BA (Hons) Graphic Design

 Overview

In the first year of study, students are introduced to the fundamental principles, methods, and contexts of Graphic Design. They begin to explore the discipline as a creative and intellectual process that combines critical thinking, problem-solving, and visual communication. The focus is on developing an understanding of how typography, imagery, and layout interact to convey meaning across a range of media and formats, from print to motion and digital platforms.

Students engage with practical studio projects that emphasise experimentation, process, and making, while also encouraging awareness of design decisions and their visual impact. Through this, they begin to appreciate the importance of design as both a conceptual and technical discipline, learning to generate, develop, and communicate ideas effectively. An emphasis is placed on taking responsibility for personal learning, developing reflective practice, and understanding the value of iteration and critique as part of the design process.

Alongside practical work, students are introduced to key historical, theoretical, and contextual aspects of graphic design. They examine the wider social, cultural, political, and technological forces that shape design practice, while beginning to analyse the influential movements, figures, and ideas that have informed its evolution. Through written and visual research, students strengthen their ability to think critically and articulate insights about the discipline.

By the end of the first year, students will have developed a solid grounding in the essential creative, technical, and analytical skills required for further study. They will have begun to establish their own design identity, gained confidence in communicating visually and verbally, and understood the relevance of graphic design within a contemporary and global context.

Overview

In the second year, students consolidate and extend their creative, technical, and theoretical understanding of graphic design. The focus shifts towards more complex projects and professional contexts, encouraging students to apply their growing knowledge to a broader range of media, methods, and communication challenges. They begin to refine their personal approach to design, developing a stronger sense of direction and independence within their practice.

Through studio-based work, students explore both traditional and emerging techniques for print and digital platforms, deepening their understanding of processes, applications, and industry-standard terminology. Concept development becomes increasingly central, as students investigate how typography, imagery, motion, and interactivity can be used strategically to communicate ideas and engage audiences. Experimentation and critical reflection are key elements, enabling students to evaluate their creative decisions and develop a more mature and professional visual language.

Theoretical and contextual study supports this practical exploration by introducing students to key academic debates and discourses within graphic design, art direction, and visual communication. Through engagement with seminal and contemporary texts, students strengthen their analytical and research skills, gaining insight into how design operates within wider cultural, social, and professional frameworks.

Professional awareness is further developed through the study of real-world design practices and case studies. Students examine various career pathways — including studio-based practice, freelance work, entrepreneurship, and collective collaboration — learning about the expectations, ethics, and responsibilities of the contemporary designer.

By the end of Year 2, students will have enhanced their technical expertise, conceptual clarity, and understanding of professional practice. They will be prepared to take a more self-directed and critical approach to design in their final year, equipped with the knowledge and confidence to engage with both the academic and industry aspects of the discipline.

Overview

In the final year of study, students bring together the creative, conceptual, and technical skills developed throughout the programme to define and demonstrate their individual design identity. The focus is on independent learning, critical reflection, and professional preparation, culminating in a body of work that reflects their readiness for employment or postgraduate study.

The year centres on self-directed major projects, in which students are encouraged to explore personal interests, experiment with new ideas, and engage with complex design challenges. Through the development of a professional portfolio, students integrate intellectual rigour with practical execution, producing innovative and conceptually sound work that aligns with global standards. Participation in international competitions and design schemes offers opportunities for benchmarking against professional practice and for situating their work within a wider creative and cultural context.

Professional development runs alongside this creative practice, with emphasis on personal reflection, self-evaluation, and design advocacy. Students learn to communicate their ideas and identity effectively through exhibition design, presentation, and portfolio preparation, gaining the skills needed to position themselves confidently within the creative industries.

The Graphic Design Dissertation complements studio work by deepening students’ theoretical and contextual understanding of the discipline. Through independent research, analysis, and writing, students engage with key debates and methodologies that underpin contemporary graphic design, developing academic confidence and intellectual independence.

By the end of the final year, students will have achieved a sophisticated integration of theory and practice, producing a professional portfolio that demonstrates originality, conceptual depth, and technical excellence. They will graduate as confident, articulate, and adaptable designers, prepared to contribute creatively and critically to the evolving global design landscape.