BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Year 1 Modules 

Creative Thinking 

This module encourages traditional drawing skills to explore image, form, function, and surface, as well as the development of ideas. 

Introduction to Graphic Communication 

This module aims to introduce you to the fundamentals of Graphic Communication. You will develop an understanding of visual language and critical analysis and develop presentation skills. 

Communication Craft Skills 

This module aims to introduce you to the design process. You will be encouraged to explore the use of appropriate physical and digital processes. 

Design Context 1 

During this module you will learn the key concepts, cultural issues and contextual discussions around studio and professional practice. You'll explore the historical development of the design profession and develop a broad range of cognitive skills, important in development as a creative thinker and reflective practitioner. 

Year 2 Modules 

Applied Graphic Design 

You will undertake more in-depth research in this module, further extend creative thinking with visual literacy from Level 4 modules and respond to project briefs with contemporary styling. 

Graphic Communication in Context 

This module aims to help you develop your practical and analytical skills when answering creative briefs and projects. You will have the opportunity to develop and enhance your communication skills when participating in group critique sessions. 

Professional Practice 

This module is designed to help you prepare your portfolio of work. It involves portfolio surgeries, advice on creating digital folders and general interview etiquette. You'll hear from visiting speakers from industry and work on live creative briefs. 

Design Context 2 

In this module you'll gain an understanding of the various cultural contexts surrounding the professional design practice and your studio practice. You'll be able to critically reflect on qualitative design issues and how they interact with the broader context. 

Year 3 Modules 

Graphic Design Set Project 

This module aims to promote a focused and structured beginning to your final year of study. You will work on a Graphic Design led brief in a professional manner. The module will ensure you have an understanding of the necessary knowledge and capability to produce work to a professional standard. 

Graphic Design External Project 

This module aims to expose you to briefs which have been set by external sources, to provide industrial parameters and to generate professional digital design solutions from an externally set brief. 

Graphic Design Self-Initiated Project 

This module aims to draw together the specialist and supporting studies into a coherent integrated and personally driven project based upon a major theme of your choice. It will promote analytical and creative skills that demonstrate an independent level of learning, appropriate to the final level of degree project work. 

Design Context 3 

In this module you will develop your own research project that links to your career pathway as a professional practitioner. You will develop skills in researching and reporting and be able to reach original conclusions. 

Skills acquisition will be developed throughout the programme using practical briefs as a vehicle for both delivery and assessment. Basic skills development will be the focus of Year 1 modules, and you will be encouraged to develop and enhance these skills further at Year 2. 

You will be required to participate in individual and group critiques and to complete evaluations of the work you have produced for each brief. Lectures and seminars will introduce you to historical and contemporary theory and contextual themes. You will be expected to apply this learning to your own work, maintaining a continuous link between theory and practice.  

Our Virtual Learning Environment, It’s Learning, will support your development at all levels with information, resources and online discussion forums. 

At Year 3 a more independent ethos is fostered; you will be expected to plan your own learning with support from module tutors culminating in final work being exhibited in a Graduate Show

Industry professionals and alumni are regularly invited into the studios as guest practitioners to deliver lectures and workshops. There are also opportunities for external visits to locations relevant to your future employment aspirations. 

You are encouraged to seek out placements and work experience and are supported with this as part of your studies. Live briefs and competition briefs are a key element of course content throughout all levels. 

Creative students are recognised as having highly transferable skills in problem solving and communication and you could expect to find employment in a wide range of sectors. 

As a graphic designer, you could find a career in advertising, illustration, typography, branding, web design, app design, copywriting, editorial design, packaging, retail design and information graphics. You might also specialise in 3D, animation and moving image. 

Upon completion of the degree, you may choose to further your education and progress onto a PGCE or MA course. 

96 points at A2, for example: 

BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM 

BTEC Diploma: DD 

Pass Access Course: 96 UCAS points 

International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 96 points from Higher Level subjects 

T Level: P (C+) 

And 

GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent. 

And  

Successful portfolio interview.  

Students are also accepted who have appropriate non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience. Please contact admissions for more information.