Program Overview

Graphic design and photography are two of the most influential and powerful forms of visual communication. We constantly read adverts, engage with websites and spend money based on choices influenced by messages delivered through graphic design and photography. Graphic designers produce content for digital and traditional media, creatively combining photography, illustration and typography to communicate messages for clients from big brands to small businesses.

Starting with foundation studies that offer a structured introduction to a wide range of materials, processes and techniques, we’ll support you as you develop your own line of visual enquiry, explore different areas of art, graphic design and photography, and develop a sound portfolio of creative work.

Following the foundation year, we’ll guide as you develop applied skills in a broad range of graphic design media across digital, screen, multimedia and print-based graphics and gain an understanding of graphic design software. You’ll explore design theories and principles and have the opportunity to learn about the historical and critical elements of design. Alongside all of this, we’ll support you to gain photography theory and practical skills.

Your wider study of visual arts theory will help develop your visual language and understanding. We’ll also focus on helping you to develop career-relevant skills. Creativity, technical knowledge, problem solving, time management, sales, marketing and customer care skills are all essential for success as a professional graphic designer and photographer.

Alternatively, on successful completion of the foundation year, you can opt to transfer to one of our other degrees, including Animation and Illustration, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, or Textiles and Surface Design. You can also explore transferring to another subject area offered by the University of Bolton, such as Special and Visual Effects or Games Art.

Highlights

• Our team of highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic photography and graphic design lecturers offer face-to-face sessions and one-to-one support, ensuring you can access help and advice when you need it.
• You’ll have the opportunity to work on client-led briefs and be encouraged to engage in additional live briefs during your spare time so that you can gain industry-relevant professional experience to enhance your CV.
• You’ll be encouraged to apply for placements, internships, awards, competitions, masterclasses and other external development opportunities, such as the D&AD (Design and Art Directors) folder clinics – the ‘Oscars’ of graphic arts.
• We’ll offer you the opportunity to present your work to the public and impress potential employers during Bolton School of the Arts’ Creative Showcase in your final year.
• Based on your interests and strengths, our experienced team will work to help you identify a potential career path and plan your future professional development based on your individual needs. We want to support you as you establish the foundation of your career in your chosen area of the industry.

Key Features

• Our custom-designed photography department offers outstanding facilities including darkrooms, a dedicated computer suite with a high output printing facility and four studios with specialist lighting.
• You can learn to use the latest design software, while being encouraged to generate ideas and problem solve by using traditional media and techniques including wood block printing, screen printing and lino cutting.
• You’ll have access to a rich visiting speaker programme, providing insight into industry experts’ professional practice and up-to-the-minute developments in the sector. Our specialist tutors and technical support staff have professional experience and industry connections.
• Practical knowledge, such as studio lighting and location techniques, combined with research and critique helps you learn to develop ideas and produce innovative research-led work.
• We offer a supportive, market-aware environment in which you can explore different genres such as documentary, editorial, advertising, portraiture, architectural, landscape and fine art photography.
• You’ll have opportunities to participate in foreign study trips, as well as visit current exhibitions and events at galleries and arts centres around the UK. We also encourage you to attend design-related professional development lectures and conferences.