BA (Hons) Communication Design

The BA (Hons) Communication Design programme is a globally focused course that equips students with the skills to harness design as a powerful tool to inspire, inform, and influence the world around them. Through creative thinking, hands-on design, and a people-focused approach, students will learn to ask the right questions, spot problems, and turn ideas into solutions.

Key Information

• Programme code: W6CD
• Level: Undergraduate
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: BA (Hons)
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 3-4 years
• Location: Scottish Borders
• Start date: September

Course Content

The course explores a wide range of media, including graphic design, photography, motion graphics, branding, publication design, and digital experiences including UI/UX. This mix of creative approaches will help students think beyond traditional design and business models. Projects will focus on how people interact with systems and experiences, giving students the tools to create new ideas that challenge the norm and make a positive impact.

Year 1

• Mandatory September:
  • Rethinking Design 2: Develop and Deliver
  • Rethinking Design 1: Discover and Define
• Mandatory January:
  • Introduction to Communication Design
  • Introduction to Creative Media
  • Introduction to Photography

Year 2

• Mandatory September:
  • Intermediate Photography
  • Creative Digital Technologies
• Mandatory January:
  • Promotion & Advertising
  • Graphic Design, Typography & Illustration

Year 3

• Mandatory September:
  • Art Direction and Storytelling
  • Design Branding
• Mandatory January:
  • Advanced Communication Design
  • Collaborative Studio

Year 4

• Mandatory September:
  • Final Project 1
  • Minor Project
• Mandatory January:
  • Final Project 2
  • Advanced Practice and Evaluation

Teaching Staff

The programme is led by experienced faculty members, including:

• Euan Winton, Assistant Professor
• David Cavallaro, Associate Professor

Fees and Funding

• Scotland: Paid by SAAS
• England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland: ｣9,790
• International: ｣20,080
• Scholarships and bursaries are available, including the Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to ｣3,100 per year)

Entry Requirements

• Standard entry requirements:
  • Highers: BBBB (over two sittings)
  • A-Levels: BCC and successful digital portfolio
  • International Baccalaureate: 29 points
  • BTEC: Extended Diploma DMM
  • HNC: C in graded unit
  • HND: CC in graded units
• Minimum entry requirements:
  • Highers: BBBC (over two sittings)
  • A-Levels: BCC
  • International Baccalaureate: 29 points
  • BTEC: Extended Diploma DMM
  • HNC: C in graded unit
  • HND: CC in graded units
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5

Digital Portfolio

All prospective students are required to provide a digital portfolio that demonstrates a range of skills and competencies, including research and investigation, design development and iteration, technical skills, and visual communication and presentation. The portfolio should consist of 10-20 images with explanatory text and full image captions.

Heriot-Watt University

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Overview:

Heriot-Watt University is a research-focused institution with campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as an online presence. It is known for its career-focused degrees and strong links with industry. Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its research, with a significant portion ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Heriot-Watt offers a diverse and international student community, with one-third of its Edinburgh Campus students coming from outside the UK. The university provides a range of facilities across its campuses, including healthcare, libraries, food and drink, sports centers, and more. Students can participate in clubs and activities, and the university offers accommodation options near its campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Career-focused degrees:

Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability and its graduates are first in the UK for CEO or MD roles.

Global reach:

The university has campuses across the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, providing students with a truly international experience.

Strong research:

Heriot-Watt is valued for its pioneering research, which is informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Diverse student community:

The university boasts a diverse international student community, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Beautiful campuses:

Heriot-Watt's campuses are located in stunning settings, offering students a unique and inspiring learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

Heriot-Watt offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Business
• Art and Design
• Languages and Culture

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Other:

Heriot-Watt is committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university also offers a personalized virtual experience through its online tour platform, allowing prospective students to explore its campuses virtually.