Graphic Design At Swansea College Of Art Uwtsd

The official page for BA (Hons) /MDes Graphic Design at the Swansea College of Art UWTSD, a dynamic and versatile degree program in the heart of Swansea.

More about the course

We run a three year BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree programme where you have the option to continue onto our one year Integrated Masters.

The programme has gained a reputation for producing high-quality graphic design graduates, capable of producing design to professional standards and leaving the course job-ready.

We have an open door policy on the course and encourage a free and open dialogue with our students. We want students to participate in the development of the programme both in terms of content and direction.

• The course is built on the extensive experience of both academic and professional staff
• Industry links and feedback ensure the course stays current
• State of the art equipment and software
• Students leave job-ready

Course structure & content

The Faculty has excellent industrial links and there is a regular programme of visiting speakers and professionals. Live projects are an integral part of the course and these help you to engage with professional bodies before you graduate.

All work is project based. Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding in the form of practical project work. All assessment is based on 100% coursework.

As well as formal lectures there is also a programme of individual tutorials throughout the three years.
Theory is a major part of your coursework and final degree, constituting about 20% of your studies and marks. There are also workshops to help you enhance your technical studies and creative enquiry.

Despite all the developments within subject area, we still see Typography as the cornerstone of Graphic Design and there is an emphasis on that in the first year.

Year 1

Studio-based Modules: Graphic Communication, Typography 1, Design for Publication, Typography 2, Visual Studies 1, Visual Studies 2, Theory: Ways of Thinking, Theory: Ways of Perceiving. These Modules are delivered via lectures, workshops and essay writing.

Year 2

Studio-based modules: Sustainability Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Corporate Identity, Design Technologies, Yr2 Major Project, Visual Enquiry 1, Visual Enquiry 2, Theory: Creative Research, Theory: Creative Practices.
These Modules are delivered via lectures, workshops and essay writing.

Year 3

Studio-based modules: Graduate Portfolio, Dissertation, Advanced Creative Enquiry, Marketing self promotion and Exhibition. These Modules are delivered via lectures, workshops and essay writing.

Student finishing their third year have the option to transfer to the Integrated Masters programme to do an extra year of study and obtain a higher degree.

Year 4 (Integrated Masters)

Studio-based modules: Minor Project: The Thought Experiment, Advanced Critical Thinking, Advanced Professional Practice, Major Project. These Modules are delivered via lectures, workshops and essay writing.

Facilities & Resources

Graphic design production relies on the computer, particularly Apple computers. The programme is well supported in both hardware and software provision. There are two suites of computers, the main teaching area, has twenty-three individual computer workspaces, and the open access suite another fourteen. All computers have current professional software for both print and digital media. All of the ‘kit' provision is kept under review, as both hardware and software develops and changes constantly.
Studio space is multi-purpose and flexible.

There is a rolling programme of visiting lecturers, we bring in professionals to extend our provision and to expose students to new ways of thinking and working.

Beyond this specialist equipment, you will also have access to an extensive range of facilities including an excellent library, open-access computer suits and optional workshops in other areas within the Faculty.

Student experiences /Employment opportunities

Most students find work within the design industry with in six months of graduating. Opportunities for Graphic Design graduates are many and varied, below are just a few of the areas graduates from the course are now working.
Publishing, Information Design, Exhibition Design, Web and multimedia, Education and Advertising.

UCAS Codes, Entry requirements, How to apply, Open days & Fees

UCAS Code: W210
Course Code Title: BA /GDes