Graphic Design (with placement year)

UCAS code: W215

Here's what Leeds Arts University says about its Graphic Design (with placement year) course.

BA (Hons) Graphic Design offers a practice-based, dynamic and idea-oriented experience that enables students to develop a creative and unique design practice and portfolio. Through studio-based workshops, briefs, and collaborative projects students develop a specialist skillset that engages a range of graphic design disciplines that utilise both new and traditional technologies and processes. Graphic design students have opportunities to engage with the extensive range of technical and technological resources available in the University to develop design and communication projects such as publication design and book-making, traditional letterpress and screen printed posters, UI and UX design, creative coding, experimental and AI enabled design, motion design, signage and 3D fabrication, print for fabric and clothing, and exhibition design.

Experimentation, play and creativity are at the heart of your working practices as a student on this course. Hands-on experiences with materials, technology and processes help you to build confidence and adaptability across the extensive range of creative applications available to graphic designers. Through these approaches, you develop creative communication skills that span disciplines making you ready to face the professional world within the creative industries.

Real world scenarios and live briefs are embedded within each year of study on this course providing you and your peers with opportunities to engage with industry professionals and produce work that exists in the world. Our students benefit from our extensive links with industry as well as talks, briefings, workshops and portfolio reviews from professionals.

BA (Hons) Graphic Design is led by a curriculum that has been developed over the course’s long history by, and in collaboration between, professional designers, experienced graphic design educators, and practice-based design researchers. Our curriculum is designed to be highly adaptable, responding to the rapid changes and developments happening within the field of graphic design and the creative industries in general. Our students leave the course with the creative skills necessary to gain highly skilled employment as well as the resilience and professional skills needed to thrive in the exciting and dynamic world of design.

Year one – During your first year on the course you will engage with creative briefs and projects that will help you to adjust to higher education and university life. You will learn to engage with design and communication problems in a playful, experimental and creative way by exploring a range of media, techniques and processes. Engaging with fundamental graphic design skills you will develop an appreciation of the range of disciplines and applications of graphic design.

Year two – In your second year you will develop more refined approaches to the production of your design work, engaging with a range of production methods and finishes. Developing your professional skillset, you will engage with creative collaborations, live briefs, industry talks, and studio visits. You will also begin to develop an appreciation of the ethical and sustainable dimensions of graphic design practices.

Year three – Your final year of study will channel all the skills learned throughout your time on the course to build a distinct and highly focused design practice. You will engage with your professional and creative ambitions in a dynamic way, making use of University resources and with expert guidance from course staff. Throughout the final year of your degree you will develop an exciting and unique portfolio, establish your own targets and needs for the future, and develop the professional skills and resilience needed for employment or further study.

*This course includes a placement year (also known as a sandwich year, work placement, industrial placement, or year in industry), which provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance your employability and gain practical experience in your field of study. The placement year typically occurs after year two and before year three. Please see the Undergraduate Placement Year FAQs on our website for more information: www.leeds-art.ac.uk/undergraduate-placement-year-faqs