Graphic Design - Course Outline

Level 1

Students can enter Graphic Design after successfully completing our General Foundation in Art and Design (apply for course WW12) or on successful completion of a recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (apply for course W210).

For information please see our General Foundation in Art and Design.

Level 2

• tutor set briefs
• typography
• design for print and screen
• computer aided design
• life drawing
• design history

In Level 2 you will apply and develop your skills.

Visual Thinking Experimental and Experiential: This module will introduce you to starting out as a graphic designer and designing for print. You will learn a range of communication methods and will begin to understand how to use word and image together. At this stage you will also develop your drawing techniques.

Ideas and Concepts: We will encourage you to improve your technical ability by investigating both traditional and digital graphic design processes. You will learn about screen-based design and will explore visual mediums, materials and techniques. You will continue to develop your life drawing skills.

The Creative Design Process: You will learn how to execute your ideas by using a mixture of low tech and high tech processes. You will gain an understanding of typefaces, letterform, print and screen requirements, screen promotion and the structure and workings of a typical design consultancy.

Introduction to Computer Aided Design: We will teach you how to use Computer Aided Design (CAD) in the context of design for print and screen.

Design History, Theory & Practice: You will learn about the historical and contemporary context of design.

Level 3

In Level 3 you explore.

• tutor-set briefs
• typography
• design for print and screen
• live project work
• national competitions
• design history
• business studies
• work placement
• cultural experience / foreign trip

Graphic Design: Communication The Bigger Picture: This module will ask you to respond to design challenges outlined by external design practitioners. You will use advanced typographic and graphic skills to effectively answer the brief. We will also introduce you to the role of the designer in contemporary society.

Design History, Theory and Practice: This module will focus on design futures and professional practice.

Level 4

• self-directed programme of study
• professionally endorsed national competitions
• dissertation
• end of year graduate exhibition
• national graduate exhibition in London

In Level 4 you create.

Creative Solutions Professional Standards: This module focuses on a self-directed programme of work. You will use your creativity and technical ability to showcase a comprehensive range of graphic design solutions. You will have the opportunity of working on your own personal project, entering the International Society of Typographic Designers Student Assessment Scheme and the D&AD Student Awards.

Design Dissertation Research Outcomes in History, Theory & Practice.