Art and Design (Graphics)

Course summary

Graphic Design takes ideas, concepts, text and images and presents them in a visually engaging form through print, electronic or other media. It imposes an order and structure to the content to ease the communication process, while optimising the likelihood that the message will be received and understood by the target audience. A graphic designer achieves this goal through the conscious manipulation of elements. This may include art direction, text, page layout, information technology and other creative aspects which will be realised through book and magazine illustration and design, architectural visuals, animation, posters and packaging. Students will be expected to work in some of the following areas: illustration, advertising, packaging, web design, communication and video. The course consists of integrated practical, critical and theoretical study using a variety of media and processes. This will be supported by the use of sketchbooks and first-hand experience of relevant works of graphic design. The Art & Design department encourages students to develop intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive powers; investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement; an understanding of the interrelationships between art, craft and design and an awareness of the contexts in which they operate; knowledge and understanding of graphic design in contemporary society and in other times and cultures.