional standards.

This final year of study takes place on campus at the University of Hertfordshire. However, alternative options are available:

• move on to our partner university, the University of Hertfordshire, for final year of study
• transfer to another university for final year of study
• take the university Diploma at the end of Year 2 and go straight into work.