Level: Undergraduate
Study Mode: Full-time / Part Time
Duration: 2 years 9full time) 4 years (part time)
Application: To UCAS (full time), Direct to the College (part time)
Application Deadline: 15 Jan 2010
UCAS Course Code: W215
Institution Code: H18
Validated By: The University Of Gloucestershire
The graphic design and print industries need designers with innovative and original ideas, who demonstrate a confidence with design software, and who are able to respond to the pace and demands of a commercial environment.
The FdA Graphic Design course at HCA is a specialised vocational course which aims to provide students with the necessary skills and understanding to produce work of industry standard. We encourage students to develop original ideas in response to a wide range of design problems. You will learn software skills through workshops and design projects while developing original and creative approaches to design with the support of staff, and through working closely with other BA (Hons) students - all in a friendly studio environment.
This course is validated by University of Gloucestershire
The course is delivered by a range of academic staff and practising graphic design professionals. Their work informs and enriches the student's 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 complemented by a supporting cultural studies lecture programme designed to inform and evolve your practical work through the application of theoretical enquiry.
During the first year of the course students work alongside BA (Hons) Graphic & Media Design students 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.
Year One
Year one introduces creative practice processes and 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 - the programme explores and challenges the role of ‘Media Arts’ within a social, cultural and political framework of the Western world, over the Twentieth and Twenty first centuries.
Year two
Year two supports students in applying their design skills and understanding to projects such as developing brand image and identity, and working with more complex design problems including online and print. Academic project briefs are also supported by a series of regular "live" briefs in which students will work directly with clients to solve a number of design problems.
Throughout the course students explore potential areas for employment by meeting professional designers for portfolio consultation, visiting design companies and engaging in work placements with local and regional companies. These initiatives provide students with vital professional experience.
Students who have completed this course have successfully gained employment within the design and media industries, specialising across a range of specialist areas such as editorial design, advertising, branding and identity, and new media design. Students have also progressed on to one-year top–up
BA Graphic & Media Design course
Minimum age 18
Successful portfolio interview
160 - 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
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