Northumbria University Newcastle - Graphic Design BA (Hons)

Northumbria University Newcastle

Graphic Design BA (Hons)

This globally recognised Graphic Design Degree will sharpen your creativity, develop your problem solving ability, enhance your graphic language, hone your presentation skills, master graphic production techniques, and broaden your design knowledge.

You will be taught in a friendly and competitive studio environment, specifically designed to replicate the industry workplace, using the critique and feedback techniques employed industry-wide.Upon graduation, you will be fully prepared for a career in one of the many creative industries. Ultimately working alongside people who value the distinctly creative way that you think and the professional way that you work.

You’ll be taught by an established teaching team with many years’ experience in all aspects of Graphic Design, the creative industry and education. You will have access to robust industry and alumni links, guest lectures, the opportunity to work on live briefs from leading consultancies, the brightest and best student competitions, plus the chance to embark on organised national and international field trips. 

Entry Requirements

Standard Entry

128 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

A portfolio of creative design work is required. Get advice on preparing your portfolio here: www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/coming-to-northumbria/portfolios-and-auditions

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

Career Prospects

This course is industry facing, and specifically designed to make you as employable as possible, with strong creative industry links in the UK, throughout Europe and internationally. There is the opportunity to study abroad or a one year internship or placement. The course runs field trips to London, Amsterdam and Barcelona to experience the culture of some of Europe’s top design studios. Working on live project briefs from global brands and organisations gives you excellent practical experience and a vital head start with your portfolio.

Course Details

You will learn through doing. This hands-on course is designed so that the way you work mirrors the practice of a graphic design studio, instilling in you the discipline of a professional designer from day one. Through exploring and experimenting with theory, concept, ideas, and visual research you will become a confident and innovative practitioner.

You will work on ‘live briefs’ based on real-life scenarios, encouraged to use your creative and your problem solving skills to meet your ‘clients’ expectations. Studio-culture practices and workshop activities develop research methodologies and knowledge of industry-standard practice. You will have access to up-to-date equipment and support from dedicated technicians.

Year 1

Cultural History for Graphic Designers (Core,20 Credits)
BOOTCAMP 1: Think like a Graphic Designer (Core,40 Credits)
BOOTCAMP 2: Work like a Graphic Designer (Core,40 Credits)
THE TOOLKIT: Being Prepared (Core,20 Credits)
Academic Language Skills for Design (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Year 2

Cultural Theory for Graphic Designers (Core,20 Credits)
DIFFERENTIATION: What makes you, you! (Core,20 Credits)
IMPLICATION: Can Graphic Design Saves Lives? (Core,40 Credits)
IMPLEMENTATION: what can you accomplish? (Core,40 Credits)

Year 3

Design Work Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
Design Study Abroad Year (Optional,120 Credits)
Year in International Business (This is made up of modules studied in Newcastle (Semester 1) & Amsterdam (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)
Year in International Multidisciplinary Innovation (4 modules studied in Amsterdam (Semester 1) & Newcastle (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)

Year Four

Design Dissertation (Core,20 Credits)
REALISATION: Industry Briefs (Core,40 Credits)
SUMMATION Final Major Project (Core,60 Credits)

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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