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Programme Specification for Graphic Design (Major, Joint or Minor)

Campus: Docklands

Why Study Graphic Design as part of a Combined Honours Degree?

Graphic Design is a generic term given to visual communication in the public domain. Based originally in print media, the practice has moved from being paper and book publication orientated to new digital media platforms. Graphic Design is associated with most aspects of information design and advertising. During the 20th century, the term 'Graphic Designer', has been applied to mean a creative professional who is responsible for producing visual material seen in the public domain. The ability to work, with other designers, creatively and flexibly, across a number of media is increasingly apparent and in demand, by employers, and by those who wish to establish freelance practice.

If you are interested in .......

  • Typography
  • Photography
  • Video Film/DVD practice, scripting and directing
  • Web Design
  • Interactive Design
  • Design, Cultural and Critical Theory
  • Corporate identification and brand identity
  • Art Editorial Design, Design Publishing Page Layout and Computer-editing
  • Advertising and Campaign strategies
  • Information Design

If you enjoy....

  • Speculation
  • Working with a particular visual media
  • Recognising and following advertising and media
  • Having an awareness of brand identities
  • Creatively exploring a visual media
  • Working individually, but also to be able to work in teams
  • Contributing to challenges of communication in the public domain
  • Having an interest in applying skills in media practice to 'real' outcomes
  • Words, Language and word/image relationships
  • Copywriting and developing a creative copy interest
  • Moving and sequential image and film
  • Paper and the printed page
  • Letterforms
  • Typeface Designing
  • 'Cover Art' and graphics applied to music, posters and flyers
  • Digital editing and composition

If you want....

  • To develop and apply visual skills within a range of graphic media;
  • to be equipped to join other creative practitioners in stimulating future employment within the Design profession;
  • to participate actively in group working, at University and in practice;
  • to be able to, potentially, contribute to the growing visual culture, based in London;
  • to be prepared to meet the practical and intellectual challenges of future demanding design assignments or project assignments;
  • to work in an area that contributes to establishing the nature of future visual practice, in communication, and in relation to culture, attitudes and fashion;
  • to enjoy, and be rewarded for, working in a media or skill in which you excel;
  • to broaden and add to the existing body of knowledge of visual and graphic communication.

What will I study?

The programme is 'Discourse and Practice' based. It delivers teaching of skills as integrated with theory, seminars and visual assignments that have written reports and presentations, included within the studio environment. Students choose to develop their skills during level one of the programme, towards the 'classic' skills of typography and design publication. Protocols and spatial considerations of web-site work and interactive graphic design are developed at level 2. In level 3, the final year, the student identifies and proposes a body of visual independent work, with the support of their programme tutors. This programme actively taps into its London location and the new designers working here and opportunities for 'live' research offered by the capital.

Which modules will I study?

You can view a full guide to the modules you have to study as part of your chosen pathway, along with a full range of option modules available by viewing the Single & Combined Honours Programmes Guide for Graphic Design

Can I study a Combined Honours Programme as a Part-time degree?

All our Combined Honours Programmes can be studied on a Part-time or Full-time basis. As a Part-time student, you will study the same degree programme, but at a slower pace. You will study up to 4 modules per year (instead of 6 as a full-time student).

What career opportunities are open to me if I study Graphic Design?

Graduates can gain student membership of the Chartered Society of Designers, participation in D & AD competitions and workshops, a placement and/or exchange and 'live' projects and working with professional designers, provides a breadth of experience. This is likely to give entry to a graphics career as an assistant or freelance designer, as an editor in a 'facilities house' or production company, an art editor or magazine designer, a corporate designer, art director, or advertising creative.

What can I combine with Graphic Design?

Popular combinations include:

  • Fine Art/Graphic Design (WW12 - BA/NFNH)
  • Graphic Design with Animation (W2WA - BA/NHna)
  • Graphic Design with Illustration (W2W9 - BA/NHni)
  • Graphic Design/Photography (WW2Q - BA/NHNM)
  • Information Technology/Graphic Design (GW52 - Mod/PJNH)

We have over 5000 different combinations and you can choose from over 75 pathways. Please visit this page www.uel.ac.uk/combined/programmes for a full list.

Entry Requirements

240 ucas points (including two passes at A2, one of which should be in Art and Design or Creative Media Production) plus GCSE English grade C or above.

How do I apply?

If you wish to study with us full-time from September, you will need to make your application via UCAS (www.ucas.ac.uk).

If you wish to study with us part-time you can obtain an application form from our admissions department study@uel.ac.uk or apply on-line

Other Graphic Design programmes available

For further information on the range of Graphic Design programmes available at UEL, please visit the School page.

Contact Us

If you would like to speak to someone about a Combined Honours Programme, please contact the School of Combined Honours on 0208 223 2575 or email us at combined.honours@uel.ac.uk

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