BA (Hons) Visual Communications

Level 1

Level 1 supports the development of creative ideas by examining how to analyze a brief, generate and visualize ideas, use reference material to inform approaches, and begin to develop content and meaning within your work. You are introduced to the visual languages of illustration and design thinking through creative problem-solving exercises, explore the relationship between form and function, and consider how to develop a creative process through researching, visualizing, and presenting ideas. These units also offer a gateway into specialist study through a choice of content in areas of visual practice such as drawing, printmaking, and photography.

Level 2

Level 2 supports students’ ability to further develop a visual language and develop critical and reflective skills to evaluate the results. You will explore the integration of typography and visual elements within layouts and examine the role of graphic design within identity design, branding, and campaigning. You will also investigate how to use image-making in reportage, and sequential narrative through storyboards, and consider a range of contemporary contexts for illustration. Stage 2 study also offers distinct options for specialist study, from book design and visual exploration to comics and graphic novels, and enables you to summarise all that you have learned by undertaking a self-directed brief from a range of professional contexts.

Level 3

Level 3 synthesizes students’ creative practice and research interests across a self-directed body of work, and provides a framework that enables you to foster an increasingly autonomous and professional approach. You will demonstrate your creative voice through outcomes that include a portfolio of self-directed work, a reflective learning log, and a critical thinking assignment which can be written or take an alternative presentational format.