BA (Hons) Graphic Design: curriculum

What you’ll be taught
Graphic Design with Typography
Each module looks at a specific aspect of graphic design and typography, and lasts 5–6 weeks, with a coursework assessment point at the end. Modules run one after the other, building upon what was learnt previously. 80% of modules focus on practical designed outcomes, with 20% concentrating on critical analysis and writing skills.
Year 1 introduces fundamental graphic design and typography principles, processes, techniques and concepts.
Year 2 contains optional modules, enabling students to tailor their studies, and the option of a foreign exchange in the second semester.
Year 3 is largely self-directed, with students writing their own briefs and developing a portfolio of work in preparation for employment or further study.
Final year students can also elect one of three 'award options', leading to a more focused qualification title. These options are explored throughout the course and connect to sectors within the graphic design profession where graduates are likely to find work. They are:
  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design: Branding and Identity
  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design: Editorial and Publishing
  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design: Digital and Experience

Branding and Identity

This option looks at taking a product or service, identifying what makes it unique, then developing a graphic identity system that communicates this uniqueness to a target audience. The identity can then be applied to a vast range of 'touchpoints', including packaging, websites, social media, publications, out-of-home advertising, apps, signage, apparel, vehicle livery, pop-up experiences and stationery.

Branding and identity
Editorial and publishing

Editorial and Publishing

This option involves designing for books, magazines, newspapers and digital editorial formats. It includes understanding the principles and methods of page layout and format, managing large volumes of text, type detailing, publication anatomy, cover design, sequence and narrative, materials, binding and finishing methods.

Digital and Experience

This new option explores designing for screen-based, immersive and experiential platforms such as websites, mobile apps, social media, digital out-of-home, brand experiences, VR/AR, wearables and home assistants. It requires an understanding of motion and interaction, the end user, what actions or behaviours they are wanting to perform, and how to guide them towards these goals using the power of typography and graphic design.

Digital and experience