Graphic Design

Graphic Design involves developing your individual skills as a professional designer from the moment you arrive at our purpose-built studios.

You’ll leave with a professional portfolio based on your own interests, an in-depth knowledge of graphic design software (Adobe Creative Cloud), tools (risograph printing, laser cutting and etching, screen printing) and interpersonal skills equipping you to succeed in a competitive industry.

Throughout the course you’ll put your skills to use working with practising designers completing live briefs and entering national competitions. To capitalise on your design work, you’ll learn business and entrepreneurial aspects of the industry through working with a professional design agency.

The course is taught in specialist graphic design studio spaces in the new Daphne Oram building where you will have access to industry-standard software and a range of art and design technologies. We encourage, and support you, to take on freelance commissions throughout the course.

Dr Kate McLean, an internationally renowned creative smellmap designer, leads a team of graphic design industry specialists who care about your passions, your interests and your work.

A typical offer would be 88-112 UCAS Tariff points

Applicants have the opportunity to demonstrate their suitability for the chosen programme through the presentation of a portfolio of relevant practical work.

For more information on the IELTS (International English language Testing System)

You'll be taught through a combination of practical workshops, lectures, tutorials and critique sessions.

Each module will require you to respond to at least one 'brief' (as in industry). The brief will specify your deign challenge, itemise resources and assets, note any constraints and advise a schedule of activities.

During practical workshops you'll gain the skills and technical knowledge needed to respond to the briefs. Lectures will give you a firm grounding in the theoretical aspects of graphic design and will help you to develop your critical understanding of your own practice. Tutorials enable you to discuss your individual design work with your tutors and the critique sessions are to help you show and explain your working processes and to deliver and receive feedback with your peers and tutors. This combined approach encourages expression of your ideas, observations and experiences within a supportive academic environment.

You'll also meet with your academic personal tutor to get personal support throughout the course.

You'll typically have around 12 contact hours per week, but your actual contact hours depend on any optional modules you select.