Level: Undergraduate
Study Mode: Full Time / Part Time
Duration: 3 Years (full time), 6 years (part time)
Application: To UCAS (full time), Direct to College (part time)
Application Deadline: 15 Jan 2010
UCAS Course Code: W216
Institution Code: H18
Validated By:

The graphic and media design industries need designers with innovative and original ideas, who are able to work with a range of processes and formats, and who can respond to the exciting demands of the professional industry.

The BA (Hons) Graphic & Media Design course provides students with the necessary skills and understanding in order to explore and apply the creative potential of digital technology to express ideas, and to resolve design and visual communication problems. The course encourages a wide-ranging and creative approach to uses of graphic & media design within contemporary environments, including the ‘3rd’ screen of mobile technology. Print based communication remains an integral part of the course.

The course is delivered by a range of academic staff and practising graphic design professionals. Their work informs and enriches the students opportunity to connect their coursework with the demands, expectations and realities of the graphic design industry.

Throughout the course emphasis is placed upon the exploration and development of ‘creative ideas’ and the application of these ideas to realistic professional outcomes. The course is delivered through studio-based practice and complemented by a supporting cultural studies lecture programme designed to inform and evolve your practical work through the application of theoretical enquiry.

Year One
During the first year, students start to develop an understanding of fundamental aspects of graphic and media design. These include exploring the creative design process and applying design principles in order to effectively communicate in both print and screen based formats.

Students are also introduced to creative practice processes which includes modules such as ‘Type, Text & Meaning’, as well as introductions to ‘Interactive Design’, and explorations of ‘Narrative & Sequence’. Throughout the year studio activity is complemented by a supporting Cultural Studies lecture programme. This lecture series will explore and challenge the role of the ‘Media Arts’ within the social, cultural and political framework of the Western world during the Twentieth and Twenty first centuries.

Year Two
Year two aims to provide specialist skills and knowledge by exploring the increasingly important role that ‘Image and Identity’ takes within society. In addition to the programme of Cultural and Professional Studies, second year students begin formulating a Business Plan for development in year three. In the second part of the year, students are provided with opportunities to explore and challenge our understanding of ‘designing for screen’, and ‘motion graphics’. Students also explore ‘real’ design problems by responding to a number of commissioned ‘live’ briefs and national design competitions.

Year Three
In the final year, the course provides close and continued advice and encouragement from the staff team providing a platform on which students are able to develop their ideas and specialism further. Students work in an increasingly self-directed manner, with a developing emphasis on adaptability including: taking responsibility for their studies and working at a professional level. There is an increased emphasis on research, and critical thinking. A major body of work is produced. This forms the basis of a graduate portfolio.

Students also work towards a dissertation and final Professional-practice Business Plan. This plan is aimed at selected target markets as part of their move towards a professional career. Throughout the course students explore potential areas for employment by visiting design companies, and meeting professional designers for portfolio consultation.

The majority of students successfully gain employment in the graphic design and media industries, across a range of specialist areas such as editorial design, web design, advertising, branding and identity. Students have also gone onto study at postgraduate level.

Minimum age 18
Successful portfolio interview
200 UCAS Tariff Points
Mature Students with related experience

English as a second language: IELTS score 6.0 or equivalent on enrolment

All applications to our Full Time Higher Education courses should be made via UCAS – for more details on how to apply, click here