Graphic Design* BA (Hons)

You are introduced to visual communication, design thinking principles and user-centred design. Gain foundational theoretical knowledge, including an overview of semiotics and media studies. Adopt a critical perspective, examining key issues in contemporary visual culture, and learn the basic principles of effective teamwork. Enhance your presentation skills and develop your ability to form and support logical arguments.

Engage in individual and team projects that require cooperation, professionalism and reflection. Approach design briefs in both live and simulated scenarios, delegating tasks, negotiating client situations, and reflecting on the impact of your decisions on stakeholders and society as a whole.



Through this process, you begin to understand the importance of establishing personal and professional codes of conduct in your design practice. You learn to think critically and apply a high level of academic and professional integrity throughout the design process.

Through a variety of lectures, seminars, tutorials and activities, you are introduced to design history and research to become better-informed and more engaged. Analyse the two elements through project work, writing and seminar-based discussion. Learn different research techniques used in contemporary design practice, testing them and presenting your results. You also begin to understand the value of history and research as essential tools for designers and employ them throughout the design process.

You are introduced to a wide range of learning strategies to develop your skills in design thinking. Engage in various projects and use design thinking as a problem-solving approach. Throughout the module, you learn both traditional and digital skills essential for a designer's toolkit, helping you bring your ideas to life.

Explore various processes and roles that govern the creative process. Learn to critically review different types of design work, comparing and evaluating diverse user needs and client expectations. Throughout this journey, you gradually develop the ability to present research findings clearly, concisely and effectively. You also enhance your skills in communicating the outcomes of your observations to relevant audiences.



Focus on typeface and letterform, which are essential elements defining visual communication as we understand it today. Examine the interconnectedness of typographic form and textual content, considering the influences of various cultural and historical movements.



You are encouraged to curate your own library of reliable online sources by following established professionals and authorities, always critically evaluating the relevance of the information you encounter.

You are introduced to a range of media, processes and techniques, adopting an open-minded attitude to embrace both traditional and contemporary methods.



Design is a dynamic field that continually evolves while remaining aware of its history. The goal of this module is to instil a "no fear" attitude towards future design challenges by equipping you with the skills and confidence to choose the most appropriate design methods and effectively execute your work.



You encounter creative approaches that you may find familiar, but you are also challenged by new and unfamiliar concepts. Good designers must be adaptable, ready to step out of their comfort zones and willing to learn new techniques.

You are introduced to a diverse range of media requiring different analysis approaches to research, idea generation and execution methods. There is an emphasis on the importance of being ethically minded designers in today's world; we share a responsibility to care for our planet and the future of humanity.



Produce and present evidence of your engagement with various media and techniques through multiple design projects. You are encouraged to become adaptable, modifying your skillset and methods based on the nature of each project.



You also build your confidence in communicating and responding to feedback in a constructive and professional manner. Understand the significance of documenting your entire process, as this enables you to analyse your work more effectively and articulate your ideas to others.

Discover the wide range of specialisms available within design. You are exposed to clients, businesses and different audiences. Learn to be adaptable - an essential skill for the workplace. Understand the importance of varying media channel selection to generate appropriate concepts. Develop an understanding of your abilities and what your potential future specialisms could be, identifying where your skills are in demand and preparing to take a more entrepreneurial approach if required. Research your specialisms, determining the most effective and appropriate channels for self-promotion. On completion, you should have a clearer picture of what type of designer you could be, with the confidence and understanding of how to craft your work and portfolios for maximum impact.

Build on your research skills, selecting and exploring a relevant topic within contemporary design in greater depth. Apply various research methods to investigate current and speculative fields within design.



Throughout this process, you learn how to locate and critically analyse information, synthesising your findings in a critical essay or an agreed-upon alternative format. Develop the ability to ask relevant questions, address problems, analyse sources critically, evaluate your discoveries and write with a critical perspective.



Explore the essence of design as a problem-solving activity, using your design thinking skills to tackle a set of challenges, proposing evidence-based solutions through both research and prototyping. Think critically and uphold a high standard of academic and professional integrity in your research process.



Ultimately, you gain a deeper appreciation for the value of research, writing and prototyping as essential tools in design, particularly in a rapidly evolving field where the expectations of designers are continually changing.

The class simulates a typical agency setup where designers take on roles within teams, based on their strengths and specialised interests identified in previous modules.



Some team members may take on managerial roles, but every student should find their voice and contribute as team players. Learn professional competencies needed in the workplace while managing the workload of providing creative solutions for clients.



You must document your individual contributions to all projects at every stage of the process, from research and analysis to idea generation and final designs. Through regular in-class agency sessions guided by a lecturer, you develop positive and productive team dynamics, where appropriate concepts are generated, presented to clients and final designs are completed within set deadlines.

This module encourages you to adopt a fearless approach to design, urging you to explore and experiment with cutting-edge tools and techniques in the design industry. It prompts you to question your own biases about what graphic design entails and inspires you to tackle problems in new and innovative ways. You also look inward, analysing your strengths and weaknesses to identify your unique place in the cultural conversation surrounding design.

In today's world of target marketing and big data, there has been a significant shift towards individual, personalised experiences. This trend has pushed the industry to refine established methods of user research, testing and iteration to find effective design solutions. Designers are increasingly aware of how their design decisions affect our daily lives. It's not sufficient to simply provide a positive experience; we must also understand the broader impact of that experience on society.



Enhance your research and analytical skills through a project which involves collecting and analysing information, solving problems and making strategic design decisions with user experience at the forefront. By testing your outcomes, you can refine your work. This continuous process, known as iteration, ensures that user experience remains central to your design efforts.

Undertake a self-initiated major investigative project in a field of design practice that aligns with your interests or specialisations. The final outcome is presented as either an extended critical essay or a media artefact. Develop advanced research skills through a self-directed approach, utilising various research methods introduced in previous semesters. Conduct research investigations that inform your personal career goals and design interests.

This module is designed to facilitate the final transition from tutor-led learning to student-centred learning. You independently decide upon and complete a live project or competition of your own choosing.



Reflect upon studio, professional and academic practice, and move confidently forward into embracing your own specialisms and conceptual understanding of your roles as designers. Test your newfound independence, both individually and in small teams.

This module is the culmination of the last three years, reflecting on your academic career and applying your skills. As opposed to being the endpoint of a design education, it serves as a pivot point into professional design practice and future studies.



Independently devise and undertake a major creative project relevant to your specialist area of study, and future professional and personal aspirations. The results will be presented in a public exhibition in the Professional Positioning module.

This module centres on a public group exhibition of design work, aimed at self-promotion and future employment. Integrate practical, theoretical and curatorial aspects of your design while refining your ideas and skills for public display.



The exhibition offers a chance to plan and execute a professional-quality show, while the module provides the necessary resources to align your professional aspirations with your career goals, which could be industry employment, freelance work or further education. You assess your learning and skills through a portfolio that helps identify your market position.



Your strategy should reflect the changing dynamics of the industry. Research potential career paths and incorporate professional experience, ultimately creating a set of personal promotional tools for future use.