BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Course Overview
The BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree awarded by the University for the Creative Arts prepares you for entering the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of design. Utilising a hybrid model of both online and on-campus teaching, you will undertake modules exploring both traditional design methods and contemporary digital platforms – applying this knowledge in creating exciting and dynamic outcomes that meet today’s industry standards.
Reflecting both current trends and the traditional building blocks of graphic design, this bachelor’s degree will fully prepare you to enter the industry upon graduation – ensuring that you are fully equipped to work across a broad range of potential roles through a solid understanding of theory, the history of the industry and meet client and audience needs.
Using top-of-the-range software, our extensive industry connections and studio spaces, you’ll build a powerful skillset that will prepare you to convey your ideas and to operate in a business-like fashion within the creative industries. Throughout the BA Graphic Design course, you’ll also engage in a series of workshops on typography, printmaking, editorial, user experience, motion design and much more.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be a knowledgeable graphic designer capable of communicating the theory behind your ideas, and the history of the industry and creating work that captures your audience.
Upon graduation, you will become a part of LCCA and UCA’s diverse, global alumni network – joining graduates who have taken their practice into roles such as Graphic Designer, Digital Content Creator, user interface and user experience amongst others.
Course details and modules
Year 0
FOUNDATION (YEAR O) DESIGN & CREATIVE BUSINESS
This 30-week course is designed to equip students with the academic skills and subject knowledge needed to progress on to study at undergraduate level. You’ll develop a unique portfolio of work throughout the course, helping you to progress onto a degree in any creative subject.
Stage 1
The first stage covers the key areas of related to your degree programme and will focus on either creative design or business. You’ll learn the theoretical knowledge and debates surrounding these disciplines and the historical and international contexts which underpin them. You will also will also being to build the foundations for studying at degree level.
Stage 2
This stage builds on the key research, analytical and reflective skills built in Stage 1. Students will also have the opportunity to explore specialist areas of study and focus on your chosen path within the creative arts or business.
Stage 3
Students undertake a self-directed, specialist project which will synthesise and conclude their newly learned knowledge. The Final Major Project consists of three units which include advanced language and study skills needed for progression onto an LCCA design or creative business undergraduate degree.
Modules include:
- Introduction to Design
- English for Academic Purposes, Research & Study Skills
- Visual Culture
- Final Major Project
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)
Discover how graphic design and content are produced across a variety of media channels, from printed to digital forms during the first year of this graphic design course.
Introduction to Visual Communication
Initially, you’ll start developing your own personal voice as a graphic designer, particularly thinking about the types of messages you want to convey. To ensure you’re set up for the rest of the programme, this course will consider different types of media including magazines and internet-based media. You’ll then explore the effect form and content has on the messaging.
Design Fundamentals 1: Image, Type, Print
Image, type and print are imperative to creating a visual campaign. Learn what each are, the role they play within media and how you can apply these in different print medium.
Design Fundamentals 2: Motion, Narrative, Screen
Motion, narrative and screen will be covered during this source to familiarise you with how they can be applied to screen-based designs. You’ll use your personal design voice and consider how combining word, images, materials, format and structure creates a certain narrative.
Visual Theory: Message, Medium, Meaning
Build your understanding of historical and contemporary practice, analyse your own studio work and explore concepts including: relationships between word and image, function and expression, subversion and propaganda, semiotics, how to construct narratives and photographic language.
Modules include:
- Introduction to Visual Communication
- Design Fundamentals 1: Type, Image, Print
- Design Fundamentals 2: Motion, Narrative, Screen
- Visual Theory Message, Medium, Meaning
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)
Throughout your second year, you’ll develop your own style of working and start to articulate your inner artist voice. You’ll work more independently, build your understanding of visual communication and consider a range of important graphic design elements.
Social and Cultural Contexts
This module will encourage you to consider your personal ethics, values and motivation by producing work for others.
The Editorial Process
Editing is a fundamental aspect of creation. You’ll build on the skills learned in your first year, ready to take on your research and design project in the final year.
Developing Your Practice
To be successful as a graphic designer, you’ll need to be able to think innovatively to respond to design problems but also instigate them yourself. Discover how to do so in this module.
Spatial Practices
Learn to manipulate spaces, create multi-sensory experiences, and prepares events/ exhibitions in sustainable environments.
Modules include:
- The Editorial Process
- Social and Cultural Contexts
- Spatial Practices
- Developing Your Practice
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)
The final year of this graphic designing course culminates in a self-directed research and design project in which you’ll showcase all your newfound skills and knowledge.
Critical Research and Practice
Combining all the knowledge you’ve developed in your studies, you will research, develop and create a self-directed research and design project. Using a symbiotic relationship between theory and practical, you will develop a unique project informed by both elements.
Major Project
This is your opportunity to utilise your skills and knowledge and communicate your ideas through your unique artist voice. Initially, you’ll develop a research proposal that conveys your ideas, methods and intended outcome. You will then begin to develop a body of work that reflects everything you’ve learned throughout the programme and shows how you have developed your theoretical, practical and technical skills to become a truly innovative designer. You’ll have the opportunity to present your work and collaborate with others.
Modules include:
- Major Project
- Critical Research and Practice
Entry requirements
The standard entry requirements* for this course are one of the following:
- 64 new UCAS tariff points, see accepted qualifications
- Merit, Pass, Pass at BTEC Extended Diploma
- Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
- 64 new UCAS tariff points from an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma in an appropriate subject
- 24 points from the International Baccalaureate, see more information about IB entry requirements
And four GCSE passes at grade A*-C and/or grade 4-9 including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2).
The standard entry requirements for this three-year BA (Hons) Graphic Design course are one of the following:
- 112 new UCAS tariff points
- Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
- Merit, Pass, Pass at BTEC Extended Diploma
- Merit at UAL Extended Diploma
- 112 new UCAS tariff points from an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma in an appropriate subject
- 27-30 points from the International Baccalaureate
And four GCSE passes at grade A*-C and/or grade 4-9 including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2).
Note:
Other relevant and equivalent level 3 UK and international qualifications are considered on an individual basis and we encourage students from diverse educational backgrounds apply.
*We occasionally make offers which are lower than the standard entry criteria, to students who have faced difficulties that have affected their performance and who were expected to achieve higher results.
Course fees and funding
Course fee breakdown
| Tuition fees | UK/EU citizens – £9,250 per annum |