About Graphic Communication - BA (hons) Degree in Cardiff Metropolitan University

Course Overview

Graphic Communication makes an essential contribution to the material and visual cultures that surround us. It is a powerful catalyst for social, cultural and political change, has the power to shape behaviour, inform perceptions and guide attention.

On the BA (Hons) Graphic Communication degree at Cardiff Met, you will explore the changing landscape and role of graphic design within a 21st century context, dealing with the challenges of globalisation, inclusivity and sustainability.

You will engage with cutting edge studio practice, collaborate with other disciplines, explore methods and theory, work on live briefs with real clients and undertake self-directed design projects through typography, image and narrative.

We believe that the role of the designer is equally critic, curator, author, craftsperson, philosopher, communicator, collaborator and instigator, and will support you in becoming a skilled practitioner ready for national and international employment.

​Course Content​

Throughout the course you’ll explore all types of visual languages and experiment with as many different mediums, materials and technologies as you can, including:

• Typography
• Image Making
• Conceptual Thinking
• Editorial Design
• Advertising
• Social Design & Sustainability
• Information Design
• Moving Image
• Web Design
• Narrative and Sequence
• Professional Practice

You’ll focus on your critical thinking and spend time developing strong ideas and unique approaches.

You’ll learn the skills and techniques you need to become highly employable. And you’ll build a network of people in the industry – through visiting speakers, industry mentors and live briefs with real organisations – that will be invaluable once you graduate. You’ll have opportunities to learn from other disciplines, travel, get involved in research and take on work placements. 

In your third year, you can choose to complete a dissertation or a business plan to help you prepare for your next step – whether it’s further study, securing a role in the industry or building your freelance career.

Employability & Careers​

Whilst your learning is designed to develop you into a rounded and capable designer and intellectual, your curriculum is similarly structured with your potential in mind.
As such, the emphasis that will have been placed upon your work ethic, both creatively and academically, is matched with significant focus on real world experience; from building contacts and undertaking placements to live briefs and, should you choose so, support in forming your own business.

The course has excellent relationships with the London design community and local design agencies, as well as with research and cultural partners. Our graduates are in prominent design positions worldwide.

You can elect to take a route through your second and final years of studies where you can engage with businesses or prepare to launch your own for the moment you graduate. In your final year, rather than submit a dissertation, you have the option of devising a detailed business plan.

Throughout your time at CSAD, you will be meeting and hearing from professionals within your industry, honing your skills and ideas for commercial and professional advantage. Cross-disciplinary projects will prepare you for teamwork later on, whilst live briefs will prepare you for deadlines and the demands of tight specifications.

Graduates from the programme are well placed to join design companies, work as designers in large organisations, or set up their own businesses. Some take further training, for example a PGCE. Some elect to take their studies further by studying at CSAD at masters level. They have opportunities to take this further, through a Professional Doctorate in Design.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, include one English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U), minimum 60%

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS      :      6.0 overall* with no sub score lower than 5.5
• PTE         :      Overall - 52, Reading - 51, Speaking - 51,Listening - 51,Writing - 51

Cardiff Metropolitan University Highlights

Cardiff Metropolitan University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

Personal requirements including books charge a different fee according to the course.