AAS College Thessaloniki
School of Art & Design
COURSES | BACHELOR
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
«The Graphic Designer experiences, perceives, analyses, organises, symbolises and synthesises» – Paul Rand
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Graphic Design is about the creative and diverse use of words, pictures, language, ideas and problem solving. Our approach to Graphic Design explores areas such as advertising, art direction, drawing, branding, image-making, typography and visual storytelling, for traditional and digital contexts, including motion graphics and digital design.
Thinking and ideas are central to producing good work. We value research, the design process and professionalism. Our analytical approach enables our students to engage with exciting design challenges, react to a rapidly changing industry and to develop as sensitive and intelligent designers.
The programme aims to provide students with the specialist knowledge and skills necessary to commence a career in Graphic Design. It is essential that students develop a deep understanding of varied and complex graphic design issues that will enable them to respond to the demands of a rapidly changing industry, and to develop as sensitive and intelligent practitioners.
The course aims to contribute to the field of Graphic Design locally, nationally and internationally through the education of its students. The aims of the course are to:
· Provide students with the opportunities to develop a high degree of interdisciplinary
· understanding of varied and complex graphic design issues
· Enable students to acquire the intellectual skills necessary to handle design theory and practice issues
· Support the student’s development of a wide-range of subject-specific and generic practical and transferable skills
· Provide students with opportunities to develop a broad range of practical graphic design skills alongside the academic methodologies of research and investigation required to support and to evaluate design problem-solving
· Enable students to reflect on and make strategic contributions to the contemporary practice and research.
Duration:
36 months (3 years)
Educational form:
Taught
Education Variants:
Fulltime
Language:
English
October’s intake:
Classes Start Date:
6 October 2025
British Degree:
Bachelor Degree
STUDENT WORK
FACILITIES
AAS College is set in a modern, purpose – built university campus. Students learn in specially designed lecture rooms and theatre, laboratories, design studios and in flexible teaching spaces. Individual and group study spaces allow students to work alone or collaborate on projects. This course has dedicated graphics studios for workshops, group and independent working. They are equipped with projectors and screens and Macs or PCs or both. There are also campus digital media suites with software including: Adobe Creative Suite.
COURSE STRUCTURE (BA (Hons) Graphic Design)
Year 1 (level 4)
Year 2 (level 5)
Final year (level 6)
Year 1 (level 4)
Graphic Design 1 (40 credits)
This module is designed to introduce the basic principles of Graphic Design. There will be an emphasis on awareness, processes, making, doing, and decision-making. The module helps students understand graphic design as a problem solving process requiring intellectual reasoning as well as creative output. The core area of study will be an introduction to the role of typography and images in graphic design in static and motion and interactive forms across the diverse range of print and digital media. Importantly it will explain and contextualize the role of graphic design in contemporary and wider practice. The module also introduces students to the important concept of ‘taking responsibility for their own learning’, helping students understand that degree level study requires high levels of critical self-reflection. The module is diagnostic in approach and it is based around a series of tasks across a number of areas all of which are central to visual literacy and which are relevant across the spectrum of graphic design practices.
Graphic Design 2 (40 credits)
Students will undertake a range of projects of growing complexity aimed at developing their confidence and skills in typography and image making as the semester progresses. The central relationship between type and image will be explored in a variety of projects and media – highlighting the importance of layout and hierarchy in graphic design. Students will learn about traditional and digital processes and the wide variety of professional practice contexts where these integrated graphic design skills can be used.
Influences (20 credits)
This module will develop Study skills to move from a ‘teacher-focussed’ mode of learning to a more confident and independent approach, encouraging students to engage with and write about key influences and ideas in graphic design. Students will learn of the wider social, cultural, economic, political and technological contexts influencing, and being influenced by their practice. The module encourages students in establishing good observation skills and sound research practice.
Research and Writing 1 (20 credits)
This module introduces year one students to key ideas and developments in graphic design history informing and influencing contemporary practice. Students will gain an appreciation of the wider social, cultural, economic, political and technological contexts of graphic design practice. Coursework encourages students to establish solid research, analytical and observation skills to underpin sound research practice.
