The School of Contextual Studies and Visual Communication unites both theoretical and historical practices within Art & Design (which is taught to all students and informs students at all levels) and the Graphic Design, Advertising Design and General Illustration undergraduate courses. Both of these courses emphasise the strong links between visual and verbal forms of communication.

Graphic Design effectively and creatively integrates and manipulates words and imagery to inform, persuade and provoke responses in a huge variety of areas within the wider visual arena (e.g. books, posters, magazines, packaging, websites).

Design for Advertising Advertising permeates our lives - it is all around us, and constantly confronts us. Design for advertising is a challenging profession that encompasses a broad range of disciplines but above all, requires an ability to communicate and inform.

General Illustration, whilst developing abilities in practical illustration, has also expanded in flexible ways into areas of computer and typographic skills, and develops students' creativity and visual vocabulary to prepare them for a place in the commercial world.

Joint Honours: Art History This new modular Joint Honours Degree offers students the opportunity to combine Art History with another discipline currently taught at the University. Students will gain an informed view and understanding of visual art history, engaging in a challenging way with a variety of approaches to visual practices and theories.

The School has an introductory video showing some of the activities of the School.

The Faculty has an introductory video showing some of the activities of the Faculty.