Graphic Communication Design BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Explore your creative capabilities with the University of Northampton’s Graphic Communication Design programme. Here, every visual concept you develop has a clear purpose, whether it’s to market, entertain, solve business problems, raise awareness of important issues, or influence public perception.

  Our programme blends carefully developed design solutions with the latest technologies to create messages that are clear, impactful, and engaging. We focus on the role of effective design in communicating ideas powerfully and memorably.

  The course covers four main areas:

  Commercial Enhance your technical skills and apply design principles to real-world commercial projects. You’ll gain insights into audience behaviour and learn how to produce compelling and persuasive designs.

  Experimental Explore the limits of traditional design. We encourage you to adopt new perspectives and use your creativity to tackle complex messages and themes innovatively.

  Social Impact Channel your design skills towards making a positive difference. This stream emphasises social, ethical, and environmental challenges, motivating you to design with compassion and purpose.

  Professional and Critical Gain an in-depth understanding of the creative industries and what it takes to succeed in them. You’ll explore the business aspects of design, boost your research capabilities, and refine your analytical thinking regarding visual culture.

  After graduation, our students enter a variety of creative roles, including positions in top agencies, freelance work, and starting their own businesses in areas such as branding, advertising, illustration, film, and interactive design. Others choose to enhance their skills through postgraduate study.

  Penguin Cover Design and the D&AD The New Blood Awards

  Explore the exciting world of the creative industries with two respected competitions: the Penguin Cover Design and D&AD New Blood Awards. These platforms offer a fantastic opportunity for you to present your work to leading figures in the design world. Students from the University of Northampton’s Graphic Communication Design BA (Hons) programme have a history of performing well, reflecting our commitment to excellence in design education.

  Student Success Stories

  Our students regularly achieve recognition at the Penguin Cover Design Award, consistently reaching the shortlist.

  This year was no exception, with Evy Diepenbroek and Karla Ayree both nominated in the Adult Fiction category. Karla was delighted to win the national prize with her cover for Bernardine Evaristo’s ‘Girl, Woman, Other’, demonstrating the high standards our students strive to meet.

  Evy Diepenbroek was also honoured with a nomination for her thoughtful design for the same book.

  In addition, our participation in the D&AD New Blood competition has been fruitful, with our 2022 graduate Laura Tucker winning a coveted pencil for her environmentally focused animation for Giff Gaff Recycling. These achievements are a testament to the supportive and inspiring environment that Northampton offers to budding designers.

  

   

  

  Employability Gold Award

  Complete key modules across your first, second, and third years in the Graphic Communication Design program, and you’ll earn the Northampton Employability Gold Award.

  This award showcases your developed employability skills, a significant milestone in your professional journey. Plus, it qualifies you for the Northampton Promise: if you find yourself unemployed twelve months after graduation, the University guarantees you a paid internship lasting between three and six months. This is our commitment to your future success.

  Course Schedule

  Your academic schedule will blend 15 hours per week of lectures, seminars, workshops, and technical demonstrations tailored to your study level. To complement your classes, we suggest dedicating about 10 hours weekly to independent study. Beyond structured class times, you’ll also have full access to our state-of-the-art technical facilities for further learning and exploration. This balanced approach ensures you have both the guidance and the freedom to excel in your studies.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • Stage 1
    • Principles and Processes (40 Credits)
      Module code: 2DD1038

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces the fundamentals of Graphic Communication Design principles and process in a playful and open environment where risk taking is actively encouraged. Students explore traditional and experimental skills for digital and analogue processes. Lateral thinking, ideation and creative responses are at the heart of the module.
    • Contemporary Conversations - Challenging Issues (20 Credits)
      Module code: 2DD1039

      Status: Compulsory
      The module introduces the students to challenging issues within contemporary Graphic Communication Design conversations. The conversations encourage students to explore the practitioner's responsibilities, sensory experiences, social tensions and critical ideas that underpin creative practice.
    • Design in Action (40 Credits)
      Module code: 2DD1040

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to put the principles of Graphic Communication Design into action, using creative and technical skills in real-world applications. Project briefs focus on understanding varied themes and the role of audiences and other stakeholders in the creation of targeted design solutions.
    • Exploring the Creative Industries (20 Credits)
      Module code: 2DD1041

