Graphic and Communication Design BA
at University of Leeds

Course Description

This challenging course develops your creativity in graphic and communication design within an intellectually stimulating learning and research environment. A framework of academic studies, delivered by experts from a range of design disciplines, gives a dynamic context to your specialist studies. In Year 1, you will undertake core studies in the historic, cultural and technological aspects of art & design. Alongside your academic work, you will develop a strategic approach to communications problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on visual research. In Year 2, you will develop your academic understanding of the core subjects and an awareness of professional standards. You will focus your studio practice and specialise in either graphic design, branding and advertising or animation/interactive media. In year 3, you will work towards a final exhibition of design work and produce a written investigation into a graphic & communication design subject of your choice. Through your studies, you will develop your ability to think creatively, and to devise innovative, imaginative design proposals. You will learn how to implement design solutions and advertising campaigns for a wide range of purposes; and how to communicate with a broad range of clients and their audiences.

CareersThrough your degree studies, you will also actively develop a range of skills to prepare you for employment. You will develop your communication, presentation, research and analytical skills; and your visual and critical awareness; together with knowledge of the art and design world and related employment. On completion of this course, you will be equipped for a range of opportunities in employment or postgraduate study. Our students have an impressive track record as prize-winners in national competitions; and our graduates have regularly found jobs with sought-after employers in the graphics industry. Recent graduate destinations include Futurbrand, Attik, Iris, Phillips, RCA, England, Home, Walker Pinfold and Brahm.

Duration3 years

Entry requirementsVolume and depth of study/Tariff points and grades

3 A2 levels required, grades BBB, excluding General Studies

GCE AS = acceptable only as part of, or in addition to, three A2 levels

GCE A levelSubjects and grades required – 3 A2 levels required, grades BBB, including art or design

Excluded subjects = General Studies

ASVCE = acceptable only as part of, or in addition to, three A2 levels

AVCE = Acceptable as one of the three A2 levels

AVCE double award = Acceptable along with another A level

Scottish qualifications

Tariff Points and GradesTariff score = 300 points at grade B, including art or design

HigherAdditional information = Highers considered Five subjects required where no Advanced Highers offered. Subjects and grades required = Art or Design

Advanced HigherSubjects and grades required = Art or DesignAdditional information = 3 Advanced Highers or 5 Highers or combination required

International BaccalaureateSubjects and grades required: 32 points, with 15 at higher level, including art or design

Access to HEMature candidates positively welcomed. Mature Candidates with Mature Access course in Art and Design will be interviewed.

GCSE6 GCSEs grades A to C required, including English language, art or design, maths or science

European Baccalaureate7.5 overall average, including art or design

Students receiving offers are invited to a departmental open day.

Admissions contactMr Jim BrogdenTel: +44 (0) 113 343 3751E-mail: j.w.brogden@leeds.ac.uk

The School of DesignThe School is located in a number of specialised buildings at the heart of the Leeds campus. Its studios and workshops are amongst the best available, and its staff are highly qualified and enthusiastic. Students work in an architecturally beautiful and dynamic environment, where they will be constantly responding to challenges, both academic and creative.

What you studyThis course will enable you to develop a strategic approach to communication problems and implement appropriate design solutions and advertising campaigns for a wide range of purposes. We encourage you to think creatively, to devise innovative, imaginative proposals, and to develop rigorous research, analytical, communication and presentation skills. Your ability to develop creative solutions and marketing strategies to sell, inform, motivate and persuade, is the primary aim of the course. You will learn how to relate to and empathise with a wide range of clients and their audiences. You will acquire fluency in visual language, a critical and theoretical appreciation of content and context, and a comprehensive knowledge of digital media and its applications.

Year 1: Graphic and Communication Design specialism; History and Theory of Art and Design; Patterns and Culture; Fundamentals of Imaging; optional/elective subject/s

Year 2: Graphic and Communication Design specialism; Design Theory; Digital Design; Design Management and Marketing; optional/elective subject/s

Year 3: Graphic and Communication Design specialism; dissertation; optional/elective subject/s; final exhibition.

A description of the course can also be found on the department's website.

For further information about the course, including the modules available to you, see our guide.

Learning and assessment

As well as graphic and communication design practice, this course provides a strong theoretical grounding in relevant core subjects. You may also develop complementary skills and knowledge through a choice of optional subjects, and/or elective subjects selected from the School or other University departments. Learning and teaching takes place through lectures, seminars and tutorials, as well as one-to-one contact with tutors in studios and workshops. Practical work is assessed by visual presentations, portfolios or other appropriate documentation. Assessment may be based on conventional written examinations, essays or other written responses to assignment briefs; and the submission of practical log books or collections/portfolios of design work. A major design project is submitted in the final year, and all students submit a written dissertation of around 10,000 words.