Graphic Design

BA (Hons) Graphic Design offers a hands-on, ideas-focussed experience where you'll learn various approaches to visual communication, using both traditional and new technologies in workshops and projects.

The graphic design discipline has grown to include branding, motion graphics, user experience (UX), user interface (UI), and digital design, all rooted in creative problem-solving. Our curriculum encourages you to explore freely without being tied to specific software and will develop your understanding of how to design for different platforms and formats.

In a world influenced by AI, it's vital for students to understand communication theory. They need to know how to convey messages effectively and identify their target audience and not rely on the technology to provide the answers for them. By placing these concepts at the core of our curriculum and discussing emerging technologies, we equip you with the adaptable skills needed for your future career.

We promote an experimental and innovative approach to graphic design. We encourage imaginative thinking, urging you to challenge norms and take risks. You'll also engage with the industry through guest speakers, workshops, studio visits, and live projects, working with our extensive network of external partners. Our graduates leave as creative and distinctive designers, often finding roles at top agencies and studios around the world.

Find out more about this course, staff and facilities and view student work at www.art.mmu.ac.uk/graphicdesign

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Globally recognised: We are ranked in the top 100 schools for art and design in the world (QS World Rankings 2024).

• Live projects: There will be regular live projects with industry partners throughout the course, where you can gain professional skills. Recent partners have included the Natural History Museum, typeface design studio Dalton Maag, magazine publisher It's Freezing in LA!, and streaming platform MUBI.

• Work placement: The course offers a work placement opportunity between years two and three.

• Collaboration: You will take part in an innovative module offered to students across Manchester School of Art which encourages interdisciplinary study, collaboration and external-facing projects.

• Design competitions: Students' successes include awards in regional, national and international arenas including D&AD Global Students Awards, ISTD, Royal Society of Arts, Creative Conscience and the Global Spin Awards.

• Study trips: You may have the opportunity to undertake study trips to key design cities. Recent trips have included Berlin, Copenhagen and New York, and Venice Architecture Biennale and Milan Design Week.

• Studio visits: You may the option to attend studio visits in Manchester and London across a range of graphic design practices.

• Mentoring scheme: Students are given an opportunity to be matched with an industry mentor to meet several times a year to give advice and guidance on how to develop skills and knowledge for entering the workplace.