Level 1

Visual Expression 1

This module introduces students to visual expression and personal creative development through the means of appropriate media and processes as they relate to the broad nature of communication design and graphic design practice. The learning experience is intended to start the process of experimentation, speculation, innovation and personal exploration. Key to the module is the initial development of a visual voice.

Graphic Design 1

This module is concerned with introducing students to the fundamental and underlying principles of graphic communication design practice along with the skills and processes that support it. Through a broad programme of study students will develop a range of thinking and working strategies relevant to the practice of contemporary graphic design.

Contextualising Visual Practice 1

The module offers an introduction to design history and the study of visual culture and communication. Skills in research, analysis, debate, interpretation and critique will be developed and exercised though progressive stages of study designed to move students through from empirical to historically and theoretically informed analysis and interpretation.

Level 2

Visual Expression 2

This module builds upon the aims and themes of Visual Expression 1 but is also compatible with study experiences of a similar nature students may have undertaken elsewhere. The module operates on the notion that the students’ creative personal development and individual visual voice is developed through familiarity with a broad range of media and creative practices. Students will therefore, explore the various facets of visual communication with the intention of communicating complex and varied messages to a range of audiences.

Graphic Design 2

This module encourages a conceptual approach to graphic design work and problem solving whilst retaining the highly professional and technical aspects of study acquired in other areas of the course. Students will gain experience of solving client-related communication problems, meeting client expectations, and presenting creative and original solutions and findings through design projects that reference ethical and social issues.

Contextualising Visual Practice 2

This module will consist of themes of study in design history and theory selected to provide students with enhanced levels of understanding, analysis and evaluation, and a range of topics suited to stimulate further independent research. The themes will be presented in sufficient depth to allow engagement with concepts, critical texts, and related disciplines where necessary, as well as a range of substantive materials.

Level 3

Visual Expression 3

This is a module that allows students to determine their own programme of study within their chosen specialism in graphic design. Projects may be chosen from a range of areas within the subject by negotiation with academic staff. At this level Graphic Design students accept full responsibility for initiating and selecting the content of their study programme, according to their specific interests and career aspirations.

Graphic Design 3

This module aims to prepare students for the realities of professional life or further study at post-graduate level. It encourages a thoughtful and innovative response to visual communication problems which reflects the intellectual rigour, creativity, knowledge and practical skills appropriate to graphic design practice at this higher level of first degree study. Students are required to accept significant responsibility for initiating and identifying their individual professional goals within the subject, which will then inform the content of their programme of study.

Contextualising Visual Practice 3

Contextualising Visual Practice 3 is an independent study module which takes the form of a dissertation and offers the student an opportunity to explore in some depth a topic of their own choice which reflects their main area of study. This is undertaken via tutor supported self-directed study and research. The module aims therefore, to broaden the scope of the student’s degree programme by allowing them to identify and pursue relevant academic and creative interests.

A wide range of design principles and processes are explored throughout the duration of the course, including:

• Typography
• Editorial design
• Design for brands
• Professional practice
• Critical studies
• Photography
• 3D/spatial designImage making
• Design for web
• Design for mobile devices
• Book design
• Information design.

Level One

Level one introduces students to the creative processes and methods that enable designers to express themselves, develop their ‘visual voice’ and solve communication problems. At this level students are thoroughly introduced to the various aspects of the discipline, working in both traditional and digital media, along with the fundamentals principles of graphic design.

Level Two

At level two students are introduced to more advanced concepts of graphic design and communication. The main objective of this level is to help students produce varied and thoughtful design work to a professional standard.

In both years two and three students participate in international competitions and award schemes with considerable success and their work is often featured in the national press. Award schemes include the RSA (Royal Society of Arts), ISTD (International Society of Typographic Designers) and the D&AD (British Design and Art Direction).

Guidance for seeking employment is part of the curriculum in the second year.

Level Three

Level three is divided between projects negotiated with tutors, competition work and a dissertation that can relate to students’ own studio practice. Students can use this level to develop their personal interests in line with their career aspirations. The level will culminate in an end-of-year show.

We fully engage with professional and industry set competition briefs via organisations such as D&AD, YCN, Creative Roses, the RSA and ISTD - we have a long and ongoing track record of success with competition wins/commendations that help us and our graduates to maintain a good reputation and standing within the design community, including:

• 2 gold, 3 silver, 2 commendations and 5 in book at the 2010 D&AD student awards
• 9 memberships awarded to the International Society of Typographic Designers (one with merit) in 2010
• 8 winners of the YCN awards 2010
• 1 winner and 8 commended for the MPA Roses design awards 2010
• 4 in book and 4 commendations for D&AD Student Awards 2009
• 1 winner and 1 nomination for the RSA Design Directions 2009
• 2 winners of YCN 2009.

We are very concerned with the social, ethical and environmental responsibility of Graphic Design, many of our students engage with design briefs for charities, the public and the voluntary sector – increasingly through organisations such as the RSA.

Although not a set part of the curriculum the majority of our students also achieve one or more work placements in design agencies whilst studying. We also make every effort to get our students work seen by employers; both by exhibiting at D&AD New Blood (the largest and best regarded interface between HE and the Graphic Design industry) and through an annual publication of graduate work that is distributed widely to design agencies and to the design press.

Professional design specialists are brought to enhance the curriculum through a visiting lecturer programme. 

Graduates pursue careers as graphic designers working within one or more areas including corporate identity and branding, design for print, editorial design, magazine, editorial and book design, advertising and packaging and point of purchase. Graduate destinations include agencies such as Studio 8 Design,The Partners, Branch and Agency Republic.

Work that shows an application of design within a communication context is preferred. Your portfolio should contain a range of design work that reflects your ability to apply analytical and creative thought processes to solve a communication problem. It should also demonstrate engagement with a variety of media and production techniques.

Applicants will require one of the following:

• 280 UCAS points, with a minimum of 100 points (grade B or above at A Level) in a relevant art/design subject
• Foundation Art and Design (Pass)
• Equivalent Scottish, Irish or Overseas qualifications
• An equivalent qualification to those listed above i.e. Access to Higher Education Certificate.

All applicants will be required to have at least five GCSEs, including a pass in GCSE English Language and evidence of an art/design subject. Mature students with relevant experience and/or portfolio of work are selected on individual merit.

You will be invited for an interview and will have the opportunity to show your portfolio of work to a member of teaching staff.

Interview Tips

Applicants should be able to rationalise the work in their portfolios, clearly express their ideas and opinions, and demonstrate their interest and involvement in graphic design. Enthusiasm and a lively approach are welcomed!

For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding