BA (Hons) Graphic Design

GDES424
Type And Image 40 credits

This module introduces students to the use of typography in conjunction with imagery and encourages exploration of ‘text and image’ solutions to graphic communication problems. Understanding and use of the design process is further developed. Graphic design debates and contexts are introduced, as are ways of articulating these using academic conventions.

GDES434
Editorial Design 20 credits

Students are introduced to editorial design principles, practices and contexts. Students are encouraged to consider how typography, image, layout and format, play a part in the communication of editorial content. Working methodologies and articulation of thinking, in the context of editorial design, is developed.

GDES444
Identity Design 20 credits

Students are introduced to identity design principles, practices and contexts. Students are encouraged to consider how typography and other aspects of a visual identities, play a part in how brands communicate to their audiences. Working methodologies and articulation of thinking, in the context of identity design, is developed.

GDES454
Digital Design 20 credits

Students are introduced to digital design principles, practices and contexts. Students are encouraged to consider how typography and other aspects of graphic design can communicate information and experiences through digital media. Working methodologies and articulation of thinking, in the context of digital design, is developed.

GDES464
Type as Image 20 credits

This module introduces students to typographic practice within the context of graphic design andencourages exploration of typographic solutions to basic graphic communication problems. Typographyprinciples and terminologies are introduced and explored. Elements of the design process, such asresearch, concept development, and critical reflection, are introduced and attempted.

GDES514
Designing with Type 20 credits

This module extends and develops students understanding of typographic practice. A complex graphic communication problem is answered typographically. Students are encouraged to explore new methods and techniques, whilst honing their understanding of the design process developed at level 4.

GDES524
Experiment 40 credits

Students are encouraged to explore typography and graphic design processes that are playful, creative, non-routine and may contain elements of risk. The importance of experimentation as a way of revealing unforeseen possibilities within the design process is introduced. Key perspectives for analysing graphic design practice are introduced, and students are asked to apply these to their own analysis, following academic conventions.

GDES534
Developing Design Practice 40 credits

Students work towards a number of designed outcomes, building upon knowledge and skills gained at level 4, particularly in the fields of editorial design, identity design and/or digital design. Further perspectives for analysing graphic design practice are investigated, and students are asked to apply these to their own analyses, following academic conventions.

GDES544
Common Challenge: Collaborative Project 20 credits

Students are given a ‘macro-level’ topic, that is determined and introduced at a faculty level, and work together with other students to produce a graphic design response. The benefits and challenges of teamwork and collaboration are explored. Results are presented, alongside those from other programmes, at the end of the module.

ADA600
Common Dissertation: Critical Practices 20 credits

The module engages students in situating practice through research, contextualisation and critical reflection, in relation to their final stage study and post University aspirations. Programmes can offer: a traditional dissertation; preparation for an extended dissertation; situating existing practice; or the construction of a new body of work as practice-based research.

GDES614
Minor Project 20 credits

After reflecting upon level 5 learning experiences, future aims and personal interests, students, in negotiation with tutors, propose and undertake a project that solves a complex graphic communication problem. Solutions must have a typographic emphasis. The project can also provide an opportunity to further explore or confirm potential award option choices: core, editorial, identity or digital.

GDES624
The Competition 20 credits

Students undertake designs in response to a brief set by an international design competition. A project proposal is constructed, in negotiation with a tutor, that must also connect to a chosen award option (core, editorial, identity, digital), if relevant, and enable complex, novel solutions.

GDES634
Portfolio 20 credits

Students are asked to investigate employment or postgraduate possibilities that reflect personal aims and ambitions. Self-promotion items are designed in response, including a portfolio presenting the body of design work produced during the course to date.

GDES644
Major Project 40 credits

After reflection and consultation with tutors, a project proposal and schedule of work is devised, outlining a complex and challenging graphic communication task. Upon approval, the student undertakes self-directed supervised study, leading to the production of a major body of work reflecting personal aims, interests, and award option, where relevant.