Year 2 (level 5)
Graphic Design 3 (40 credits)
The module extends students’ understanding of a range of new and traditional techniques, methods and formats for print and screen in preparation for working in graphic design or illustration practice. The focus on professional contexts and case studies (studio based, freelance, entrepreneurial, collective…) develops a rigorous approach to the acquisition of knowledge with a wide range of skills and expertise relating to processes, terminology and applications that will be pertinent to working in graphic design or illustration. This is an important module in helping students more fully reflect on their practice after the transition from Year 1 to Year 2 (or joining the course at that point) and supports a more specialised approach.
Graphic Design Research (20 credits)
The module considers seminal and recent academic approaches and debates in graphic design, art direction and wider visual communication. Using exemplar historical and theoretical texts students develop an understanding in the ways in which issues and discourses are constructed in relation to their practice and the broader cultural context.
Graphic Design and Art Direction (40 credits)
The module extends students’ understanding and capacity in a range of advancing techniques, methods and formats. Concept development is the central core around which the role of typography, media, image, motion, formats and interactivity are contextualised. Students are able to experiment with new media, materials and methods and to develop a rigorous approach to the acquisition of knowledge and skills related to processes, terminology and applications.
Professional Practice 1 (20 credits)
This module will introduce students to the professional aspects of being a graphic designer in a rapidly changing society. It investigates the professional contexts of graphic design and also explores cognate fields where their attributes and skills are increasingly acknowledged, needed and valued as having wider application.
Final year (level 6)
Professional Development (20 credits)
The module content is directly linked to the project work undertaken in Negotiated Projects. All projects work in line with appropriate rationales and schedules and documentation. Analysis and reflection on practice through personal development and reflection. Preparation and production of final assessment exhibition, printing and display techniques and skills. Design advocacy through use of appropriate and effective language.
Major Projects Portfolio (80 credits)
The module challenges students to develop a portfolio of work that demonstrates high levels of integration between conceptual, intellectual and practical skills. International competitions and schemes are used to bench-mark the global standards expected of successful students seeking to further develop in practice or research post-graduation.
Graphic Design Dissertation (20 credits)
The module facilitates a broader understanding of the context of Graphic Design using theoretical debate and analytical methodologies. The student led nature of this module, through researching and writing a dissertation will develop intellectual confidence and self-expression.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is 100% coursework and you will be continually assessed throughout the course.
Assessment will be through assignments including design briefs (project work), competitions, presentations, seminars and group activities.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES & JOB ROLES
We have an excellent employment record with previous graduates working for some of the Greece’s top Graphic Design agencies while others have established their own creative design companies. Many graduates have successful careers within the wide area of Graphic Design, from advertising agencies to multi-disciplinary design groups. Other career opportunities exist within general design consultancies, in-house design studios, printing, education or freelance work. Our students also successfully progress onto MA Degrees.
Job roles
With this Degree you could become:
- Graphic Designer
- Digital Designer
- Art Director
- Brand Designer
- Illustrator
- Brand Director
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Diploma and transcript from your high school
Evidence of your ability in English language
Portfolio
Passport
AAS Application Form completed
HOW TO APPLY
You should apply direct to the AAS College. We accept applications throughout the year, but advise you to apply early. We would like to receive application forms before 30th of June.
All candidates are required to submit the following documents:
1. A Fully Completed Application
AAS Application Form completed
A scanned copy of your passport
2. English language certificate
Certified Photocopy of English Language qualification(s).
Undergraduate applicants must have a fluent command of the English language which can be proven via the following examinations:
IELTS: 6,0 or other equivalent qualifications.
Candidates who have not acquired an English language qualification at the time of the submission of their application form are required to submit it at least one month before the commencement of the course.
3. Diploma of previous education
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or six IB Subject Certificates, or A Levels obtained locally
Certified Photocopy of the Diploma of Secondary Education (High School Diploma 12 years of study), along with the final year’s academic transcript
Candidates who have not yet graduated from high school at the time of application, should submit the available academic transcripts from their current year of study, as well as a full transcript from the previous year of study
If the High School Diploma is produced in another language it should be translated and verified in English
4. Portfolio
You can send us approximately 20 examples of your work with a short written commentary. Most of this work
can be in the form of photographs on a PDF file. It is helpful for us to see examples of your original
drawings too.
The submission of a Design portfolio is mandatory to the Design programmes.
Application’s Submittion:
There is no application fee. You should submit your documents direct to the AAS College website following the link: https://aas.gr/aas-college-apply-now/
Our response:
A member of our staff will contact you in 48 hours.