BA(Hons) Graphic Design (incorporating HND award) PDF Print E-mail

Why choose Graphic Design and why at SMU

The prime aim of this programme is to provide a broad but thorough education in graphic design, which enables graduates to understand and contribute to our visual culture in professional, responsible and meaningful ways.

The success of the programme has been due to several factors; not least of which has been an awareness of the need for the programme to constantly evolve. In the ever-changing world of graphic design, programmes that stand still quickly become obsolete. Staff are constantly updating their skills, and modules are constantly reviewed and modified.

We expect a passion for the subject and a commitment to the course. What we give in return is the same. The staff are passionate about Graphic Design and committed to the students on the course. The staff/student ratio is good and there is a lot of contact time with the staff.

Our focus is upon producing graduates who are able to slot into a rewarding career, whether this be working in private practice, a design studio, a publishing house, a local authority, education, a museum, or charity or one of the digital industries. The professional opportunities for well-trained and educated graphic designers are broad and varied.

More about the course

The three-year BA (Hons) programme has an embedded HND qualification at the end of the second year.

The programme has gained a reputation for producing high-quality graphic design graduates, capable of producing design to professional standards and leaving the course job-ready.

We have an open door policy on the course and encourage a free and open dialogue with our students. We want students to participate in the development of the programme both in terms of content and direction.

• The course is built on the extensive experience of both academic and professional staff
• Industry links and feedback ensure the course stays current
• State of the art kit and software
• Students leave job-ready

Course structure & content

The Faculty has excellent industrial links and there is a regular programme of visiting speakers and professionals. Live projects are an integral part of the course and these help you to engage with professional bodies before you graduate.

All work is project based. Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding in the form of practical project work. All assessment is based on 100% coursework.

As well as formal lectures there is also a programme of individual tutorials throughout the three years.
Theory is a major part of your coursework and final degree, constituting about 20% of your studies and marks. There are also workshops to help you enhance your technical studies and creative enquiry.

Despite all the developments within subject area, we still see Typography as the cornerstone of Graphic Design and there is an emphasis on that in the first year.

Year 1

Studio-based Modules: Graphic Communication, Typography and Visual Studies

History & Contextual Studies: Delivered via lectures, workshops and essay writing

Year 2

Studio-based modules: Corporate id & Major Project, Design Technologies and Visual Studies.
Additional modules: Professional Practice
History & Contextual Studies: Delivered via lectures, workshops and essay writing

Year 3

Studio-based modules: Major Project (External and Personal) and Advanced Creative Enquiry
Additional modules: Marketing, Promotion and Exhibition
History & Contextual Studies: Delivered by personal supervision and dissertation

In Year 3 students are asked to curate their own degree show in Swansea. High achieving students are also invited to attend a graduate showcase exhibition in London.

Facilities & Resources

Graphic design production relies on the computer, particularly Apple computers. The programme is well supported in both hardware and software provision. There are two suites of computers, the main teaching area, has twenty-three individual computer workspaces, and the open access suite another fourteen. All computers have current professional software for both print and digital media. All of the ‘kit' provision is kept under review, as both hardware and software develops and changes constantly.
Studio space is multi-purpose and flexible.

There is a rolling programme of visiting lecturers, we bring in professionals to extend our provision and to expose students to new ways of thinking and working.

Beyond this specialist equipment, you will also have access to an extensive range of facilities including an excellent library, open-access computer suits and optional workshops in other areas within the Faculty.

Student experiences/Employment opportunities

Most students find work within the design industry with in six months of graduating. Opportunities for Graphic Design graduates are many and varied, below are just a few of the areas graduates from the course are now working.
Publishing, Information Design, Exhibition Design, Web and multimedia, Education and Advertising

"...managed to land on my feet. 150 applicants for the job on manutd.com. I would have loved to have seen who I was up against. We all owe the teaching staff a lot." Stuart Palmer
"I moved to Swansea alone and scared, not only was it a different city, it was a different country, after just a week on the course I felt like I belonged" Tanya Allen, South African student.

Student gallery

UCAS Codes, Entry requirements, How to apply, Open days & Fees

UCAS Code: W210
Course Code Title: BA/GDes

Study Options: 3years Full Time/6 years Part-Time

Information on Entry Requirements, How to Apply and Open Days can be found on our main Faculty Page

Information on Fees can be found here

Contact
Admissions tutor: David La Grange
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01792 481285