BA (Hons) Graphic Arts

Year 1

The first year of the programme is focused around building methodology and contextual understanding, and is delivered through workshops, collaborative projects, lectures and screenings that examine the conventions of the discipline. In semester 01 you will take part in a series of workshops, technical inductions and assignments that examine the importance of understanding and interpreting subject matter, and provide you with a solid foundation for developing final outcomes in your chosen specialism. In semester 02 you will take part in a ‘boot camp’, which will allow you to develop the specialist skills to equip you for the challenges of the next two years of study.

To complement your specialist activity you will also study two modules that examine the ideas and theories that have influenced the development of the Graphic Arts. These modules are supported by lectures, seminars and discussion groups, and require you to engage in research that will enable you to create a contextual blog and write a ‘Contemporary Issues’ essay.

Semester OneCore [?]

A core module is a module which must be taken and passed.

ARTD1072Credit[?]

Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).

Specialist Practice Skills

ARTD1076Credit[?]

Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).

Research and Communication Skills

Semester TwoCore [?]

A core module is a module which must be taken and passed.

ARTD1073Credit[?]

Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).

Studio Practice and Research

ARTD1075Credit[?]

Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).

Contemporary Issues 1

Year 2

In Year 02 we break apart the knowledge you have developed during Year 01 and encourage you to dissect and deconstruct these ideas. This process will involve assignments that encourage you to consolidate existing knowledge and skills, examine emerging creative methodologies, develop skills in relation to code based design, collaborate with students from other pathways and locate your practice in relation to a professional context.

You will also select an elective module from a list that is designed to enable you to tailor your programme to suit your choice of career path. For example, choosing to study the Enterprise module alongside the Practice module in the Photography pathway might prepare you to be a self-employed photographer following graduation. Your choice of career-orientated elective module in Year 02 will require you to study the same elective module in Year 03.

Student exchanges are also available and these enable you to develop your understanding from different cultural and professional viewpoints while developing the independent learning skills required to progress to Year 03.

Semester OneOptional core

Select one from:

Introduction to Art of Marketing and Branding

Introduction to Visual Culture

Introduction to Digital Practices and Theory

Introduction to Design Futures

Introduction to Business for the Creative Industries

Introduction to Writing for the Creative Industries

ARTD2031Credit[?]

Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).

Specialist Practice and Research 2a

Semester TwoCore [?]

A core module is a module which must be taken and passed.

ARTD2032Credit[?]

Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).

Specialist Practice and Research 2b

ARTD2033Credit[?]

Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).

Specialist Practice Exchange

ARTD2034Credit[?]

Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).

Reflective Journal 2

Year 3

The final stage of the programme allows you to personalise an individual practice and apply it to a more focused professional context. This is facilitated through industry set projects, competitions and a final, personally devised, research project.

Students also take part in ‘Insights from the Field’, which offers you the opportunity to engage with leading agencies and practitioners from the creative industries through a series of lectures and workshops. In 2014/15 this included the likes of AllofUs, Kin, Moving Brands, Simon Manchipp, Lucienne Roberts, Accept & Proceed, ustwo, Karsten Schmidt, Bibliothéque and Spin. Please go to: to find out more about our industry connections and our approach to building employability skills.

Semester OneOptional core

You must study the same option module in Part 3 as you did in part 2:

Art of Marketing and Branding

Visual Culture

Digital Practices and Theory

Design Futures

Writing to Publication

Business for the Creative Industries

ARTD3027Credit[?]

Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).

Specialist Practice

Semester TwoCore [?]

A core module is a module which must be taken and passed.

ARTD3028Credit[?]

Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).

Reflective Journal

ARTD3041Credit[?]

Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).

Final Major Project: Graphic Arts