BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Graphic Design program at AAS College Thessaloniki is a 3-year, full-time program taught in English. It equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful graphic designers. The program emphasizes creative and out-of-the-box thinking, encouraging students to innovate and be original. Graduates have a strong employment record and work in various areas of graphic design.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Graphic Design program at AAS College Thessaloniki is a 3-year, full-time program taught in English. It is a University of Sunderland degree. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful graphic designers. Students will explore and express their ideas through an understanding of visual perception, image making, typography, narrative, and motion. They will also explore fundamental elements of art and design such as creative image making, color, spatial awareness, composition, and concept development. The program emphasizes creative and out-of-the-box thinking, encouraging students to innovate and be original.

Outline:

Year 1 (National Level 4)

• Design Theories, Practitioners and Context (20 credits): This module introduces students to the historical and theoretical contexts that have shaped modern design.
Students will explore design philosophies, approaches, and the work of influential design practitioners. They will develop analytical and research skills through assignments.
• Visual Communication – Exploration & Practice (60 credits): This module focuses on developing design experience and knowledge through a range of visual and practical methodologies, including design for print and screen.
Students will gain an understanding of design principles through workshops, lectures, and projects. They will learn industry-standard digital software and apply their knowledge to various projects.
• Applied Design Principles and Techniques (20 credits): This module explores the basic techniques and dynamics of visual communication, including semiotics.
Students will develop visual intelligence and literacy through projects and exercises. They will also explore the aesthetics of typography and the dynamics of visual form.
• Motion Graphics 1 (20 credits): This module introduces students to motion design, covering techniques for designing, planning, editing, and creating movies using motion graphics and special effects.
Students will learn industry-standard software and explore the audio-visual language of time-based media.

Year 2 (National Level 5)

• Global Challenges and the Ethical Designer (20 credits): This module examines important issues related to design, such as the environment, globalization, gender representation, equality, and diversity.
Students will consider their ethical role as designers and explore ways to approach a major written work (the dissertation).
• Beyond DTP (20 credits): This module introduces students to advanced concepts of DTP (Desk Top Publishing), focusing on typography and magazine design.
Students will learn about the historical, theoretical, and fundamental principles of typography and design. They will also undertake practical research into typography, image creation, and advanced layout techniques using new technology and traditional processes.
• Design Edge; Counter, Culture and Experience Design (40 credits): This module encourages students to explore graphic communication where boundaries and parameters are redefined.
Students will develop creativity and originality by adopting a position not constrained by commercial pressures. They will explore a range of contemporary subjects and themes.
• Motion Graphics 2 (20 credits): This module builds upon the skills learned in Motion Graphics 1, allowing students to create more advanced effects.
They will continue to research and experiment with new techniques and explore the creative and visual possibilities of professional motion graphics.
• Digital Illustration (20 credits): This module examines the commercial application of digital illustration, covering pixel/bitmapped illustration, scalable vectors, technical illustration, photo-realistic 3D, etc.
Students will develop their understanding of contemporary practice and theory in the field and apply their technical skills to creative briefs.

Final Year (National Level 6)

• Design Research Project – Dissertation (20 credits): This module involves an in-depth investigation into a particular issue or topic relevant to the student's design practice or wider society.
Students will utilize their knowledge of design and theoretical disciplines and techniques to conduct research and complete a dissertation.
• Graphic Design and Professional Practice (40 credits): This module explores specific aspects of graphic design and professional practice.
Students will create graphic design products from a range of options, including a live client brief.
• Design – Final Major Project (60 credits): This module is the centerpiece of the student's showcase to future employers.
Students will develop new skills, explore creative direction, and immerse themselves in the exploration of communication.

Assessment:

Assessment is 100% coursework and students are continually assessed throughout the course.

Careers:

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Graphic Design program have a strong employment record. They work for top graphic design agencies in Greece, establish their own creative design companies, and pursue careers in various areas of graphic design, including advertising agencies, multi-disciplinary design groups, general design consultancies, in-house design studios, printing, education, or freelance work. Graduates also progress onto MA Degrees.

Other:

The program provides dedicated graphics studios for workshops, group, and independent working. These studios are equipped with projectors, screens, Macs, PCs, or both. The campus also has digital media suites with software including Adobe Creative Suite.