MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy
The MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy program at London Metropolitan University is desi...
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Aldgate
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Graphic Design program at London Metropolitan University provides a platform for students to critically examine the contemporary role of graphic design. The course encourages students to explore how graphic design intersects with broader social issues and innovative concepts, ultimately guiding them to develop a distinctive voice as a graphic designer. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and confidence necessary for a successful career in the design industry. It emphasizes practical application through making and testing ideas, and understanding and interpreting significant design work from the past and present. The university offers a standard three-year BA (Hons) Graphic Design course, as well as a four-year option that includes a foundation year for students who may not meet the direct entry requirements for the three-year program. A "Top-up" BA (Hons) Graphic Design is also available for those with a relevant HND, Foundation Degree, or equivalent, allowing them to complete the final year of their undergraduate degree.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Graphic Design program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the discipline, balancing fundamental principles with exploration of new and emerging practices. Students will engage with various creative methods, including traditional techniques like drawing and letterpress printing, alongside contemporary digital design practices such as app design, user experience (UX), human-centered design, and the development of connected communication platforms. Across the three years of study, the curriculum typically includes modules in areas such as course-specific skills, design development and realization, professional practice, and cultural and contextual studies. The learning process often centers around project work, undertaken both individually and in collaborative teams, mirroring real-world industry practice. Core areas of study often include research strategies, conceptual thinking, market analysis, digital design principles, typography, screen printing, letterpress, and photography.
Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) is an undergraduate program primarily focused on practical skills and knowledge, the curriculum incorporates elements of critical and contextual studies. For instance, the "Critical and Contextual Studies" module in the final year often culminates in a dissertation in Visual Communication. This component encourages students to engage in independent research and in-depth analysis of a chosen topic related to graphic design, demonstrating their ability to critically examine the field within its broader cultural and historical contexts. The program's emphasis on questioning and challenging the contemporary role of graphic design also inherently fosters a research-oriented approach to design practice.
Industry Engagement: A significant strength of the Graphic Design program at London Met is its strong commitment to industry engagement. Throughout their studies, students benefit from a variety of opportunities to connect with the creative industries. This includes talks delivered by leading industry practitioners, feedback sessions with prominent designers, and the opportunity to work on "live briefs" that involve direct interaction with real clients. The university also facilitates visits to a wide range of professional graphic design studios, providing students with valuable insights into the industry landscape and potential career paths. The program aims to prepare graduates for the demands of the ever-evolving creative industry by fostering creative, inquisitive, and professional designers with a diverse skillset. Graduates often go on to successful careers as graphic designers or take on leading roles within creative industries.
Global Perspective: London Metropolitan University prides itself on its diverse and international community, with students from over 140 nationalities. This diverse environment naturally provides a global perspective within the learning experience, exposing students to a variety of cultural influences and design approaches. The program's curriculum, with its emphasis on connecting graphic design with wide-ranging social issues and new ideas, encourages students to consider the global impact and reach of their work. Furthermore, the university's location in London, a major global hub for the creative industries, offers a wealth of opportunities for students to experience a truly international design scene and potentially engage with global projects and collaborations.
Location
Aldgate
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 19250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
London Metropolitan University offers a variety of scholarships and financial support options designed to assist international students with the cost of tuition fees and living expenses while studying in the UK. These scholarships aim to support talented students, regardless of their financial background, and encourage diversity in the university’s student body.
International Scholarship: London Metropolitan University provides an International Scholarship for non-UK students who are enrolled in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs. This scholarship is designed to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying at the university more affordable. The scholarship amount varies depending on the program and student eligibility, typically covering a partial reduction of tuition fees. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, and students are assessed upon application for the program.
Regional Scholarships: To encourage students from diverse regions to study at London Metropolitan University, the university offers Regional Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to attract students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The scholarships are often based on merit and financial need and offer varying amounts of financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition fees.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: In addition to university-specific scholarships, international students can explore external scholarships offered by organizations, government bodies, and foundations. Some notable external scholarships include those offered by the British Council, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships, which provide significant funding to international students pursuing higher education in the UK. London Metropolitan University encourages its international students to apply for these prestigious scholarships in addition to institutional funding opportunities.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Graphic Design program at London Metropolitan University, and similar programs, can pursue a variety of exciting career paths.
Graphic Designer: This is the most direct path, involving the creation of visual concepts for a wide range of applications, including logos, brochures, websites, advertisements, and more. Graphic designers can work in-house for a company, for a design agency, or as a freelancer. They need proficiency in design software like Adobe Creative Suite and a strong understanding of design principles.
Brand Identity Designer: Specializing in the visual aspects of a brand, these designers develop logos, color palettes, typography, and overall visual guidelines that represent a company's identity. They require a deep understanding of target markets and the ability to translate brand messaging into compelling visuals.
User Experience (UX) Designer: Focusing on the user's interaction with a product (often digital), UX designers ensure that websites, apps, and software are intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable to use. This often involves user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.
User Interface (UI) Designer: Working closely with UX designers, UI designers focus on the visual layout and interactivity of a product's interface. They determine the look and feel of each screen, including the placement of buttons, menus, and other interactive elements, ensuring visual consistency and a clear user flow.
Web Designer: These designers create the visual elements and layout of websites, ensuring they are both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. They may work with HTML, CSS, and sometimes JavaScript, and need to consider responsive design for different devices.
Motion Graphics Designer: Bringing static graphics to life through animation and visual effects is the core of this role. Motion graphics are used in various media, including videos, advertisements, presentations, and film titles. Proficiency in animation software like After Effects is essential.
Editorial Designer: This career involves the design and layout of publications such as magazines, newspapers, and books. Editorial designers are responsible for the visual flow of content, including typography, image placement, and overall page design.
Advertising and Marketing Designer: Creating visual assets for advertising campaigns and marketing materials is the primary focus. This can include designing print ads, social media graphics, banners, and email templates, working closely with marketing teams to achieve campaign objectives.
Packaging Designer: These designers create the visual design for product packaging, considering both the aesthetic appeal and the functionality of the packaging. They need to understand the product, the target audience, and the constraints of the packaging materials.
Freelance Graphic Designer: Many graphic design graduates choose to work independently, taking on projects for various clients across different industries. Freelancing requires strong design skills, excellent communication and project management abilities, and a proactive approach to finding work.
