Program Overview

Studying on BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration (Visual Communication) you will have freedom to explore both graphic design and illustration without the stigma of working between or within subjects, allowing you to bridge between the two and go on to develop a practice that blurs the line between the two - a key characteristic that has become more common in industry.  

You will learn a great deal in a fun environment. You get to learn alongside Fine Art, Photography, Design and Illustration students. So if you're not 100% about your direction or can't choose between subjects (maybe you enjoy more than one) you can use it as a diagnostic year to help you choose. One of the major benefits of all our foundation courses is you are free to switch direction should you change your mind.

As you progress you will join students who will be at the forefront of future-focused design. You will experiment and develop emerging technology such as AR/VR (XR), AI, game engines, electronics, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and robotics. You will play a role in shaping the world around us with free thinking ideas and opportunities.

Interdisciplinary collaboration with students from e.g. Fine Art Technology, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation and Photography allows you to exchange skills and to access technical support and subject expertise across disciplines.

You will be supported by yearly employability initiative Detour Ahead: Roadmaps for the Art and Design Industry, week-long inter-disciplinary guest talks offering you industry insights as well as guidance on subjects such as freelancing, copyright and tax.

You will be able to develop an original, individual approach to creating graphic design and illustration, coupled with a thorough understanding of the social, cultural and professional context occupied by these two disciplines. Having skills in both areas (feet in both camps) allows a more adaptable approach to taking on work and being successful, chiming with the requirements of the Creative Industries 4.0, where discipline distinctions become increasingly irrelevant to professional life.  

Students gain fresh perspective and approaches (divergent thinking) giving you edge in the competitive creative job market, skills for the fourth industrial age (4iR).

You will have freedom to explore both graphic design and illustration without the stigma of working between or within subjects, allowing you to bridge between the two and go on to develop a practice that blurs the line between the two - a key characteristic that has become more common in industry.  

Towards the end of the course, in the final year, you will be able to gravitate towards one or other on the named subjects as your creative voice emerges. It's that flexibility which is the underlying selling point of this course.

At any point should you feel more an illustrator or more a designer you can seamlessly switch between the degree courses.

Foundation year course

Studying on BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration  (Visual Communication) with Foundation Year is a great way to introduce yourself to the university experience should you not have either an Art and Design background or enough UCAS points.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Through learning by doing, problem solving and exploring, you will use practical training and theoretical knowledge to succeed in design interactions.

You'll gain a critical understanding of the technical, historical, theoretical and political potential of the medium. You will gain an understanding of how to collaborate, as well as skills to identify, reflect and develop employability and professional skills to enter the creative industries.

You will be at the forefront of future-focused design, experimenting and developing emerging technology such as AR/VR (XR), AI, game engines, electronics, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and robotics. You will play a role in shaping the world around us with free thinking ideas and opportunities

Studying design interactions will teach you confidence in visualising ideas and briefs. It will enable you to create and maintain professional online portfolio/presence/promotional skills and will set you up with life and work skills for Interpersonal, team working, collaborative and negotiations.