Graphic Design and Photography BA(Hons)

Why choose this course?

This course will enable you to develop your creative skills through photography. You will gain the practical ability to create and realise ideas in the context of communication design, utilising a wide range of media, with a focus on photography and lens-based media – in areas such as advertising, art direction, documentary, editorial, photo-illustration and digital imaging. 

What will you study?

In Year 1 you will explore key areas of communication design, with emphasis on conceptual thinking and ideas generation, alongside introductory topics in photographic practice. In Year 2 you'll begin to pursue your own creative agenda. You will work both collaboratively and independently on projects that explore the breadth of creative practice possible within communication design utilising lens-based media, including areas such as moving image and interactive design. In Year 3 you will work on projects to develop your individual professional portfolio and graduation shows.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1

• Design Studies 1

• Design Studies 1

  This module introduces the studio as a working environment. You explore design principles and processes, such as:

  • image-making;
  • two and three dimensional design skills;
  • sequential thinking and visual narrative; and
  • languages of colour.
  
   
• Design Studies 2

• Design Studies 2

  This module develops your understanding of the properties of materials and their associated processes, as commonly used in contemporary industrial production. You cover:

  • the manufacturing context and conventions – including an appreciation of their implications for the environment and society; and
  • the principles of ergonomics and its appropriate application.
  
   
• Photographic Studies
• Typographic Principles and Computer Studies

• Typographic Principles and Computer Studies

  This module familiarises you with the fundamentals of typography and related software.

  
   
• Portfolio and Presentation

• Portfolio and Presentation

  This module supports your development of a body of work that accurately reflects your personal endeavours and initiative in graphic design studies.

  
   
• Themes in the History of Design for Communication and Media 1

• Themes in the History of Design for Communication and Media 1

  This module provides a historical and critical framework for communications and media through image-based lectures, screenings and study visits. It covers:

  • the historical development of the graphic arts and imagery from the mid-20th century;
  • the professional development of design for communication and media;
  • the evolution of 'popular' mass imagery; and
  • the role of changing technologies and techniques in the development of image and text production and reproduction.

  We will also explore key themes relating to graphic arts and imagery, including:

  • the consumption of mass media and imagery;
  • the image and consumer culture;
  • the emergence 'new' media, and
  • Modernism and Postmodernism in art, design and communication.

  The module engages with critical texts to allow you to examine the relationship between theory and practice in design and to develop an understanding of Postmodernism as a cultural response to social and technological change.

  
   
• Themes in the History of Design for Communication and Media 2

• Themes in the History of Design for Communication and Media 2

  This module provides a historical and critical framework for communications and media through image-based lectures, screenings and study visits. It covers:

  • the historical development of the graphic arts and imagery from the mid-20th century;
  • the professional development of design for communication and media;
  • the evolution of 'popular' mass imagery; and
  • the role of changing technologies and techniques in the development of image and text production and reproduction.

  We will also explore key themes relating to graphic arts and imagery, including:

  • the consumption of mass media and imagery;
  • the image and consumer culture;
  • the emergence 'new' media, and
  • Modernism and Postmodernism in art, design and communication.

  The module engages with critical texts to allow you to examine the relationship between theory and practice in design and to develop an understanding of Postmodernism as a cultural response to social and technological change.

  
   
• Language option
• Communicating Art and Design History option

Year 2

• Design Studies 3

• Design Studies 3

  This module gives you the chance to explore screen and print-based media through issue-based, open-ended projects.

  
   
• Photography in Practice

• Photography in Practice

  This module deepens your understanding of photography as a medium in its own right and in relation to design. You work on a range of issue-based projects, which explore photography in its social and cultural context.

  
   
• Creative Careers Management
• Contemporary Issues in Research

• Contemporary Issues in Research

  This module provides a broad introduction and preparation for the dissertation project. It considers:

  • the role of research within art and design practice;
  • the relationship between primary and secondary material;
  • ways of developing and originating research; and
  • ways of realising the research in a formal written manner.

  The module provides a broad overview of some of the different critical and methodological approaches to researching in art and design culture.

  
   
• Portfolio and Presentation

• Portfolio and Presentation

  This module supports your development of a body of work that accurately reflects your personal endeavours and initiative in graphic design studies.

  
   
• Option module
• Language option

Year 3

• Photography in Context

• Photography in Context

  This module explores photography in the context of design. You will undertake a range of personally-selected and self-initiated works. This will give you the chance to develop personal contacts and networks with institutions, industry and individuals.

  
   
• Professional Portfolio

• Professional Portfolio

  In this module, you develop a professional communication design portfolio, which will help you to embark on your chosen career path.

  
   
• Professional Practice

• Professional Practice

  This module develops your:

  • professional practice skills as they relate to a career in communication design or a related area;
  • understanding of the varied roles in design practice; and
  • project management skills.
  
   
• Dissertation

• Dissertation

  The dissertation module involves individual research, organisation and development of a subject of personal interest. You will develop:

  • critical and analytical thought; and
  • the ability to sustain an argument using research and writings skills.
  
   
• Show and Presentation

• Show and Presentation

  The degree show exhibition gives you the chance to exhibit a body of creative work reflecting your highest achievements. It will launch you into the professional world with maximum impact.