BA (HONS) GRAPHIC DESIGN

Course Details:

FOUNDATION (YEAR O) DESIGN & CREATIVE BUSINESS

This 30-week course is designed to equip students with the academic skills and subject knowledge needed to progress on to study at undergraduate level. You’ll develop a unique portfolio of work throughout the course, helping you to progress onto a degree in any creative subject.
Stage 1
The first stage covers the key areas of related to your degree programme and will focus on either creative design or business. You’ll learn the theoretical knowledge and debates surrounding these disciplines and the historical and international contexts which underpin them. You will also will also being to build the foundations for studying at degree level.

Stage 2
This stage builds on the key research, analytical and reflective skills built in Stage 1. Students will also have the opportunity to explore specialist areas of study and focus on your chosen path within the creative arts or business.

Stage 3
Students undertake a self-directed, specialist project which will synthesise and conclude their newly learned knowledge. The Final Major Project consists of three units which include advanced language and study skills needed for progression onto an LCCA design or creative business undergraduate degree.

 Modules include:

• Introduction to Creative Business (pathway dependent)

• Introduction to Design (pathway dependent)

• English for Academic Purposes, Research & Study Skills

• Visual Culture

• Final Major Project

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)

Discover how graphic design and content are produced across a variety of media channels, from printed to digital forms during the first year of this graphic design course.

Introduction to Visual Communication

Initially, you’ll start developing your own personal voice as a graphic designer, particularly thinking about the types of messages you want to convey. To ensure you’re set up for the rest of the programme, this course will consider different types of media including magazines and internet-based media. You’ll then explore the effect form and content has on the messaging.

Design Fundamentals 1: Image, Type, Print

Image, type and print are imperative to creating a visual campaign. Learn what each are, the role they play within media and how you can apply these in different print medium.

Design Fundamentals 2: Motion, Narrative, Screen

Motion, narrative and screen will be covered during this source to familiarise you with how they can be applied to screen-based designs. You’ll use your personal design voice and consider how combining word, images, materials, format and structure creates a certain narrative.

Visual Theory: Message, Medium, Meaning

Build your understanding of historical and contemporary practice, analyse your own studio work and explore concepts including: relationships between word and image, function and expression, subversion and propaganda, semiotics, how to construct narratives and photographic language.

Modules include:

• Introduction to Visual Communication

• Design Fundamentals 1: Type, Image, Print

• Design Fundamentals 2: Motion, Narrative, Screen

• Visual Theory Message, Medium, Meaning

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)

Throughout your second year, you’ll develop your own style of working and start to articulate your inner artist voice. You’ll work more independently, build your understanding of visual communication and consider a range of important graphic design elements.

Social and Cultural Contexts

This module will encourage you to consider your personal ethics, values and motivation by producing work for others.

The Editorial Process

Editing is a fundamental aspect of creation. You’ll build on the skills learned in your first year, ready to take on your research and design project in the final year.

Developing Your Practice

To be successful as a graphic designer, you’ll need to be able to think innovatively to respond to design problems but also instigate them yourself. Discover how to do so in this module.

Spatial Practices

Learn to manipulate spaces, create multi-sensory experiences, and prepares events/ exhibitions in sustainable environments.

Modules include:

• The Editorial Process

• Social and Cultural Contexts

• Spatial Practices

• Developing Your Practice

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)

The final year of this graphic designing course culminates in a self-directed research and design project in which you’ll showcase all your newfound skills and knowledge.

Critical Research and Practice

Combining all the knowledge you’ve developed in your studies, you will research, develop and create a self-directed research and design project. Using a symbiotic relationship between theory and practical, you will develop a unique project informed by both elements.

Major Project

This is your opportunity to utilise your skills and knowledge and communicate your ideas through your unique artist voice. Initially, you’ll develop a research proposal that conveys your ideas, methods and intended outcome. You will then begin to develop a body of work that reflects everything you’ve learned throughout the programme and shows how you have developed your theoretical, practical and technical skills to become a truly innovative designer. You’ll have the opportunity to present your work and collaborate with others.

Modules include:

• Major Project

• Critical Research and Practice