University of Cumbria

BA (Hons) in grafisch ontwerp

The BA (Hons) in Graphic Design aims to help you successfully transition from being a design student to a professional designer. Our graduates work for national and international design and advertising consultancies, multi-media agencies, TV companies, publishing houses, magazines and many now run their own design studios.

Year One

In Level 4 you’ll gain fundamental knowledge and practical experience of visual communication, the building blocks of visual language, and professional attitudes and practices. When you join us you become part of a creative community and from the outset, you will be encouraged to share your ideas, and experiences and work through discussion with tutors and fellow students.

A distinctive feature of the graphic design course is that, initially, you will work closely with Level 4 illustrators exploring the fundamental principles of visual communication as many of the core principles and considerations are shared between the two disciplines, for instance; color theory and application, traditional and digital media, development processes, presentation skills, etc.

Introducing Visual Communication

Develop effective working practices and habits.

Cultural Contexts

An introduction to the cultural, historical, and social contexts in which creative work from a range of disciplines.

Multi-Dimensional Graphic Design

Explore multiple forms and formats, from traditional print to the latest digital platforms, simple symbols to complex information and ideas, ephemeral to iconic.

Collaborative Practice

Work with other students to explore and practice the skills involved in creative collaboration.

Year Two

The second year is focused on applying the knowledge and skills you’ve gained to a series of design challenges. Testing and refining your design and personal management skills in a number of scenarios will give you confidence in your ability to tackle unfamiliar challenges. As your confidence grows through experience you’ll begin to develop personal strands of interest or specialism.

Your tutors bring a wide range of design experience to the course with particular expertise and interests in typography, editorial/publishing, corporate identity, and branding work. There is an emphasis on knowledge, passion, and enjoyment, showing you how they can be utilized to make memorable, meaningful designs.

The Designer's Toolkit

Explore the structural elements that are essential when creating any piece of graphic design - alignment, hierarchy, contrast, repetition, proximity, balance, color, and space.

Type & Typography

Explore letterforms and how they can be manipulated and arranged to inform, entice, and communicate lies.

Graphic Design Projects

Develop conceptual skills and an individual approach to graphic design problem-solving, providing the springboard to your final year of study.

The Critical Designer

Explore key contextual debates that impact production and the reading of graphic design texts. Consider design as a form of social practice.

Year Three

As you enter your final year, flexibility increases where all of the skills, knowledge, and confidence you have developed so far are brought together to produce a portfolio of design work that showcases your talents.

By this time you’ll be preparing for progression – life after you finish your degree-seeking work or preparing for Master's or Postgraduate study. Much of your professional practice will be focused on that exciting step.

Advanced Design Projects

An opportunity to work within a design brief and explore a particular area of interest.

Independent Research Paper

Develop specialized and focused knowledge and understanding of a subject of your own choice.

Graphic Design Showcase

An opportunity to show off the skills, knowledge, and professionalism developed throughout the course to potential employers and the wider world.

How You Will Be Assessed

Tijdens je cursus maak je gebruik van een reeks beoordelingsmethoden, waaronder groepsprojecten, het maken van portfolio's en stage. Je krijgt regelmatig advies en begeleiding door middel van formatieve feedback, waarbij je onderzoekt hoe je kennis benadert en inbrengt in één-op-één- en groepslessen. Summatieve beoordelingen vinden het hele jaar door plaats en zijn bedoeld om te beoordelen hoe u uw kennis toepast via essays, portfolio's en projecten.

Assessments zijn bedoeld om uw professionele zelfvertrouwen te ontwikkelen en u uit te rusten met de vaardigheden die u nodig hebt om uit te blinken als een aanpasbare en betrouwbare grafisch ontwerper.

On This Course You Will...

• Leer grafisch ontwerp, tijdschriftontwerp, illustratie en typografie van experts in elk van deze specialismen, en gebruik industriestandaard software, apparatuur en faciliteiten.
• Doe echt grafisch ontwerpwerk. 80% van je studie zal praktijkgericht zijn, dus je leert niet alleen theorie.
• Bouw een robuust werkportfolio op voor tentoonstellingen om uw grafische ontwerpopleiding onder de aandacht te brengen en uw talent aan potentiële werkgevers te tonen.
• Profiteer van praktische demonstraties, bezoeken en feedback van professionele ontwerpers.