Why study this course?
The Graphic Design (with preparatory semester) BA (Hons) begins with a semester to teach you fundamental approaches and skills for graphic design. You’ll discover typography, printmaking, drawing, photography, digital design, as well as being introduced to graphic design within industry and cultural contexts.
The preparatory semester will ensure you have all the relevant skills, knowledge and confidence needed to complete the rest of your degree.
You will complete our Graphic Design (with preparatory semester) degree in three years, starting in September. Following the preparatory semester you’ll join students starting on the standard course in January. This means that Year 1 will consist of three semesters and you’ll be required to study at the University during some of the summer between Year 1 and 2. During the subsequent two years of your studies you’ll follow the same schedule and study the same content as students on the Graphic Design BA (Hons) course.
While you may make a considerable saving in time and fees by choosing this route over a four-year degree with a foundation year, do be aware that you’ll have to budget for the additional semester in your first year.
More about this course
You’ll discover your own design philosophy as you play with different methods of creation on this course. You’ll be encouraged to explore, question and innovate the relationship of graphic design to the rest of the world, as well as develop a unique voice and vision in your visual communication practice.
Experimentation is strongly encouraged. Collaboration with both your peers and industry partners will provide you with opportunities to learn about and apply professional practices. You’ll have the chance to work with graphic design studios and consultancies, allowing you to experience working as a graphic designer in the real world.
You’ll have regular opportunities to connect with and learn from practitioners and industry partners through our programme of guest lectures, workshops, events and live brief projects.
You’ll graduate with the confidence, vision, skills and professional portfolio to play a key part in the visual communications industry in a range of roles.
On graduation you’ll receive the same award and title as students on the standard Graphic Design BA (Hons) course.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 1 modules include:
Critical and Contextual Studies 1 (Visual Communication) (core, 30 credits)
Design Principles (core, 30 credits)
Graphic Authorship (core, 30 credits)
Introduction to Visual Communication: Practice (core, 30 credits)
Visual Communication: Industry and Context (core, 30 credits)
Visual Research and Communication (core, 30 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Critical and Contextual Studies 2 (Visual Communication) (core, 30 credits)
Exploring Design Practice (core, 30 credits)
Narrative (core, 30 credits)
Work Ready 1 (core, 30 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Critical and Contextual Studies 3: Dissertation (Visual Communication) (core, 30 credits)
Final Project Realisation: Graphic Design (core, 30 credits)
Project Design and Development (core, 30 credits)
Work Ready 2 (core, 30 credits)
Where this course can take you
The skills you learn on this course will open up many different career paths to you. You could find employment in illustration, animation, printmaking, visual effects, art advertising or production design.
