COURSE CURRICULUM

This course offers a comprehensive and interconnected exploration of graphic design, blending theory, practice, and personal creative development across a range of core modules. In Design Communication: Crafting Impactful Messages, students begin by focusing on research-led, content-driven design. Through visual communication exercises, they build critical thinking skills while shaping a personal creative direction that will inform their final project. Co-Create offers a collaborative experience, where students join forces with peers from other disciplines on live or simulated industry briefs. This interdisciplinary environment encourages teamwork, agility, and the application of specialist knowledge in real-world contexts, developing professional skills such as delegation, project management and problem-solving. Evolving Practice in Graphic Design supports students in responding to current debates and challenges in the field. With an emphasis on social responsibility, students explore a mix of analogue, digital and post-digital methods to refine their creative voice and further define the focus of their final project. Professional Practice and Innovation deepens understanding of the creative industries across independent, commercial and public sectors. Delivered in partnership with the Royal Society of Arts, this module gives students access to RSA resources, networks, and a digital credential upon completion, offering valuable insight into professional contexts and innovation. The final module, Graphic Design Practice and Theoretical Inquiry, is the culmination of the course. Students produce a major, self-directed design project that synthesises research, theory and practical exploration. A 3,500-word report accompanies the final piece, demonstrating rigorous academic inquiry and critical reflection. This project showcases students’ ability to create meaningful, informed and contemporary design work. Overall, the course structure supports the development of a strong creative voice, professional awareness, and a portfolio of high-level work that reflects the complexity and potential of modern graphic design.