BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy program combines design with business principles, fostering creativity and strategic thinking. Students develop skills in graphic design, digital media, advertising, and branding, preparing them for careers in various creative industries, including graphic design, digital design, marketing, and art direction. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the dynamic world of communication design.

Program Outline

BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy

Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy program cultivates creative thinkers into strategic communicators who craft impactful messages through strategic design thinking. Integrating design with business principles, the program fosters a blend of creativity and business acumen. Students delve into:

• Graphic design: Exploring visual communication through image-making, typography, and design principles.
• Digital media: Mastering industry-standard software to create digital assets and experiences.
• Print media: Utilizing traditional printmaking techniques alongside modern design approaches.
• Advertising and branding: Understanding market strategies, consumer behavior, and brand positioning.
• Business operations: Learning essential business skills like finance, marketing, and project management.
This program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety of creative industries, including:
• Graphic design: Creating visual concepts, layouts, and branding elements for various media.
• Digital design: Developing engaging websites, apps, and other digital experiences.
• Marketing and advertising: Crafting campaigns that resonate with target audiences and achieve business goals.
• Branding and identity: Building strong visual identities for companies, organizations, and individuals.
• Art direction and creative leadership: Leading creative teams and driving innovation in various sectors.

Outline:

The BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy program follows a structured curriculum spanning three years:

Year 1:

Establishes a foundation in design principles, research methodologies, and digital skills.

• Introduction to Communication Design: Introduces design thinking, visual communication, typography, and basic digital skills.
• Communicating Ideas through Strategy: Explores design strategy, audience identification, and idea generation.
• Designing in Context: Examines narrative, audience, environment, and context in design.

Year 2:

Deepens knowledge with advanced design and business concepts.

• Design Communication and Testing Strategy: Explores design systems, user testing, and storytelling through typography.
• Preparing for Creative Industries: Connects students with industry professionals, cultivates self-branding, and introduces entrepreneurship.
• Design Practice and Strategy: Allows students to develop self-initiated projects and refine strategic design skills.

Year 3:

Culminates in independent projects and professional preparedness.

• Professional Practice and Working Strategies: Engages students in real-world competition briefs and industry workflows.
• Creative Strategy: Requires students to draft a project proposal and report for a design brief.
• Design Practice: Students undertake a major final project, showcasing their design capabilities and aligning with career aspirations.
• Preparing for Creative Industries 2: Further develops self-branding, networking, and business understanding.

Assessment:

The BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy program uses a combination of formative and summative assessments throughout the curriculum:

• Formative assessments: Offer regular feedback on individual progress through tutorials, critiques, and course activities.
• Summative assessments: Evaluate final outcomes of projects and assignments based on established criteria.
Assessment methods include:
• Critiques: Group and individual feedback sessions on creative work.
• Essays and reports: Written analysis of design concepts and strategies.
• Presentations: Demonstrating understanding of research findings and design solutions.
• Portfolio development: Regularly collecting and refining creative work.
• Final major project: Individual presentation of a self-defined project showcasing design proficiency.

Teaching:

The BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy program employs a blend of teaching methods:

• Lectures: Introducing theoretical concepts and frameworks.
• Workshops: Facilitating hands-on exploration of design techniques and software.
• Individual and group projects: Encouraging practical application of learned skills.
• Tutorials: Providing personalized feedback and guidance.
• Guest lectures: Industry professionals sharing insights and real-world experiences.
• Independent study: Encouraging self-directed learning and creative exploration.
Teaching staff comprises experienced designers, academics, and industry professionals who remain at the forefront of the creative field.

Careers:

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy program have gone on to excel in various roles across the creative industries, including:

• Graphic designer: Creating visual identities, brand assets, and marketing materials.
• Digital designer: Developing user interfaces, web design, and mobile applications.
• Art director: Leading creative teams and overseeing the visual direction of projects.
• Brand strategist: Cultivating brand identities, marketing strategies, and consumer experiences.
• Creative director: Leading creative departments and shaping the overall visual identity of organizations.
• Motion graphics designer: Creating animated videos and visual effects for various media.
• UX/UI designer: Focusing on user experience and user interface design for digital products.
• Illustrator: Creating original artwork for advertising, publications, and other communication.
• Photographer: Capturing compelling visuals for editorial, commercial, and artistic purposes.
• Entrepreneur: Founding and managing creative businesses and agencies.

Other:

• The program offers optional placement year opportunities with industry partners for real-world experience.
• Students gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, industry-standard software, and a dedicated print workshop.
• The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills alongside design expertise.
• Students benefit from a supportive environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and creative exploration.

Conclusion:

The BA (Hons) Communication Design and Strategy program offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to design education, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic world of communication design. With a focus on strategic thinking, creativity, and professional preparation, this program is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a successful career in the creative industries.