As the titles of Adverting, Design and Illustration can no longer represent a precise or formal definition of contemporary working practices, the study pathways are ‘home’ areas for students that provide a convenient context for their work. This makes it easier for students to take responsibility for their own learning within a structured and supportive framework. However, this structure also provides the flexibility that allows students to develop their originality and creativity by working collaboratively or individually with peer and staff support.
The course includes Context as an integrated contextual studies programme designed to encourage and enable students to develop knowledge of the context in which design occurs. Students are helped to create a range of critical positions towards a definition of their own practice and it’s context. The curriculum also includes opportunities to engage with web design, motion graphics, film and video, animation, photography, printmaking, print production and interactive digital media. Students may specialise (for example in typography) or be pluralists (for example multi-media design). The course supports open attitudes to graphic design, communication design and design strategies; it encourages multi-disciplinary, individual and team working.
Stage 1
The course begins with a common diagnostic first year, which introduces many approaches to design thinking, creative conceptualising and graphic design practice. The curriculum ranges from introductions to design and ideas, typography and letterpress, advertising, photography, animation, drawing, printmaking and illustration to designing with computer software for print and screen-based media. The course provides grounding in both traditional and new media. It also allows students a free choice of projects beyond the first term. A study trip to a European cultural centre is also available.
Stage 2
After the first year, students freely choose their ‘home’ pathway within Advertising, Design, Illustration or Moving Image. Though appearing to offer only four subject areas, the Stage 2 curriculum includes opportunities to engage with typography, web design, motion graphics, film and video, animation, photography, printmaking, bookbinding, print production and interactive digital media. During this period students consolidate their direction and work with increasingly demanding projects. Students are required to engage in critical debate about style and content and to challenge established practices and ideas. At Stage 2, students are required to manage their time effectively and maintain a high level of motivation. There are opportunities to participate in national and international competitions, ‘live’ briefs and student exchanges. A study trip to an international cultural centre is also available.
Stage 3
As in Stage 2 there is no formal restriction placed on the type of work made or the media used. The course continues to support open attitudes to advertising, illustration and graphic design; students are encouraged to develop as specialists or pluralists, to work as individuals or in design teams. Stage 3 students are focused on producing a body of work for their degree submission. This will involve a major Context project, course-work, self-initiated work, outside commissions, or work for competitions. Students form themselves into a number of working groups, campaigning for sponsorship, organising publicity and press coverage, editing and designing a show catalogue, website, DVD and CDROM. The degree show is firmly established as a major event in the London design calendar. Luminaries of the profession, if not actually recruiting new talent, have confirmed that this is the show they continue to visit in their search for ideas or inspiration and to gain insight into future directions.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to:
provide a supportive learning environment in which you can become an independent, self-aware learner
equip you with the knowledge, understanding, and intellectual, academic, practical and transferable skills necessary to practice in and contribute to graphic design and the creative industries
produce responsible, self-reliant graduates able to demonstrate critical analysis and self-relfection in their contributions to society.
By the end of the course you should have:
a detailed understanding and awareness of current developments in graphic design
the ability to initiate, develop and sustain ideas; analyse and critically evaluate information; to demonstrate visual and aesthetic awareness; to solve problems and make decisions within set and self-initiated projects
the ability to present ideas and resolved outcomes through the informed selection and use of materials, techniques and processes
the ability to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences using visual, verbal and physical means
the ability to work independently and collaboratively to initiate, manage and conclude projects within set timescales
the ability to critically evaluate the social, cultural and professional contexts within which graphic design operates.
The course will enable you to demonstrate that you have developed clear and imaginative graphic communication and and can locate design practice within a framework of critical and theoretical debate.