BA (Hons) Visual Communication

graphic Communication
Illustration
moving image
Photography

Course Overview

This course is founded on the belief that students will benefit from an increasingly specialist engagement with practice, throughout the three levels of study, supported by a broad understanding of visual communication and its interdisciplinary opportunities.

Students have an introduction to two of our three subject routes; Graphic Communication, Illustration and Photography & Moving Image. This facilitates the development of core technical, creative, critical and reflective skills and determines the specialist direction for second and third year study.

Success as a visual communicator and employability in the creative industries requires dedication and ability to communicate, organise and network, supported by flexibility and adaptability. These skills are also very attractive to a range of other potential employers.
 
We encourage an active engagement with all aspects of subject practice, including an understanding of the theoretical and philosophical framework of the subject and an ability to apply it creatively to practical outcomes. The learning experience includes lectures, seminars, live projects, peer and group learning.  This fully supports directed study and the development of individual practice.  Opportunities for field trips and study abroad add value to this experience.

Staff are highly experienced teachers and industry practitioners in a range of disciplines.  This is supported by a rolling programme of guest lectures from key industry specialists.  Live projects, selected placements and competitions also enhance links with industry.  These include D&AD, DMA, Tindall Street Press, MacMillan, Royal Television Society Awards and Magnum Photo Agency.

Resource facilities demonstrate a commitment to traditional and emerging technologies, including darkrooms and a print room.  Digital resources are numerous and offer state of the art facilities, especially in moving image, including MILO and Motion Capture equipment.

Course Content:

Level 4

Choose two from:
Introduction to:
Graphic Communication, Illustration or Photography & Moving Image

Choose one from: Developing Practice in:
Graphic Communication, Illustration or Photography & Moving Image

Integrating Theory & Practice

Level 5

Choose from:
Subject in Context: Graphic Communication. Illustration or Photography & Moving Image

Choose from:
Faculty Elective or Collaborative Practice

Theoretical & Historical Studies Option

Professional Practice

Pre-Production for Negotiated Project & Dissertation

Special Interest Group: Specialist Practice

Level 6

Negotiated Project

Dissertation

Major Project

Career Prospects

Graduates gain employment in a range of careers including publishing, web design, advertising, branding, illustration, game design, theatre, animation, TV and video production, graphic design, photography and teaching.

Alumni Profile

Dan Griffith and Leon Ostle graduated about 6 years ago.  They initially joined leading web design company, Deepend.  Shortly after, the company folded and out of its ashes came ‘Glue London’ quoted recently by Campaign Magazine as leaders in New Media & Advertising.  Dan and Leon say they are now doing what they always wanted to do and have made quite a name for themselves working with leading brands like Virgin and Mini.