BA (Hons) Graphic Design With Foundation Year
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Graphic Design program is a four-year course that equips students with the skills and knowledge for a successful career in the graphic design industry. The foundation year provides a bridge between undergraduate studies and more specialized degree programs, focusing on introductory concepts, creative exploration, and professional development. Graduates pursue careers in various design fields, including print design, branding, illustration, and web design.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Introduction:
The BA (Hons) Graphic Design course is a four-year program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the graphic design industry. The foundation year serves as a bridge between undergraduate studies and more specialized degree programs. It allows students to explore and strengthen their artistic talents, and builds a foundation for more advanced learning.
Objectives:
- Develop strong creative skills and design principles.
- Acquire technical skills in various design software.
- Gain an understanding of the creative industries and professional practices.
- Explore personal interests and develop a specialized design focus.
- Prepare for further study in a chosen undergraduate degree program.
Course Description:
The foundation year comprises modules that focus on introductory concepts, creative exploration, and professional development. Students gain exposure to various design disciplines, acquire basic technical skills, and learn about essential industry practices. The foundation year prepares them for further specializations in the following undergraduate years.
Year One:
- Form and Content: Focuses on fundamental design principles and visual communication skills.
- Critical and Professional Contexts 1: Explores the theoretical and historical aspects of design.
- Process and Application: Introduces real-world design challenges and problem-solving techniques.
- Critical and Professional Contexts 1 (continued): Further develops understanding of design theory and critical thinking.
Year Two:
- Graphic Design for...: Investigates the role of design in addressing social and environmental issues.
- Critical and Professional Contexts 2: Expands knowledge of design contexts and professional practices.
- Live Projects: Applies design skills and knowledge in collaboration with real-world clients.
- Graphic Design and...: Explores connections between design and various other academic disciplines.
- Critical and Professional Contexts 2 (continued): Continues development of professional skills and critical thinking.
- Games and Virtual Worlds: Learns about designing virtual interfaces and gamification principles.
Year Three:
- Design Practice: Offers flexibility to focus on specific design interests and project types.
- Critical and Professional Contexts 3: Allows for independent research and critical analysis.
- Negotiated Major Project: Enables students to define and execute a self-determined design project.
- Critical and Professional Contexts 3 (continued): Supports further development of professional skills and critical thinking.
Outline:
Module List:
- Introduction to the Creative Industries
- Creative Methods
- Creative Risk Taking
- Creative Practice Major Project
- Digital Media Applications
- Form and Content
- Critical and Professional Contexts 1
- Process and Application
- Critical and Professional Contexts 1 (continued)
- Graphic Design for...
- Critical and Professional Contexts 2
- Live Projects
- Graphic Design and...
- Critical and Professional Contexts 2 (continued)
- Games and Virtual Worlds
- Design Practice
- Critical and Professional Contexts 3
- Negotiated Major Project
- Critical and Professional Contexts 3 (continued)
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary across different modules and may include:
- Coursework: Project development, final outcomes, research work, reflective writing
- Presentations: Visual presentations, critical analysis, research findings
- Written Work: Essays, critiques, theoretical discussions
Teaching:
Teaching methods include:
- Practical workshops
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Lectures
- Self-directed study
- Project-based learning
- Collaborative studio environment
- Industry engagement through live projects, guest speakers, and field trips
Careers:
Graduates pursue careers in various design fields, including:
- Print design
- Branding
- Editorial design
- Illustration
- Interactive design
- App design
- Web design
- Motion graphics
- Advertising
- Marketing
- Project management
Other:
- The program is delivered by experienced tutors and demonstrators with industry experience.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated design studios, workshops, and computer labs.
- The course fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
