Whether you are interested in becoming a photographer, filmmaker, digital designer or digital content creator, this could be your first step towards becoming a creative digital producer.
Level 4+
BA (Hons) Graphic Design Degree
COURSE OVERVIEW
UCAS Course code: W210
This full-time course has been generated with industry partners and aims to engage you in the development of a rich combination of new and traditional technical and creative skills, preparing you for careers in graphic design and related fields. The campus environment provides an ideal stimulus for the development of your ability, with great scope for cross-media experimentation and fulfillment of live briefs from within the department and from professional studios.
Key features
- Taught by design industry practitioners
- Dedicated Mac suite with up-to-date industry software
- Access to print room, photography studios and 3D craft workshop
Year 1 – The first year centres on gaining knowledge of techniques, ideas and the essentials of the creative process, exploring the many facets of the subject, including digital and interactive platforms.
You will also gain a broad overview of historical and contemporary issues relating to the context of design.
Year 2 – The second year focuses on the professional environment, market awareness and generating the creative and self-management skills necessary for the workplace. Assignments are initiated through a range of industry links, which stimulate ideas, concepts and design solutions with valid outcomes.
These constitute the body of the student portfolio which, alongside employability workshops and web presence, build significant professional profiles.
Year 3 – The third year is designed to develop creative thinking and encourage experimental, collaborative and conceptual work. The focus will be on the development of the student as an individual, capable of working both independently and collaboratively.
Students will work on competition briefs set by industry and work will be sent for judging.
The course includes a programme of visiting speakers.
Students will exhibit their work at the end of the course.
Course aims
- To develop and apply a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of a graphic designer’;s working practices in the design industries
- To demonstrate an understanding of relevant principles and concepts and make connections which inform own practice and style
- To develop new skills and competencies relevant to the professional working environment or further study
- To demonstrate awareness, creativity and innovation in a professional context
- To conceive ideas for assignments to develop into final pieces ready for production
- To apply knowledge of how to develop an idea or brief into a body of appropriate creative and innovative work
FURTHER INFORMATION
Each application will be assessed individually, including a review of your grades, interview, portfolio/audition and any experience.
Typical entry requirements are below but offers may vary:
- a relevant A-Level or Level 3 Extended Diploma
In exceptional circumstances, if you do not meet our entry requirements, your application may still be considered if you demonstrate additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
- related academic or work experience
- the quality of the personal statement
Portfolio and interview
You will also be required to provide a portfolio and interview for this course. Please bring a portfolio to interview, which should include examples of your work, together with any relevant certificates/diplomas.
Potential careers
- Studio designer (packaging/advertising/publishing/corporate ID and branding)
- Freelance designer
- Web designer
- Advertising and packaging designer
- Visualizer
We use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- practical and creative studio-based workshops
- discussions
- lectures/seminars
- tutorials
- small group study
- self-directed study
- study trips
Assessment methods vary between units but could include:
- presentations (of practical work)
- journals
- research proposal
- sketchbooks/drawings
- written assignments
BOOK AN OPEN DAY
If you want to find out more about what Northbrook College has to offer why not join us at our next open day.
Visit our one of our specialist campuses to see our industry-standard facilities and meet our expert tutors.