Graphic Design

About the course

You will learn through a mixture of studio-based work, lectures, tutorials and seminars which will include critical evaluation of your work by tutors and your fellow students. You will gain experience of industry practices and standards by working on real projects for clients from both inside and outside the university. You are also encouraged and supported in the submission of work to many national competitions.

You will have access to the university’s unique design studio facilities and the department’s state-of-the-art computer suite and industry standard software.

All of our teaching staff are practicing professionals with extensive experience in the graphic design industry. In addition, visiting speakers from the industry give talks on different aspects of the business. We have a policy of continually updating and introducing new modules to ensure course content is relevant to current industrial practice.

What you will learn

You will learn applied skills in a broad range of graphic design media across digital, screen, multimedia and print-based graphics including knowledge and understanding of graphic design software. You will gain an understanding of design theories and principles and also learn about the historical and critical elements of design.

During the course of your studies you will also develop your ability to generate ideas, research and analyse concepts, be able to use independent judgement and enhance your visual, critical, theoretical and practical understanding of graphic design in different media.

The course has a strong industry bias ensuring you build a full understanding of professional practice in the graphic design industry and the application of your design skills in a business context.

Special features

• All teaching staff are practicing professionals with extensive experience in the graphic design industry.

• The course has a strong vocational bias and uses real and simulated design briefs ensuring you develop a good understanding of professional principles and practice in the industry.

• The department has excellent IT facilities with industry-standard software.

Careers and professional development

This course will help you to progress in your career by providing you with the industry standard qualification and specialised education to develop your skills and knowledge to a professional level.

You can go on to work as a general graphic designer, or specialise in one of the many disciplines the course offers including editorial, packaging, moving image and advertising design. Graduating students may also wish to consider a freelance career in print or web design.

The following combined honours options are available in graphic design:

• BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Animation & Illustration

• BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Film & Media Studies

• BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Photography

Mode of attendance: Full-time