City of Bristol College

FdA Graphic Design and Digital Arts

Study at an award-winning college that’s one of the largest further and higher education colleges in the UK. Choose from the widest range of career-focused higher education courses in the area. Enjoy some of the best facilities in the region and explore one of the most vibrant cities in the country. 

We are no longer recruiting new students to this partnership

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    • Visual Language and Culture (GDMM101)

      Students will investigate the cultural and ethical issues that inform contemporary art and design. Students will be introduced to the practice of research to develop a theoretical and critical awareness of visual language that will inform their own work, through experimentation with both traditional and digital art and design processes.

    • Graphic Design Principles (GDMM102)

      This module aims to develop learners knowledge, understanding and skills in, graphic communication and typography, through studio-based assignments. The, contemporary context of Graphic Design will be investigated.

    • Multimedia Principles (GDMM103)

      This module aims to introduce learners to the potential of multimedia and to widen appreciation of the genre for communication purposes. Learners will use and produce multimedia products. The importance of the design process in the creation of multimedia applications will be highlighted.

    • Developing Graphic Concepts (GDMM106)

      Students will be required to generate and develop ideas to fulfil complex graphic communication objectives involving commercial constraints. This will involve adapting ideas to a range of different applications and working with others to develop ideas. Concepts will be developed for a professional presentation.

    • Editorial Design (GDMM107)

      This module will give students the fundamental principles of handling text material, using appropriate skills to complement and inform digital editorial design. Students will explore ideas in structuring and presenting text and imagery to produce solutions which communicate effectively in a range of editorial design contexts.

    • Typography (GDMM108)

      This module will extend the understanding of typographic design by addressing the relationship between design, communication and meaning, in both traditional and contemporary practice. It will also focus on the relationship between typographic form, style, legibility and the requirements of display and text applications.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    • Professional Brief (COBC2110)

    • Digital Creativity (COBC2192)

      This module provides the opportunity for students to explore emerging digital media technologies, gaining understanding and skills to create interactive or motion design outcomes. Students explore?practical and creative processes in digital and interactive media, developing a critical understanding of their work in a contemporary context. Students experiment with?interactivity, game, narrative, interface and experience.?  

    • Visual Culture (GDMM201)

      This module explores issues and concepts that emerge from contemporary art and design through lectures, tutorials and individual research to encourage debate and analysis. It provides opportunities for learners to evaluate these references in the context of their specialism and engage with a range of methodologies.

    • Branding and Packaging (GDMM202)

      Packaging is used as a starting point for gaining knowledge and confidence in producing 3D graphic and branding concepts. The module encourages learners to experiment with ideas, images, materials, technology and typography while still considering practical, cosmetic and environmental issues to ensure effective design and branding solutions.

    • Advertising (GDMM203)

      This module deals with the communication problems set by the production of advertising materials. Students will gain an insight into the strategies of advertising campaigns, the role of copywriting and market research.

    • Corporate Identity (GDMM204)

      In this module students acquire and develop the necessary skills to create a functional corporate identity through an understanding of the relevant historical origins, philosophy and contexts. Students gain practical experience in creating and applying effective solutions through logotypes, symbols and methods of presenting the corporate message.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with City of Bristol College

The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with City of Bristol College

One of the largest colleges in the UK, we offer the widest range of career-focused, higher education courses in the area. With most of our courses based in our dedicated University Centre, you’ll enjoy expert tuition and a supportive learning environment.
 
Plymouth students working on a group project