Graphic Design (Top Up) BA (Hons)

Buckinghamshire New University

Our course reflects the realities of working as a professional in industry. Everything you do on the course is working towards you getting your first job in the sector. If you have completed a foundation-level degree, HND, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant Art and Design subject, you can choose to top-up your studies to gain a full bachelor’s degree. If you are a visually creative person looking to build a rewarding career in graphic design this course is perfect for you.

Why study this subject?

Graphic Design is a dynamic subject area, one that is continually evolving. Its wide reaching impact is linked to its communicative impetus which extends into many areas of society, including economically, politically, socially and culturally.

Studying on the course will help prepare you for this continually expanding field. Not only will we support you as an individual in the development of your visual and creative problem-solving skills, but we also equipped you with the knowledge and confidence to enter and negotiate your career in this challenging, but exciting field.

At BNU, we will help develop vital business and working processes; including interpretation of a brief; research methods; analysis and ideas development. As well as the skills needed to successfully produce outcomes that evoke emotion, tell stories and communicate messages, so as to meet client and audience expectations.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

If you have completed a foundation-level degree, HND, or equivalent qualifications in a relevant Art and Design subject, you can choose to top-up your studies to gain a full bachelor’s degree. A top-up degree is the equivalent of the final year of an undergraduate degree, and offers a chance to deepen your knowledge, skills and understanding of your subject, while also getting an internationally-recognised qualification.

With a history of delivery expert craft, art and design education for more than 130 years, Buckinghamshire New University is the perfect place to start your creative career.

As a well-established course which has been running for over 30 years we have built up an excellent network of Alumni. Many are now in senior positions in the design world, both, nationally and internationally whom we can call upon and invite in to give guest lectures to share their experiences, knowledge and real-world insights with the current students.

Led by our enthusiastic and dedicated team of design practitioners and experienced academics, you will have the freedom to explore all areas of graphic design, from typography and illustration to branding and editorial design, whilst being supported in your development of design skills and strategies.

How will I be taught and assessed?

You’ll work alongside a diverse community of designers and illustrators, each working on their own projects, just as a professional graphic design studio would function. You’ll study in a close-knit Graphic Design tutor group where everyone’s input is recognised and valued. Not only will you make friends for life, you’ll also make important connections that will last through your career, and you’ll form a network, just like you’d find in any design group.

To achieve the full BA (Hons) in Graphic Design you will need to complete a major project, a dissertation as well as undertake a Professional Practice module.

The major project and dissertation will allow you to investigate a topic important to you within graphic design. You will cover the whole research process, undertaking empirical investigation and analysis. You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor, who will offer support and advice.

The Professional Practice module gives you the opportunity to undertake work-based learning or answer live industry briefs, gaining the practical and transferable skills you need for your career in the creative industries.