About this course
Accreditations and partnerships:
- Entry year: 2013/14
- Course code: W211
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: 280
- Department: Creative Industries
- Campus: Bower Ashton
- Duration: Three years
- Delivery: Part-time, Full-time
- Study Abroad: Yes
- Programme leader: Colum Leith
- Key fact: We also offer students the opportunity to study an Animation pathway - please refer to the Structure tab for more information.
Introduction
This course will enable you to explore the changing concept of graphic design and the role of the graphic designer in society and the professional world. In its many forms, graphic design makes an increasing contribution to the cultural and economic life of contemporary society. It exists in the public domain, is an indicator of current cultural thinking and is a catalyst for social, cultural and political change.
Over the last five years we have exhibited our graduating students work at D&AD New Blood, London. In 2011 UWE graduating student Carlos Simpson, won a D&AD Best New Blood Winner 2011. Announcing the award the D&AD president quoted Neville Brody who said that Carlos's book was "the best piece of print I've seen in years". Also commended was a collaborative piece by five UWE Graphic Design students, Graphic Design is a Lingua Franca.
The ISTD is the professional body run by and for typographers, graphic designers and educators. For a graduating student gaining membership to the Society gives them the edge when applying for work within the creative industries. Over the past number of years our students have been extremely successful in this scheme receiving commendation, merit and pass certificates.
In the past two years, five UWE Graphic Design students were represented in the final short-list of the Best Student Book Category of the Best British Book Design & Production Awards.
For examples of work by current students and graduates visit www.typenowhere.com, the graphic design blog, gedpalmer.com, www.cityeditionstudio.co.uk, www.franhope.co.uk, our vimeo page, and flickr page.
The course is an Academic Partner of http://www.visualizing.org/partners.
>> Structure
Student's view
The tutors have been fantastic and have played a huge role in my enjoyment of the last 3 years, leaving me with confidence in my own abilities as a designer and many happy memories. Jono
Structure
Content
Year 1 emphasis is placed on experimentation and critical reflection, providing opportunities for you to experience a range of mediums, processes, technologies and concepts. You will explore communication through image-making, typography, print and screen graphics.
In Year 2 you will consider the professional aspects of graphic design. Option modules provide opportunities for exploring and focusing on particular areas of interest including type and print, moving image, and visual narratives. You can also take part in international exchange, work experience or animation.
Year 3 focuses on a self-directed programme of study culminating in a final show. You will have the opportunity to undertake live briefs, national and international competition including RSA and ISTD.
Please note this structure is for the full-time course delivery only. For part-time delivery the same modules will be studied over a longer period and the structure will differ.
BA(Hons) Graphic Design with Animation
The 'with Animation' pathway offers a unique opportunity for students to specialise in animation. Students choosing this pathway will take a module in the second half of Year 2 and work on animation modules throughout the final year.
You are introduced to contemporary production processes and principles of animation that may be applied within classical 2D, stop frame and computer animation. Film making, narrative and design for animation are central to the 'with Animation' pathway.
Animation is taught within the Bristol School of Animation, which has links with some of the major practitioners within the animation industry.
Teaching and learning
Teaching is through projects, lectures, seminars and tutorials.
For more details see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are used including projects, essays, group presentations and visual presentation. There are no exams. Critical evaluations are written throughout the course. In these students are expected to critique and analyse their own work and also relate it to the broader context and history of graphic design practice. Marks from modules undertaken at levels 2 and 3 can contribute to your final degree.
For more details see our full glossary of assessment terms.
>> Features
Special Features
Professional accreditation
This course is recognised by Creative Skillset, Sector Skills Council, and carries the Creative Skillset Tick for the purposes of indicating courses best suited to prepare for a Creative Industries career.
Placements
Study exchanges with European colleges of Art and Design are available as part of the EU funded SOCRATES programme, and European work placements are available through the LEONARDO programme.
Fieldwork
European and International visits and field studies are an integral part of the programme of study. Students are expected to pay for these, but prices are kept within strict limitations.
Study facilities
The Faculty's facilities include comprehensive video and animation resources, printing, photographic workshops, and extensive computer and digital media laboratories.
Professional Practice
Throughout the three years you'll engage with professional practice modules and come in contact with a range of speakers and industry professionals. Past visitors include:
Brendan Walker Aerial, Michael Marriott, Rudd Studio, Mark Ecob, Epoch Design, True Digital, Immediate Media, House-hold, Stuart Hilton, Scott King, Catherine Nippe, Nicholas Ostler, The Wilson Brothers, PAM, Heath Bunting, Accept and Proceed, Kerr/Noble, Spin, Paul Davis, Charlotte Heal, Europa, APFEL, Matilda Saxow, Wayne Daly AA, Karen Hoffstead, Peskimo, Amy Spencer, OK-RM, Beth White, Ginger Monkey, Three Media, Anthony Sherret, Jon Grey, Conway and Young, Adam Hayes, Ben Newman, Jam Factory/Gavin Strange and Bookworks.
>> Careers
Careers/further study
The course provides excellent preparation for a rewarding career in graphic design, including design groups and agencies (UK and international). Many graduates establish their own freelance careers and independent design companies.
Some of our recent graduates have found work with renowned studios:
Studio Makgill, The Times, Play Nicely, Redhouse Lane Communications, Hello Charlie, Peloton, BDH, Dirty Design, Pentagram, NB:Studio, City ID, Think Public, Domain Associates, McCann Erickson, Telegram, YCN, Collision Films, Mind Design, Aardman Animations and Plastic Horse.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read how Emma built her portfolio and her advice for getting a job as a graphic designer.
See Alex's youtube film about preparing for employment.
See some of our students' work on flickr.
Hear about some of the work opportunities generated by the Enterprise office.
Useful links
UWE - careers in graphic design
Prospects - careers in the creative arts sector
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
>> Entry
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 280
- GCSE: English Language at grade C or above required.
- Relevant subjects: Art and Design, Technology
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: BTEC Diploma in Art and Design acceptable
- Access: The Department of Art and Design guarantees to interview all Access to HE Diploma students whose qualification includes achievement of level 3 credits in Art and Design and achievement of level 2 credits in English Language.
Entry requirements
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about entry requirements.
Successful applicants are generally those with the strongest portfolios. Students of all ages and from all social backgrounds are recruited with a variety of qualifications including Foundation Studies Diploma, BTEC National Diploma, A levels or equivalent qualification in Art and Design
Applicants demonstrating commitment to and knowledge of the subject on their application form are invited to a selection session where they will be required to present a collection of their creative work to demonstrate a good practical ability in and understanding of their chosen field.
You should be enthusiastic and articulate and interviewers will be looking for evidence of a high degree of creativity and invention and will want to see a wide range of work including sketchbooks. Experimental work is encouraged along with the use of colour and typography.
Fees
Tuition fees for new Home/EU students studying this course full-time in 2013/14 will be £9000 per year.
For information on part-time and international fees as well as funding and scholarship opportunities see our fees and funding pages.
How to apply
Please see the general information about applications. The code for applications is W211.
For further information
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