The programme specialises in digital visual communication and associated design opportunities in new media.  It continues a tradition of high quality graphic design, based on a philosophy that stresses the importance of creative thinking, alongside the need for a high standard of technical skills. We encourage Digital Graphics students to work alongside the Graphic Design students helping create a shared experience of working and developing together. Specialist briefs are designed to encourage creativity through experimentation, controversy and risk taking so that over the three years, students produce work of distinct individuality and are able to tackle future digital visual communication challenges. The course focuses on digital graphics for a variety of screen based media combining the creative use of word, type, image, sound, motion and narrative.  On completion, students are equipped with a range of visual communication skills and the knowledge to work in the field of digital graphic design.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

240-300 points at A2 plus interview with portfolio.

Course Content

BA(Hons) Digital Graphics focuses on all the elements required in the design and production of screen based graphics. Essential design skills are taught for producing a variety of online design and include creative thinking, typography, illustration, branding, viral advertising, story-boarding, navigation, motion, interface design, coding and contemporary styling. Computer programmes such as Photoshop, Illustrator, In-Design are introduced.

Year 1: You will be introduced to the basic components of Graphic Design through a series of short briefs focusing on creative thinking, research typography, story-boarding, narrative, motion and image making. Computer sessions run along-side to improve technical skills essential for digital output. Contextual Studies relates to historical design and practice. Visits to exhibitions and galleries enhance learning.

Year 2: Briefs are more in depth encouraging students to develop skills learned in the first year. Students will design and visualise concepts for websites, motion graphics and various screen based media. Student award competitions are entered and live briefs from industry are introduced. Contextual Studies in year 2 relates to industry and contemporary design practice. Guest speakers visit from the digital graphic design industry aiming to keep students informed.

Year 3: Final year students build up a digital portfolio of work with self-initiated projects and student award competitions such as those set by D&AD and YCN. At the end of the year students exhibit their work in the graduate Degree Show.

Course at a Glance

Year 1

Creative Thinking
Introduction to Graphic Design
Historical Contextual Studies
Introduction to Computer Skills

Year 2

Visual Communication
Ideas in Context
Contemporary Contextual Studies
Professional Practice

Year 3

Honours Project
External Project
Personal Project
Design Futures

Links with Professional Bodies:

Membership of D&AD

Assessment:

Each brief is critiqued and verbal feedback targets weaknesses and strengths. All work in years 1 and 2 is assessed at the end of the modules. The third year is assessed at the end of the course with an exhibition of final year work.

Learning Environment:

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to challenge existing methods of generating ideas and problem solving by setting briefs that stimulate creative thinking and encourage risk taking. Each brief sets out a specific design problem and will be taught through lectures, group seminars, practical demonstrations, one to one tutorials and critiques, followed by guided self-study.

Careers:

We have excellent industrial links and graduates will be employable in the wide area of Graphic Design and the new media sectors. Other career opportunities exist within general design consultancies, in-house design studios, printing, education or freelance work.

Fees and Finance

The standard fee for this course will be: TBC

For further information including the availability of bursaries/scholarships or student financial support please view our Fees and Finance pages.