Program Overview

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Introduction to BA (Hons) Communication Design

The BA (Hons) Communication Design course at Gray's School of Art is designed to develop students' knowledge and understanding of key disciplines in communication design, including graphics, illustration, and photography. This course supports the development of creative, critical, and technical skills necessary to pursue a career in today's ever-evolving communication design professions across various industry sectors.

Course Overview

• The course is delivered over four years, with the first year completed via the BA (Hons) Foundation in Art and Design.
• Students explore graphics, illustration, and photography within a variety of design studio and workshop settings, facilitating collaborative learning experiences using both traditional techniques and the latest digital technologies.
• Critical and contextual studies modules explore visual design culture and context, while creative future activities embed an enterprising outlook.
• Opportunities for participation in external-facing activities, such as international field study trips, national design competitions, and live collaborative projects with external businesses and organizations, are available throughout the course.

Year 1

• Completed via BA (Hons) Foundation in Art and Design, this full-time, studio-based year develops students' creative and critical practice, challenging their understanding of Art & Design disciplines.
• Experiences expand on both contextual and practical knowledge, introducing students to the Creative Industries and informing course options for Year 2.

Year 2

• Students apply their knowledge and understanding of the creative process within a series of design projects delivered through a combination of studio, workshop, and contextual and critical study activities.
• These activities enable students to develop outcomes that respond to briefs and allow them to explore their own interests and ambitions as designers.

Year 3

• Students begin to make informed choices about opting into course routes and potentially specialize in Graphic Design, Illustration, or Photography through studio project work and increasing levels of self-directed study in preparation for Year 4.
• Insight into various professional contexts is gained through live project briefs, and students explore the requirements of new business start-ups.

Year 4

• Students can opt to specialize within a particular area or undertake a broader cross-disciplinary route of study within Communication Design.
• Through researching subjects, topics, and themes, students respond to design briefs that underpin their study and final outcomes.
• A creative body of work and portfolio are developed in response to interests and career ambitions, and students exhibit at the annual Degree Show.

Communication Design Portfolios

• Explore the wide variety of student work and projects on the Communication Design portfolio page.
• Student stories and experiences studying this course are shared through Instagram and student blogs.

Sustainability Commitment

• The course provides the necessary knowledge and skill sets that challenge students to build a more sustainable world.
• The curriculum is designed to nurture and respect individuality in all learners while actively prioritizing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through course conscience.
• Students align their creative project work with at least one of the identified targets, and their positive contributions are highlighted by publishing the course response to sustainability at the annual Degree Show.

Events

• On-campus and virtual events are available to help students find out more about study, student experience, and future career paths.

Course and Module Information

• Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes.
• The University regularly reviews its courses, and course content and structure may change over time.

Learning Methods

• Students explore graphics, illustration, and photography within a variety of design studio and workshop settings.
• Collaborative learning experiences use both traditional techniques and the latest digital technologies.
• Critical and contextual studies modules explore visual design culture and context, while creative future activities embed an enterprising outlook.

Activity Summary

Year 4

• Lectures: Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
• Seminars: Approx 12 students per group, 1 - 2 hours per week
• Webinar: Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
• Tutorial: 1 - 12 students per group, 0.5 hour per week
• Project Supervision: Approx 50 students per group, 1 - 2 hours per week
• Demonstration: Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
• Practical class or workshop: Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
• Supervised time in studio / workshop: Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
• Independent Study: Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
• Field Work: Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
• External Visits: Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
• Placement / Work Based Learning: Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week

Independent Study

• As students progress through the course, increasing emphasis is placed upon the development of independent learning, culminating in Year 4 when students embark on a series of self-directed design projects.
• Honors year affords students the opportunity to reflect on their previous experiences and apply their knowledge and skills at a level approaching professional practice within their chosen route and/or specialism.

Staff Delivering on This Course

• The dedicated team of academic and technical staff have extensive knowledge and understanding of the field and come from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Their experience and expertise provide students with a deep understanding of the communication design disciplines.

Assessment

• Typically, students are assessed each year through a combination of written assignments, portfolios, and oral assessments.
• The specific assessment methods vary by year and module.

Feedback

• The University aims to provide students with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework, and practical exams.

Academic Support

• The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia, and other specific learning differences.
• Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

• All undergraduate and postgraduate students benefit from using the collaborative virtual learning environment, Moodle.
• Students are provided with 24/7 online access to learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

• The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in academic writing, study skills, maths and statistics, and information technology support.

Library Support

• The Library offers support for the course, including books, eBooks, and journals, as well as online reading lists for many modules, workshops, and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing.

Placements & Work Experiences

• Students have the opportunity to undertake an optional 10-week 'work placement' or alternatively a 4-week 'work experience' in Semester 2 of Year 3.
• Opportunities involve working with local, national, and international creative companies and designers.

Study Abroad

• In Semester 2 of Year 3, students have the opportunity to experience other creative learning environments and cultures through international field study trips and international study exchanges with partner colleges.

Job Prospects

• The choice of routes and the wide range of experiences offered by the course ensures that students will have a number of employment opportunities in various roles across a range of industry sectors post-graduation.
• Graduates are adaptable and capable, competing in the job market, securing employment locally and nationally across a wide range of creative and commercial sectors.

Graduate Roles and Employers

• Communication Design graduates are employed in a variety of roles, including Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Photographer, Brand Manager, and Social Media Content Manager.
• Graduates are employed by companies such as Interbrand, Cossette, Sky, Gym Shark, Sony, BBC Sport, Apple, and Adidas.

Entry Requirements

• Year 1 entry: SQA Higher: BCC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject) and English; GCE A Level: CC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject) and English.
• Year 2 entry: Suitable qualifications for entry to Year 2 (or above) may include relevant GCE A Levels, HNC/HND, or Diploma in Foundation Studies.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are SQA Higher: CCC to include Art/Design (or a creative design and/or media subject) and English.

Academic Year 2024/25 Fees

• Scottish Students: £1,820 per year for four years
• Rest of UK Students: £9,535 per year for four years
• International Students: £18,940 per year for four years

Academic Year 2025/26 Fees

• Scottish Students: £1,820 per year for four years
• Rest of UK Students: £7,220 per year for four years
• International Students: £18,300 per year for four years

Additional Costs

• Studio fund: £100 Year 1, £30 Year 2, £30 Year 3, £30 Year 4
• Materials: £50 - £150
• Field Study (optional): £250
• International Travel (optional): £750
• Camera (optional): £300
• Laptop (optional): £1,000
• Tablet (optional): £350

Student Funding

• If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
• Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website for funding information.

Scholarships and Financial Awards

• You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award; use the funding and scholarship search tool to find out more.