ObjectivesThe BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design course at the London College of Communication is renowned for it’s experimental approach to graphic design. You can expect to study in a culturally diverse and forward thinking educational environment, enjoying a wide range of teaching and learning experiences including practical workshops, seminars, lectures, events, exhibitions and live projects. The course is delivered by active and enthusiastic professionals from a wide range of disciplines in art, design and communication, creating a climate of debate, analysis and innovation. We seek to produce graduates whose understanding of visual language means that they will be a confident, influential and proactive participant in an increasingly diverse design community. We view the course as a journey on which you will be guided through a multiplicity of practical and theoretical experiences, informed by subject expertise, contextual, professional and social awareness. You will develop a creative language and broad visual vocabulary which is adaptable to the needs of specific audiences as well as enabling personal exploration and the pursuit of individual lines of enquiry. You will be expected to be passionate about graphic design and to challenge 'design orthodoxy’ and preconceptions.
Entry requirementsTwo A-levels/Foundation course and three GCSEs (grades A-C) plus a portfolio of work to demonstrate your ability to succeed in this specialist area. Alternatively, applications will also be considered from applicants with five GCSE passes who have completed a Foundation course in Art and Design, or EDEXCEL/BTEC/ABC Diploma in graphics or a related subject,and a portfolio of work.International students require English to IELTS 6.5. You may be eligible for direct entry in year two if you have gained a degree or HND in design or a related subject or year three if you have completed the two year Foundation Degree, Design for Graphic Communication.
Academic titleBA Graphic and Media Design
Course descriptionBA Graphic and Media Design
Programme
Year 1 is common to all students and will orientate you to the course and School, its facilities, staff, philosophy and ethos as well as raising your awareness of a range of design principles and media associated with the subject, both practically and theoretically. These include research methodology, image and narrative, typography, semiology, colour theory and developmental and presentation skills.
Besides studio based activity you will also be introduced to printmaking,photography, letterpress and relevant aspects of IT. Later in the year you will have the chance to experience aspects of the pathways in order that you can make an informed choice of pathway, following a period of reflection and tutorial guidance, prior to entry to year two.
Studio, Visual Culture and Theory (VCT) and Personal and Professional Development (PPD) units all relate to each other and give you a broad context in which to place your work.
Throughout the year, and the course, you will be given both academic and pastoral tutorial support. Additionally the College offers a network of support for disability, learning and personal issues. There are many lectures from internationally recognised alumni and visiting speakers throughout the year that you may attend. If English is not your first language you will have access to the College and University language centre.
Assessment will take place at the end of each term and at the end of the year.
Year 2 encourages exploration and application of your chosen pathway using key principles, introduced in the first year, and pathway specific methodologies introduced in the second year. You will be able to access relevant facilities and resources introduced in the first year. You will have experience of working independently and collaboratively in the studio as well as VCT and PPD units.
During the year you will also undertake a cross College elective unit which will offer you the opportunity to study a completely different or complementary subject to your pathway.
In the course of the year you will be briefed on the possibility of doing a placement year in industry between the second and third years. This qualifies you (should you be successful) for the Diploma in Professional Studies. Towards the end of the year you will be introduced to, and prepare, for the final year of the course when you will be required to generate your own proposals for the dissertation and self-initiated project.
You will also be given the opportunity to place emphasis on the VCT or studio components of the final year programme should you wish to and will be offered tutorial guidance as to the best option.Assessment is spread across the year.
The Final Year is the culmination of your studies and focuses on the synthesis of innovation, methodology and philosophy in the realization of personal goals and the solving of individually identified problems in relation to your pathway.
Through PPD you will be offered information on professional and postgraduate options both from internal staff and visiting speakers. The year ends with the final summative assessment but also an exhibition of your work either within the College or at external venues in London.