BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Graphic Design is a studio and project based course where you will learn skills in visual communication, art direction, typography, page layout, interactive digital design and motion graphics. After developing your skills in year one, you will then be able to specialise in either print-based or digital media. 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 projects or visiting speakers.

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.

• View list of units making up this course

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 and architecture graduates go straight into employment and/or further study.

This course covers a broad range of activity within the area of graphic design and visual communication. Graduates will usually work within the creative industries and there are a variety of opportunities available including designing for magazines, publishing (print and internet), advertising and motion graphics for television. Recent graduates have gained employment in the advertising, design, publishing, retail, television and public sectors.

*Source: DLHE survey 2009 for all respondents available for employment or further study and whose destinations are known.

Location

All Saints Campus, Manchester

Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff Points	280
UCAS Tariff Points/Grades to be obtained from full A levels or equivalent	240 at A2 or equivalent (such as BTEC National at Level 3 or Advanced Diploma). If applying using Foundation Diploma in Art and Design 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	28

• Learn more about MMU's Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
• More information about MMU's standard entry requirements

Fees

UK and EU full-time students: £9,000

Non-EU full-time international students: £11,000

International Fee Band 2