Graphic Design (with Foundation Year)

The BA (Hons) Graphic Design course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic field of graphic design. Through a blend of theoretical studies and practical projects, you'll explore various aspects of visual communication, preparing you for a successful career in the creative industries.

You will:

• Access modern studios, workshops, and digital labs to enhance your learning experience

• Participate in guest lectures, field trips, and workshops led by industry professionals

• Apply your knowledge through hands-on projects that mirror real-world design challenges

• Connect with a vibrant community of creatives and potential employers

• Qualify for a free and full subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud for the duration of study

• Showcase your work in public exhibitions, gaining exposure and professional experience

• Learn from practicing artists and scholars with significant industry experience

• Be introduced to professional creative processes and encouraged to expand your abilities through workshops and practical projects

• Learn how to interpret a brief, identify, and solve problems, develop creative individuality, and produce a professional portfolio

• Gain personal, professional, and entrepreneurial skills including working as a freelance designer: from marketing and self-promotion to contracts, invoices and working with clients

• Be encouraged to work on live briefs and competitions

Course Modules

The foundation year will introduce you to the key elements of art and design. You will explore the creative thought process relating to various art and design disciplines, developing your ability to put ideas down on paper quickly.  There will be a range of practice assignments that will increase your recognition of strong ideas and original concepts.

MODULES

• Study Skills for Success (Core)

• Arts Engagement (Core)

• Visual Language (Core)

• Creative Reasoning (Core)

• Arts in Context (Core)

• Progression Project (Core)

• Welsh for First Time Learners (Optional)

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

In year two, you will be introduced to the fundamental principles of graphic design, focusing on building a strong foundation in both theory and practice.

MODULES

• Design Fundamentals

• Typography Basics

• History and Theory of Design

• Drawing and Visual Studies

• Introduction to Branding

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

Year three builds upon the foundational skills, encouraging independent creative thinking and introducing industry-relevant practices.

MODULES

• Advanced Typography and Layout

• Digital Skills Expansion

• User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Basics

• Branding and Identity

• Design Theory and Analysis

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)

The final year focuses on preparing you for the professional design world, emphasizing specialised skills, major project work, and portfolio refinement.

MODULES

• Specialised Modules and Electives

• Final Major Project

• Portfolio Development and Finalisation

• Professional Practice and Career Preparation

• Research Project

You will experience a blend of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and project-based learning. Assessment methods include essays, exams, portfolios, and presentations, designed to evaluate both your theoretical understanding and practical application of design concepts.

Teaching and Learning

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments.

Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.