Graphic design is communication. Designers communicate, through ads and brochures and logos, book covers and magazines, posters and websites, presentations and eBooks, apps for your phone or your tablet and more. Pretty much everything you see every day gets designed. The BA/BSc (Hons) in Graphic Design is intended for students who wish to pursue a professional career in the creative discipline of digital and print Graphic Design. The course has been developed to embrace recent changes in the creative industries including technological advancements.
What you need to know about graphic design
Graphic designers develop skills that are in demand in today’s economy and that can be applied to nearly any career, including creative problem solving and design thinking. They provide clients with the following: research, costing, planning, coordination, project management, quality control, design and aesthetic judgment, advertising and art direction.
Throughout the course we focus on communicating ideas and information through exciting problem solving projects in branding, magasine design, typography, information design, advertising and publicity, editorial design, packaging, exhibition design, editorial photography and art direction, moving image and digital media.
You will explore computer design programmes, materials, print processes, conceptual thinking and the use of design to inform, present an argument or persuade, solve visual communication problems to a professional standard, and work on briefs that closely mirror the professional world.
The BA/BSc (Hons) in Graphic Design degree program is hands-on and rich in applied elements and experiential learning to prepare students for the evolving requirements of the graphic design and visual communication industry in today’s knowledge and information-based culture. Students will develop awareness of social responsibility, ethics, cultural contexts and global communications considerations.
Graphic designers dwell at the intersection of art and business. They translate abstract concepts into tangible visuals, and are often lauded for their ability to elevate the status of a company or organisation. Graphic Design is an interdisciplinary problem-solving activity that combines visual sensitivity with skill and knowledge in areas of communication, technology and business. You’ll experiment with traditional print-based solutions as well as modern commercial practices like site specific, ambient, conceptual, interactive, mobile media, app generation, graphical interface and multimedia work, and be encouraged to come up with ideas that challenge traditional notions of design or visual communication.
Course Length: 3 years / 4 years including Foundation year;
Start dates: January / April / August / September;
This course will prepare you for a career as a graphic designer, and also for design-related roles in digital graphics, online media, communications and marketing, publishing, and advertising. Graphic designers work in new media and web design, packaging, illustration, animation, production and prepress, advertising, marketing communications design, art and creative direction, corporate identity, broadcast design, corporate communications, information design, editorial design, education, environmental and exhibit design, signage, and related occupations.
You can further your career in professions such as:
- Designer
- Junior Designer
- Art Worker
- Junior Sales Designer
- Graphic Design Assistant
- Computer Artist
- Publications Designer
- Art Director
- Graphic Designer
- Web Designer
- Multimedia Designer
- Information Design
- Advertising Account Executive
- Commercial Artist
- Corporate Identity Manage
- Design Intern
- Advertising art director
- Animator
- Graphic designer
- Illustrator
- Printmaker
- Production designer, theatre/television/film
- Exhibition designer
- Fine artist
- Interior and spatial designer
- Landscape architect
- Medical illustrator
- Multimedia specialist
- Photographer
- UX designer
And more;
- Minimum Age: 18 years old;
- Applicants are required to submit proof of prior certificated learning (e.g. Secondary School Diploma/Baccalaureate/Level 3 qualification) and/or relevant work experience;
- Applications from mature candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed provided they could demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.
- If you are unable to meet the entry requirements for this course you may still be eligible for our Foundation year course. This is an extra year of study to prepare you for the full degree.
- Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language.
- Applicants must bring their original certificates when coming for registration;
Year 1
- Design Process 1
- Design Process 2
- Introduction to Type Media
- Introduction to Web Design
- Graphic Design of the 20th Century
- English for Study 1 & 2
Year 2
- Design Practice 1
- Debates and Practices
- New Media Design – Graphic Design for Screen Based Applications
- Professional Studies in Design
- Information Design
- Graphic Design for the Web
Year 3
- Research Project
- Graphic Futures
- Major Project
- Language Programme
- Design Practice 2
* The units can vary, depending on the chosen pathway or optional modules which your institution will choose for the course structure.
Assessment
Our modules allow you to demonstrate your progress by producing coursework to set projects, design tasks and formal briefs. At the end of each semester you’ll submit design work for practice-based modules, and a written document for contextual/theoretical modules. These will then be graded and you’ll receive written feedback. You’ll also receive ongoing feedback on your design project concepts and develop your learning in taught sessions, one-to-one discussions, project reviews and group critiques.
Progression
After completing your undergraduate degree, if you decide to enhance your career prospects even further you can apply for a postgraduate Master program. For more information regarding progression please contact Atlantic London.
Self-Funding
The Tuition Fee of the course will vary depending on the institution you wish to study in, as well as your status in the UK. The course is available for UK/EU and International Students as well. Please contact us to find out the tuition fee for a specific course you’d like to know about.
Government Funds – Student Finance England
If you are an UK/EU citizen or living in the UK on Indefinite stay, you can receive support from the government via Student Loan Company to cover tuition fees and some living costs while studying, depending on your circumstances. Tuition fee loans, to cover the full cost of your course, are paid directly to the course provider. Maintenance loans can be applied for at the same time, lending you money at the start of each term. You won’t have to pay back the loan until after your course, when you’re earning above a certain level. Students can still apply for grants if they’re eligible for certain benefits, disabled, or need help with childcare costs.
