BA (Hons) Graphic Design
This flexible online BA (Hons) Graphic Design course is designed to be studied part-time over three years or more. It covers visual communication through typography, image-making, illustration, layout, digital creative skills and packaging design. It may suit adults returning to study who want to develop a design portfolio alongside other commitments.
About this course
This online, flexible BA (Hons) Graphic Design course develops practical and critical skills for visual communication. You will work with typography, imagery, illustration, layout and digital creative tools, while learning how design responds to client needs, industry trends and different audiences.
Studio-based modules explore how to generate and visualise concepts, develop design vocabulary and communicate ideas clearly. You will also examine design history, learn to read images critically and build research skills for creative-industry work.
Later study includes packaging design, industry or competition briefs, self-promotion and a creative showcase. The course concludes with a self-initiated major project, allowing you to bring together your skills in a substantial piece of design work.
What you will study
You will study topics including:
• Typography and Image Creation • Design Vocabulary • Design and Layout • Illustration and Animation • Design History and Critical Thinking • Digital Creative Skills • Studio Practice 1 and 2 • Reading Images 1 and 2 • Employability, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise in the Creative Sector • Packaging Design • Visualising Concepts • Self-Promotion and Packaging • Industry and Competition Briefs • Research for the Creative Industry • Creative Showcase • Self-Initiated Major Project
Modules
Level 4
- Typography and Image Creation
- Design Vocabulary
- Design and Layout
- Illustration and Animation
- Design History and Critical Thinking
- Digital Creative Skills
Level 5
- Studio Practice 1
- Reading Images 1
- Employability, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise in the Creative Sector
- Studio Practice 2 (Packaging design)
- Reading Images 2
- Visualising Concepts
Level 6
- Self-Promotion & Packaging
- Industry / Competition Briefs
- Research for the Creative Industry
- Creative Showcase
- Self-Initiated Major Project (double module)
Entry requirements
Standard entry is available with two GCE A-level subjects, or equivalent qualifications, plus GCSE passes at grade C or above in three subjects, or equivalent.
You may also be eligible through completion of a recognised Access Programme, or equivalent.
For non-standard entry, you may be considered with two years of relevant work experience in graphic design, wider design work, advertising, or a related creative field involving visual media.
If you do not have qualifications or relevant work experience, you must demonstrate two years of general work experience and provide a portfolio of five pieces showing aptitude in graphic design.
A personal statement demonstrating your ability to study the course is required. References and evidence of relevant experience may also be requested.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no element below 5.5; or TOEFL iBT 80; or an equivalent qualification.
Careers
The course may support progression into graphic design, content design, creative design, packaging design or UX design. It may also be relevant to work in branding, advertising, publishing and art direction.
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