We're a successful and respected course because of the in-depth design education we provide for our students and because of the amazing things they go on to do. We achieve this because we maintain small year groups of around 45 students. This gives you the rare luxury of loads of teaching and feedback from your tutors.
Introduction
Today, designers move freely across a wide range of media and disciplines and we're here to help you become a flexible, creative communicator. Along the way you will experience typography, digital imaging, art direction, print making, illustration, web design, design for advertising, editorial design and photography to name but a few. We put great emphasis on knowledge, passion and enjoyment, and showing you how they can be used to make memorable, meaningful design. We take it very seriously but we also have fun. We like to think we're different but don't worry, in the world of Graphic Design that's good, not bad.
Course Content
You'll spend three or four years studying an in-depth programme with exciting projects that challenge you at every stage. Our aim is to help you become an independent, passionate graphic designer ready to take on the creative industry.
You should have lots of fun as well...
Dani Horton: Book of a collection of trainers
FOUNDATION ENTRY (Year 0)
Most of you who apply for BA Graphic Design will normally have studied for a Foundation Diploma or a National Diploma in Art & Design, or a relevant equivalent, which provides a sound start for your studies at University. However, some applicants from other backgrounds, for example school leavers or people returning to education, may need further preparation to help them to suceed on a degree level course - this is where the Foundation Entry (known as 'Year Zero') comes in. This specialist, preparatory year, will provide you with a wide range of underpinning practical, technical and theoretical skills.
You will experience a wide range of project work and have extensive inductions into virtually all of our technical workshops. The pace is fast, the projects are fun and successful completion of 'Year Zero' gives you automatic progression to Year One of the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course.
Year One
The first year is all about putting you in control and developing the quality of your ideas.
We deconstruct what it is to be a graphic designer through a series of briefs that address specific themes, issues and technical skills. Many of these themes are further explored in design theory and design business modules, both of which are integrated into the course.
We'll also give you a thorough grounding in typography (one of our specialities) and also develop your visualising and technical skills working with our state-of-the-art digital resources. You will cover a lot of ground and get lots of tutor contact and feedback. By the end of the year your knowledge, confidence and skills will have grown tremendously.
Year Two
You now get to apply the experience, understanding and skills you developed in the first year on a series of specific design problems. Specialist skills are delivered and developed as you study. These include such topics as book and editorial design (another of our specialities), corporate identity, web design and ethical approaches to advertising and marketing. At this stage you'll also be encouraged to open a dialogue with the wider design community and investigate opportunities to gain first-hand experience in design studios.
By the end of the year you will have developed a strong direction in the area of Graphic Design that supports your interests and ambitions.
Hugh Leoidsson: Sign system
Year Three
In your final year you will develop your individual skills and creativity towards solving conceptually challenging and, in many cases, multi-disciplinary assignments. These will include a range of competitions and tutor set projects. Ultimately you will undertake a series of self-negotiated design projects, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate all that you have learned over the previous three years.
Professional Development includes the development of your web presence, your CV, self-promotional materials and the tactics to help you launch your career as a practicing designer.
Your passion, confidence, knowledge and determination will allow you to show the world that you mean business and a fitting finale of your education is the summer degree show.
Preparations for the end of year show
Chelsea Cannar: Magazine cover design and photography
Ben Barrow: Sign system isotypes
Sarah Gill: Book cover
Sarah Cowan: Gig poster
Fearghus Taggart
Work is regularly presented and discussed in tutorials and crits
The end of year show
