BA (Hons) Graphic Design
A three years full-time course
Graphic Design is an ideas-driven studio and project-based course where you will learn approaches to visual communication. After developing your visual language in Year 1, you will be able to utilise these skills through a range of projects in Year 2. We focus on contemporary and relevant design which embraces imaginative solutions. Distinctive creative personalities are nurtured, the unconventional is encouraged. Your final year will see you develop a professional portfolio that reflects your career aspirations. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to connect with industry, either through ‘live’ briefs, visiting speakers or work experience.
Top facts
- Study trips include gallery and museum visits, and international travel, most recently to New York.
- Opportunities for work placements throughout the UK.
- Students’ successes include awards in regional, national and international arenas including Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police, D&AD Global Student Awards, Young Creative Network and Openad Talent.
You will study
In Year 1 you will be introduced to the studio-based culture of the course through a series of design projects encouraging the development of ideas, experimentation with visual language and acquisition of technical skills. This is supported by a contextual programme that places practical elements into a wider cultural, critical and social context.
In Year 2 you will study more specific areas of graphic design practice through pathway options in print-based or digital media. A programme of workshop projects develops both technical and conceptual skills. Studio content is developed in liaison with industry and offers opportunities
for work experience.
In Year 3 you will study a series of self-directed options designed to develop a professional portfolio that reflects your individual careers aspirations. Your work is supported by a visiting lecture programme that offers a diverse range of perspectives across the whole platform of graphic design practice.
Assessment
Unit end assessment and coursework.
Placements
Contacts in all areas of the creative industries help with providing placements to enhance our students experience of working in industry. Recent placements have included The Designers Republic, Code Computer Love, BBC, Dinosaur, Thoughtful, Truth, Fallon, Saatchi & Saatchi, McCanns Europe, TBWA, Home, JWT, Pravda, Marie Claire, Maxim and Vogue. Students have won places on the D&AD Advertising workshop.
Graduates
90%* of art, design, media and architecture graduates go straight into employment and/or further study.
Previous graduates have embarked on a range of careers as architects, photographers, ceramicists, jewellers, glass blowers, retailers, gallerists, retail buyers, design managers and a variety of other design-based roles. There are a range of opportunities available within the creative industries including designing for magazines, publishing (print and internet), advertising and motion graphics for television, journalism, filmmaking, freelance media and independent production. Alternatively, there is also the opportunity to become self-employed and some of our previous students now successfully run their own creative businesses.
*Source: DLHE survey 2010 for all respondents available for employment or further study and whose destinations are known.
Location
All Saints Campus, Manchester
Entry Requirements (2013 Entry)
| UCAS Tariff Points | 280 |
|---|---|
| UCAS Tariff Points/Grades to be obtained from full A levels or equivalent | 280 at A2 or equivalent (such as BTEC National Extended Diploma DMM at Level 3 or Advanced Diploma). If applying using Foundation Diploma in Art and Design a minimum of a Merit is required. |
| Specific subjects required | GCSE grade C (or alternative) in English Language |
| Access qualifications | A relevant Access to HE Diploma will be considered for entry to this course. |
| Interview required | Yes |
| Portfolio required | Yes |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 |
| IELTS Score | 6 with no element below 5.5 |
Fees
UK and EU full-time students: £9,000
Non-EU full-time international students: £11,000





