Somerset College

Who is this course for?

Graphic Design is one of the most vibrant, diverse and challenging subjects in the creative sector and this course will thoroughly prepare you for a stimulating and rewarding career. This exciting and innovative course offers a broad curriculum and the opportunity to work not only in graphic design, but also illustration, advertising, packaging and typography typo/graphic design. Many of our students win national and international awards and go on to set up their own agencies or work for leading agencies both locally, nationally and internationally.

An established advisory panel of respected individuals from the graphics and advertising industry visit each year and spend time going over your portfolio and offering advice and guidance. This ensures that the course develops in line with this fast-moving and ever-changing sector.

Description

The opportunity for the integration of live projects set by external companies, and a strong, successful and enjoyable work placement programme form a key role within the course curriculum.  You will have the opportunity to work on a range of projects where ideas and innovation takes the lead.  The majority of teaching takes place in large, purpose-built design studios.  There is a computer suite with the Apple Mac computers running industry standard software. During this course you will have the opportunity to:

• Discover how to manipulate images to communicate ideas and send cultural messages
• Develop skills in graphic design, packaging and advertising
• Learn how to generate and express your own ideas
• Gain a thorough knowledge of the uses of industry standard equipment and software
• Understand how to evaluate a client's needs and master the art of a successful client pitch
• Experience what it is like to work in a professional team through group projects and work placements and be encouraged to enter national and international competitions
• Undertake a professional practice and visual culture programme which will help you place your design work in a professional context
• Complete a work experience module which equips you with the necessary personal business skills to maximise your opportunities after you graduate
• Visit commercial studios
• Exhibit your final work in the end of year graduation show.

Personal Skills

We invite all of our applicants to an interview with their portfolio of work. This provides you with a valuable opportunity to express your personal skills and qualities. We are looking for you to demonstrate the following personal qualities, although all will be further developed throughout your learning:

• Your interest in Graphic Design.  This should be very strong and come through, not only in the work you show in your portfolio, but also in the way you communicate about your work
• Studio, group and team work skills, possibly gained through school/college projects or part time employment
• Independent learning skills.  You will already have some of these skills, although your transition to higher education is supported by your personal support tutor and student support services
• Individuality and creativity
• Written and oral communication skills as you will be required to attend lectures, seminars and tutorials; write essays and a thesis and give oral presentations
• IT skills.  You will also have access to a range of IT facilities and the HE Study Centre where staff are available to give you advice and support.

Teaching and Assessment

Assessment is based 100% on your coursework and we undertake continuous modular assessment in accordance with the Art & Design Partnership at the University of Plymouth. Studio based assignments continue throughout the course, complemented by lectures, seminars, presentations and one-to-one tutorials.

Career Opportunities

The majority of our students choose to automatically progress to an appropriate "top-up" course. At Somerset College we offer BA (Hons) Graphic Design, BA (Hons) Packaging Design and BA (Hons) Advertising Design. Alternatively you can join the third year of the BA (Hons) Design (Graphic Communication with Typography) or BA (Hons) Design (Illustration) at the University of Plymouth.

Alternatively you can join the third year of the BA(Hons) Design (Graphic Communication with Typography) or BA(Hons) Design (Illustration) at the University of Plymouth.

After completing this two year programme you can join the industry and find employment in graphic design, advertising, illustration, marketing or publishing.

Entry Requirements

Foundation Diploma Art and Design (Pass) or National Diploma Graphic Design (MPP) or A2/AS Level Art or an art-based subject (min 160 points including 80 points at A2 level) or AVCE Double Award Arts and Design (min grade CC) or Advanced Diploma or Access Certificate Arts and Design.

We also require students to have GCSE English at grade C (or equivalent).

Students whose first language is not English will be required to attain IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Level 6 with a score of 5 or more in the writing test.

Note: Mature students without formal entry requirements are welcome to apply.

Interviews last approximately 20 minutes. Normally there are two interviewers. This is a valuable opportunity for you to show and discuss your work and demonstrate your personal skills.

Your portfolio: Your portfolio should be well ordered and display a good range of skills, including photography, 3D work, graphics, drawing and personal sketchbooks etc. Your use of colour and different media will be considered together with clear evidence of design thinking and problem solving.

Costs

Full Time Fees: £3360 for 2011/12 start

 2012/13 Fees to be confirmed shortly.

Contact

Tel:  01823 366 331;  Email:  enquiries@somerset.ac.uk