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to explore and understand how the creative industries work and are continuously adapting to contemporary cultures. Students will define the essential characteristics of a professional graphic communicator and be introduced to the variety of roles within the creative sectors.
  • Stage 2
    • Industry in Action (40 Credits)
      Module code: 2DD2028

      Status: Compulsory
      This module develops students' ability to creatively respond to Graphic Communication Design challenges through real-world problem solving exercises. Students apply professional practice skills to live projects and competition briefs, navigating the needs of different audiences and the complex demands of commercial design practice.
    • Developing Dialogues - Matters of Concern (20 Credits)
      Module code: 2DD2029

      Status: Compulsory
      Through this module students encounter different perspectives about the changing processes and politics of cultural and creative institutions. The module enables students to navigate multiple conceptual positions in order to identify their creative and personal matters of concern within their practice and wider dialogues.
    • Changemaker - Design and the Community (40 Credits)
      Module code: 2DD2030

      Status: Compulsory
      This module focuses on Graphic Communication Design's role as a force for positive change through projects that explore social, ethical and environmental concerns. Students are encouraged to develop empathic and mindful approaches to communication using their creative skills for progress and transformation in local and global contexts.
    • Emerging Spaces and Practices (20 Credits)
      Module code: 2DD2031

      Status: Compulsory
      This module explores the boundaries of the ever-changing and contemporary creative industries, including design as a speculative practice. Students experiment and take creative risks through new and emerging ways of working, challenging conventions to define new personal visual languages and environments in which innovative communication design can be experienced.
  • Stage 3
    • Preparing for industry (20 Credits)
      Module code: 2DD3012

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is for students to confidently define their post-graduation trajectory. Students will develop and apply interpersonal skills and industry knowledge to a range of work models from the evolving creative industries. This module concludes with a detailed presentation outlining the students' professional intentions.
    • Professional Portfolio (40 Credits)
      Module code: 2DD3013

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables students to establish a professional graduate portfolio through a series of industry-related briefs covering a range of contemporary design practices. Impactful ideas targeted at defined audiences are central to this module, with students encouraged to take risks and explore new and emerging ways of working and communicating.
    • Major Project (60 Credits)
      Module code: 2DD4007

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop a progressive and impactful body of practice and writing, based on thorough critical research into an area of personal interest within contemporary visual culture. Outcomes will form a significant part of the graduate's portfolio, showcasing specialisms within contemporary graphic communication design.

  Schedule

  Your taught study will be a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and technical demonstrations, usually for 15 hours per week, depending on your level of study. In addition, we recommend that you spend around 10 hours per week in self-directed study time. You will have access to technical facilities and studies outside of taught time.

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• Entry Requirements

  For A-Level students, we typically offer places to those who achieve BCC. For those studying BTEC or Cambridge Technicals, a DMM is generally required. T-Level students should have achieved a Pass with grades C and above.
  We welcome applications from those with a mix of A-Level and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications, as well as those holding a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
  Applicants will need to attend an interview and provide a portfolio showcasing their work in Art and Design. International students can submit their portfolio electronically. Those with a relevant HND or Foundation Degree may be eligible to enter directly into the second or third year of the programme.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  Integrated Foundation Year Entry Requirements

  Entry into the foundation programme typically requires DEE at A-Level, MPP at BTEC, or a Pass at T Level with grades D or E. We also consider applicants with professional experience, alternative qualifications, or self-taught expertise related to the programme.

  Interview Process

  Once your application has been reviewed, we may invite you to an interview, which can be conducted either on campus or online. You will need to present about 10 pieces of your work, demonstrating a breadth of creativity across various formats and media, such as logo design, branding, digital work, and more. We also appreciate seeing your sketchbooks, whether physical or digital images, to understand your process.

  The interview, conducted by a programme team member, will last about 30 minutes. It’s not only about evaluating your work but also understanding your passion for the course and discussing any questions you might have. If you’re visiting us on campus, you’ll also get a tour of our studios.

  English Language Requirements

  All international and EU students must meet our English language requirements to ensure success in their studies. The minimum standard is an IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent), with no less than 5.5 in each band.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  2024/25 Tuition Fees

  UK Students:

  • Full Time: £9,250
  • Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250

  International Students:

  • Full Time: £15,200
  • Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200

  Please note: Fees for the academic year 2024/25 are specific to that year and may increase with inflation in subsequent years.

