Graphic Design

We will ignite in you a passion for intellectual and personal growth underpinned by the immense potential for graphic design to influence and shape how people see, think, and behave in the world.

BA (Hons) Graphic Design provides an inclusive and supportive, student-centered experience. You will learn through a dynamic, project-based approach that combines specialist knowledge with theoretical frameworks and contextual understanding. This enables you to develop a broad range of design communication skills including idea generation, digital software, problem solving, research and strategic analysis, rapid prototyping, multi-channel branding, storytelling, user experience, digital interaction, motion, 3D design, typography, editorial, print and experiential design. Through real world project work you will embrace the advances of innovative technologies and address complex societal, ethical and environmental design challenges. Our studio-based programme supports students seeking a broad-based inter-disciplinary approach, those who want to work across a hybrid blend of areas, as well as those who have an interest in a specific specialist focus.

Assessment is based on course work with no exams! Formative feedback will support you in refining and developing your skills. A variety of assessment methods are incorporated including finished work, presentations, written contextual work and reflective process journals.

In addition to a solid grounding in graphic design practices, contexts and applications, you will gain a deeper understanding of professional practice, supported by on-going dialogue and collaboration with industry partners and the wider creative sector. Designed with industry insights, the curriculum empowers you to be adaptable, innovative and well prepared for the evolving inter-disciplinary field of communication design. Thinking through making is core to the course. ‘Bringing ideas to life’ involves taking a concept or thought and turning it into a tangible reality or action, expressed through creativity, innovation, and craft. This approach promotes design practice as a conversation, not a monologue, where you are encouraged to work collaboratively on set and industry-led projects.

Throughout the course, industry integration enhances your presentation, communication and teamwork skills, builds confidence, and deepens your understanding of the context for future design practice. It includes key themes that enable progressive learning, participatory creativity, emerging trends, innovation and experimentation, and career development. Recent collaborations have included: Imagination, JKR, WMH&I, Dyson, LUSH, G.F. Smith, Foil-Co (The Creative Print Collab), Battenhall, D&AD, RSA, ISTD and Creative Conscience. Design studio and cultural visits, ‘live’ projects, designer-led lectures and workshops, and showcasing a portfolio of design work at our industry ‘Network Event,’ will inform career ambitions and support the transition from the course to employment, freelancing or further study. These creative experiences are at the heart of graphic design, building strong studio communities and wider professional networks.

We believe that conceptual thinking, resulting from a creative openness to collaborative exploration and prototyping, will define the future of graphic design.

Coursework and practical work