Graphic Design

Graphic Design has played a key part in the application of new tools and technologies which innovate how visual content is created, communicated, and consumed. Today, as digital software, platforms and environments continue to evolve and change so has the role of design and the designer.

A Graphic Design degree at Salford will provide you with an exciting opportunity to learn about and engage with the professional world of design, and to develop an individual, highly skilled practice that matches your ambitions for life after graduation. There is even the opportunity to undertake a placement year, or year studying abroad at the end of your second year, allowing you to tailor your degree experience to your future aspirations.

In year one you will be introduced to the essential principles of Graphic Design and through live and collaborative projects in year two you will have the opportunity to develop a whole range of practical, conceptual, collaborative, and technical skills. These are fundamental to ensure we prepare you for a career in the creative industries. In the final year of this Graphic Design degree course you’ll complete a personal project to showcase your individual interests, where you’ll also have the opportunity to explore digital and traditional approaches to design and producing a range of outcomes that could include branding guidelines; prototypes for apps and websites; printed publications; social media materials; illustrations; typefaces; animations; and to build a unique portfolio of work that highlights your approach and abilities as a designer and an innovator.

You will be working with a diverse and experienced course team whose own work includes projects with Disney, Bloomberg, BBC, Guardian News and Microsoft. In addition, our staff team have worked with major international magazine and publishing companies. Working also with well-known figures from the music industry including New Order and The Doves; members of our team have also undertaken important funded projects exploring the role identity within music.

Studying in our state-of-the-art New Adelphi building and based in Greater Manchester you will benefit from a wide range of research and networking opportunities. You’ll be surrounded by design studios, independent galleries, museums and leading online brands and social media creatives. You’ll engage with a mix of industry related and externally partnered projects undertaking assignments that investigate the social impact and potential of design as a driver of change.

Our students have won awards from prestigious competitions, recent wins include a D&AD (Design &. Art Direction) pencil winner, ISTD (International Society of Typographic Designers) and two student successes at the YCN (You Can Now) awards. They have also completed live projects and been awarded paid placements with companies such as BUPA, The Partnership and the BBC. Many of our students have also won bids for incubation start-up grants to create and generate their own businesses via support from the University of Salford business grants scheme.

You will:

• Learn about the broad applications of graphic design, with the opportunity to focus and personalise your studies towards your career aspirations

• Overcome visual communication challenges using your research skills and ability to develop creative ideas

• Learn about both digital and traditional design processes to equip you for a wide range of roles in your career

• Graduate with a portfolio of work that you can share with potential employers or clients as you progress into your career

• Have the opportunity to complete a placement or study year abroad at the end of second year

Course Modules

Year one

• MAKE

• THINK

• ENQUIRE A

Year two

• DO

• WORK

• ENQUIRE B

• ENQUIRE C

Option after year 2: Study Abroad or Placement

Year three

• EXPLORE

• AUTONOMY

• ENQUIRE D