BA (Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration

Course Structure

Students learn the core skills for a career in graphic design and illustration during their first year. In Year 2 students can choose to specialise in either graphic design or illustration.

 View more of our current students' work.

Year 1

Design studies
Design process, use of media, printmaking, digital process, typography, presentation skills, production techniques, photography

Imagery
Divergent thinking, alternative solutions, interpreting a brief, drawing, analytical thinking

Cultural & critical studies
Introduction to analysis in design, design studies

Year 2: Graphic Design

Students selecting the Graphic Design specialism will focus in particular on:

• design studies
• challenging conventions
• developing external links with industry
• research and analysis
• professional design knowledge and skills
• cultural and critical studies
• exploring aesthetic and theoretical frameworks used in graphic design and illustration.

Year 2: Illustration

Students selecting the Illustration specialism will focus in particular on:

• imagery
• design process
• divergent thinking / alternative solutions
• design problems
• drawing, imagery and design
• presentation skills
• negotiated project.

Year 3

After successful completion of the second year of the degree course, students can choose from a number of options:

• move on to our partner university, the University of Hertfordshire, for final year of study
• transfer to another university for final year of study
• take the university Diploma at the end of Year 2 and go straight into work.