Visual Communication, BA (Hons)

This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to design methods, ideal for students eager to explore diverse creative sectors, pursue personal interests, and collaborate with industry for practical outcomes. Over a structured three-year program, participants develop advanced skills as visual communicators, emphasizing hands-on learning in media such as illustration, photography, video, graphic design, and 3D creation. Students apply these abilities to real-world briefs, leveraging staff expertise to foster problem-solving and employability through live projects, community engagement, and partnerships with businesses.The curriculum progresses as follows: In the first year, foundational principles in graphic design, photography, film, printmaking, and illustration are introduced via practical briefs that encourage exploration of communication processes. Year two focuses on refining creative practice through real-life projects, self-directed work, and portfolio development for professional opportunities. In the final year, students consolidate their specialization, enhance entrepreneurial skills via industry interactions, and produce a graduate folio reflecting their unique vision and career goals.

Year one – Core principles of design and communication are introduced within graphic design, photography and film, printmaking, and illustration. Through practical briefs, you will unpick communication processes including persuasion, narrative, documentary, and reportage, where your own interests will inform the content of your work. You may have the opportunity to collaborate with other students across disciplines at the University. You may also work with businesses and communities in the city and exhibit your work. Year two – You will develop your creative practice and apply your skills to real life-projects (whether self-directed, client-based or competitions). During the year, you will start to investigate the professional world related to your emerging practice. This specialism could be in any number of applications or subject areas, as directed by your own interests. You will develop an impressive portfolio of work to help secure vital work experience. Year three – In the last year you consolidate the focus of your creative practice. You will develop your professional and entrepreneurial skills through engagement with visiting professionals, external events, and exhibitions. Work culminates in the realisation of a graduate folio which reflects your individual philosophy and career aspirations as a creative thinker and visual communicator.