BA Graphic Design
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
About this course
BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, a fashion design degree focused on visual communication, typography, and studio-based creative practice. Core topics include Research Methods, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students participate in internships, live projects, competitions, and exhibitions as part of the curriculum. The first year covers foundations through Introduction to Graphic Design, Introduction to Typography, Design Agency Intern, and Design and Screen Cultures, exploring traditional and digital techniques alongside design history. The second year advances into Applied Graphic Design, Applied Typography 2, Design Agency Junior, and Design and Screen Cultures, developing project-brief interpretation and typographic philosophies. The third year moves on to 48 Hour Survival Guide, Research and Practice, Design Agency Senior, and Externality, focusing on ethnographic research and professional contexts. The final year concludes with Research and Practice, Exposition, Design Agency Creative Director, and Design and Screen Cultures 4, emphasizing self-initiated projects, business management, and advanced design processes.
Modules
- Introduction to Graphic Design
- Introduction to Typography
- Design Agency Intern
- Design and Screen Cultures
- the concept of the graphic designer as an observer, thinker and visual translator
- practical and technical knowledge of the discipline through an arrangement of graphic elements, in 2D, 3D or virtual formats
- an introduction to key typographic principles, methods and techniques
- a range of practical workshops and lectures implementing traditional and digital typesetting techniques
- an exploration, experimentation and deconstruction of typography
- the principles and practice behind the world of the traditional graphic design agency
- work-like scenarios within the safety of the academic environment
- the defining features of the evolution of design and screen-based creative practice since the late nineteenth century
- some of the core issues that will establish a historical foundation for the development of studio practice
- reflect your interests
- enhance your main area study
- 80 credits of compulsory courses in your chosen subject area
- 40 credits of option courses
- Applied Graphic Design
- Applied Typography 2
- Design Agency Junior
- Design and Screen Cultures
- the creative potential of design
- new methods of seeing and thinking to find alternative design solutions
- skills in interpreting and responding to project briefs by generating creative ideas, research methods, experimentation in colour and materials, production, prototyping and digital visualisation techniques
- the terminology, rules and guidelines, philosophies and theories of typography
- exploring, organising and arranging text using traditional reproduction, printing techniques, paper and finishes
- work with peers across different year groups working collectively towards a common objective regardless of experience
- the principles, practice and strategies behind the world of various design agency structures and roles
- historical and contemporary perspectives
- reflect your interests
- enhance your main study
- 80 credits of compulsory courses in your subject area
- 40 credits of option courses
- 48 Hour Survival Guide
- Research and Practice
- Design Agency Senior
- Externality
- professional practice with an external focus
- ethnographic research methodologies and techniques
- the origination and development of new approaches to information-gathering, analysis and reflection
- prototyping as part of the exploratory process
- the role and impact of graphic design practice in society
- exploration of the professional context of Graphic Design, such as creative parameters, audiences and time frame
- work-like scenarios, being part of a team in a senior role developing professionally rooted skill sets
- periods of exchange
- internships
- live projects/competitions
- exhibitions
- 100 credits of compulsory courses in your subject area
- 20 credits of option courses
- Research and Practice
- Exposition
- Design Agency Creative Director
- Design and Screen Cultures 4
- the design process, addressing the cycle of analysis, interpretation, trail resolution, solution
- set and self-initiated projects, as well as theoretical underpinning
- the establishment of a creative business and management role, directing peers and working collaboratively
- work-like scenarios developing rounded, profession-rooted skill sets, such as design thinking, risk-taking, selling, presenting, delegating, managing and networking