Graphic and Media Design

UCAS code: W216

Here's what Hereford College of Arts says about its Graphic and Media Design course.

Graphic + Media Design at Hereford College of Arts is for emerging designers who want to communicate ideas with clarity, imagination and impact. You will explore how images, typography, colour, layout and motion work together to shape experiences across print, digital and social platforms. The course encourages experimentation and supports you to develop your own visual language while building the technical and strategic skills used across the design industry.

Across three years, you will explore the full range of design practices — from brand identity and editorial design to campaign work, digital products and motion graphics. You will learn to combine conceptual thinking with hands-on craft and digital fluency, working on briefs that strengthen your creativity, confidence and communication skills.

You will study in a collaborative studio environment, developing problem-solving abilities and learning how designers contribute to cultural and commercial communication.

You will:

? Develop skills in typography, layout, image-making and visual systems.

? Explore brand identity, editorial design, campaign work and motion graphics.

? Build confidence using industry-standard software and production methods.

? Learn how to pitch ideas, respond to briefs and communicate concepts clearly.

? Work on collaborative projects that mirror real communication challenges.

? Produce a portfolio that reflects your personal design voice.

FACILITIES You will work in specialist studios equipped with high-spec Macs, Adobe Creative Cloud, printmaking facilities and access to photography, fabrication and digital labs. These spaces support experimentation across print and digital media. Large format Epsom printers, Riso-Graph Printer, 3D and Jesmonite printers, DyeSub Printers and Letterpress and screen-printing workshops, additional software including Apple Final Cut Pro and FIGMA.

INDUSTRY LINKS You will learn from practising designers, art directors and creative strategists through talks, workshops and live projects. Students regularly collaborate with brands, agencies, publishers and cultural organisations, gaining experience in responding to real communication challenges and presenting work professionally. Crits, tutorials and visiting practitioner workshops from the likes of Hello Yes London, etal Design and Tomorrowisclosed support the development of your creative identity and professional direction.

CAREERS Graduates progress into roles such as graphic designer, brand designer, editorial designer, motion designer, content designer, UX/UI assistant and visual strategist. You will build a portfolio that demonstrates conceptual thinking, technical skill and the ability to work across multiple media - whether freelance, in-house or part of an agency. Former HCA students are working with the likes of Sky Sports, Big Helping and Accept + Proceed.

SUSTAINABILITY + ETHICAL PRACTICE You will explore how design can address environmental and social issues, from accessible communication and inclusive visual language to sustainable print and ethical brand storytelling. Put that into practice through real-world projects working with the likes of Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, Hay Festival Global and UN global design projects.

EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES You will be supported to engage with the wider design community through exhibitions, online collaborations and international design networks. These experiences help build confidence and awareness of emerging design practices. Put your work out in the world through D&AD briefs, collaborate across disciplines on Batsford Prize entries and answer open calls for graphic art from the likes of Lucienne Roberts (Design&).

For detailed information about the course modules: www.hca.ac.uk/courses/bahons-graphic-media-design

From your first day at HCA you will work as a creative, developing your skills and your own voice through a series of projects. You will develop your creative practice, practical skills alongside your critical awareness and theoretical knowledge. You will study a range of modules that build your knowledge and confidence and total 120 credits each year.

YEAR ONE: Practice in Context 1 (20 Credits), Practice 1?(30), Practice 2 (30), Foundations for Learning?(20). Skills 1 (20)

YEAR TWO: Practice in Context 2?(20), Practice 3 (30), Practice 4 (30), Professional Practice 1?(20), Skills 2?(20)

YEAR THREE: Practice in Context 3?(20), Practice 5?(30), Practice 6 (60), Professional Practice 2?(10)