  Additional Costs

  Materials, Events and Visits

  • Essential workshop materials, competition entries, and course-related visits are covered at no extra cost.
  • We recommend budgeting for additional printing, around £30 per year, and around £50 or more for specialist materials.

  Trips

  • Optional UK trips may cost around £50 annually. Overseas trips could be approximately £350 per visit.

  Degree Show

  • In your third year, contributions or fundraising might be needed for your Degree Show catalogue and marketing materials, around £20, and to participate in Graduate Design Shows in London, around £25.

  Technology

  • You’ll get a free subscription to Adobe Creative Suite during your course.
  • Our design studios are equipped with MacBooks and iMacs; purchasing your own Apple computer is recommended if possible.

  Art supplies

  • You’ll need to provide everyday art supplies like sketchbooks and pens. Our onsite Art Shop can cater to all these needs.

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
  • International – Full Time: £14,750
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £14,750

  For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, we’re dedicated to empowering you with all the resources you need to make an impact after graduation. By joining our full-time Graphic Communication Design degree, you’ll start your studies with a high-spec laptop perfect for seminars, group projects, and home study—setting you up for success from day one.*
  We’re committed to helping you realise your ambitions. Throughout your Graphic Communication Design BA, we’ll support you in identifying and developing your skills, discovering your strengths, and gaining practical experience. This robust preparation ensures you stand out when applying for jobs or further studies. Thanks to our confidence in our educational approach, we offer the Northampton Employment Promise, guaranteeing that our focused and award-completing students graduate highly employable, ready to secure great jobs or pursue further education.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) 

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) at the University of Northampton provides a supportive route into degree study, particularly suited for students who may not meet the traditional entry requirements.

  If your qualifications differ from the typical admissions criteria, our four-year programme including the Integrated Foundation Year is an excellent opportunity to develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. The foundation year is focused on equipping you with key theoretical, practical, and academic skills.

  You will begin with a foundation year, studied full-time, which is designed to help you adjust to the university environment and prepare for the rest of your degree. The subsequent three years will then follow the standard degree format. This approach aims to give you a solid start and continuous support throughout your university journey.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on Graphic Communication Design BA (Hons)?

  On the Graphic Communication Design programme, we employ a diverse mix of teaching methods to enrich your learning experience:

  • Project briefs: Tackle a variety of briefs including those set by staff, derived from industry, or from competitions.
  • Workshops and demonstrations: Participate in practical sessions to hone your technical skills.
  • Tutorials and seminars: Engage in both group and individual learning sessions.
  • Group critiques and presentations: Share and refine your work through peer and tutor feedback.
  • E-activities and online learning: Utilise digital platforms for a blended learning experience.
  • Guest speakers: Gain insights from visiting industry experts.

  Your learning will be facilitated by our dedicated team of Senior Lecturers, Lecturers, and Associate Lecturers who are involved in all aspects of your educational journey, from setting projects to leading study visits.

  How will I be assessed on the Graphic Communication Design degree?

  Assessment is varied and designed to reflect real-world practices in graphic design. It includes:

  • Portfolio presentations: Showcase your design solutions, which can be in printed, digital, or physical formats.
  • Oral presentations and pitches: Develop your communication skills by presenting your ideas to peers and tutors.
  • Written work: Engage with written assignments that complement your design projects.
  • Self-assessments: Reflect on your own progress and development.

  What are some recommended books and resources?

  To get a head start or to dive deeper into graphic design, consider exploring these resources:

  Books:

  • Graphic design: a user’s manual – Adrian Shaughnessy
  • Know your onions: graphic design – Drew De Soto
  • The A-Z of visual ideas: how to solve any creative brief – John Ingledew
  • The art of looking sideways – Alan Fletcher
  • Design History, A Students’ Handbook – Hazel Conway
  • Graphic Design: A New History – Stephen Eskilson
  • On Creativity – John Hegarty

  Magazines:

  • Creative Review
  • Eye: the international review of graphic design
  • Baseline: international typographics journal
  • Computer Arts Magazine
  • Juxtapose
  • Aesthetica
  • Adbusters

  Web:

  • Its Nice That (web)
  • Design inspiration – Design Inspiration
  • Computer Arts magazine / CreativeBloq

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