Graphic Design

Graphic design communicates, it touches everything that we do, everything we see. From luggage label to record label, headline to road sign, kid's book to text book, billboard to skateboard, film title to beer bottle and bar code to web site - graphic design is all around us.

Graphic design starts with an idea - this course will develop your understanding of the discipline intellectually, as well as practically.

Course structure

You can choose to take a three-year BA(Hons) degree or a four-year MDes integrated masters-level qualification.

Year 1 introduces you to the basic concepts of visual communication within graphic design. Through a series of studio projects and workshops in computing, letterpress, photography and book arts, you will begin to develop your own visual language.

Year 2 introduces the key concepts of sequential communication, focusing on self-initiated, collaborative, experimental and independent ways of working. You will also begin to explore the creative industries via a personal and professional development programme, while your own practice is enhanced through critically analysing the work of others.

In year 3 you will build upon the creative and analytical abilities you have developed.. The focus of this year encourages you to move towards a more self-directed programme of study. You will work on set and self-initiated projects, prestigious competition briefs and live industry projects, whilst establishing professional practice links.

In year 4, you will establish an advanced awareness of the professional world through working with practitioners and industry specialists. This will be within a framework of in-depth research activity that will inform your practice. The emphasis is on themes - personal, commercial and professional - that relate to your research, work and ideas.

Career and progression opportunities

Our graduates are working across the diverse range of disciplines within the contemporary creative industries. You may choose to work for a design consultancy, an advertising agency, a publishing company, or for any company or organisation that employs the use of a graphic designer or art director. Graduates are working for organisations that include Apple, the Royal Mint and the BBC. Many graduates go on to postgraduate studies.

Requirements

Typical entry requirements
individual offers may vary

A-levels:
will not normally provide sufficient grounding without a subsequent foundation diploma.

ND/C (Level 3):
Art and Design. DMM.

International Baccalaureate:
will not normally provide sufficient grounding without a subsequent foundation diploma.

QAA-approved access course:
acceptable, subject-specific units.

GCSE (minimum grade C):
a good profile.

Foundation degree/HND
direct to year 2 for suitable applicants.

For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, 6.0 in writing.

Other:
Art and Design Foundation Diploma or equivalent. Interview and portfolio review. Direct entry to year 3 requires a foundation degree or DipHE in related subjects, or practical or professional experience. Direct entry to year 4 requires an honours degree or equivalent in related subject, and prior work or creative practical experience. You must demonstrate ability to work at postgraduate level.

Mode of Attendance : Full - time