BA (Hons) Graphic Design Bachelor's degree at the University of Kent

As designers, how do we communicate visually across the digital realm, physically across the printed page and on a larger scale spatially and environmentally? What are the fundamental design techniques, processes, skills, and principles that enable us to work with clients? You'll be introduced to a range of design fundamentals to develop your visual literacy, enabling you to confidently communicate your design concepts across a range of outputs. You'll explore how to interpret client briefs and

Tackles big questions How have historical and contemporary practices and practitioners contributed to the discipline of graphic design? And where does graphic design sit within cultural, political, and commercial contexts? You'll learn critical and core theories of the discipline, analysing design artefacts through the lenses of process, identity, form, affect and environment. In doing so you'll study a range of global design movements and outcomes from Mass Production to Postmodernism, from typ

How can play be used as a tool in the design process and what form might it take? How can the arrangement of elements, colours and typography carry a narrative, conveying both meaning and emotion? Through a series of workshops and briefs you'll learn how play can be used as a methodology in the design process to ideate, explore and create original and thought-provoking outcomes. You'll also learn how design, narrative and storytelling are used to communicate a concept or an idea to a wider audie

Can imagery alone communicate ideas to an audience? If so, how? By creating original artwork, graphic designers have the power to synthesise and illustrate content. What techniques and processes might you use to do so? You'll learn a range of creative image-making techniques and processes such as photomontage, collage, print making, photography, and mark-making. Through experimentation and application, you'll develop your ability to art direct and create images based on conceptual requirements –

In-demand skills How can type be used to carry meaning, language and emotion? In what ways can type and letterforms break convention and be used to challenge function and form? You'll learn the attributes and language of typography, appreciating the principles of type and how it enables an idea to be written and given visual form. You'll examine the breaking of conventions and be encouraged to undertake type/letterform experiments, such as hand lettering, calligraphy, using type as image, type f

Valued by employers How can we use moving images to bring characters and stories to life using motion and sound? Animation is frequently used to intrigue and engage an audience with its capacity to connect linear events and moments. What are the limitations of both physical and digital moving imagery, and how might you overcome them? You'll learn the core principles of animation and trial these across multiple platforms including stop-motion, flip book, kinetic typography, claymation and motion

In-demand skills Brands are everywhere. Increasingly we see brand identities morph into brand experiences that appeal to all the senses, but who does it best, and how can you do it better? As consumers engage with brands online, where should designers start when crafting intuitive and engaging audience experiences? This module delves into the theory and application of brand identity and brand experience within graphic design, emphasising both analogue and digital techniques. Through case studies

How can graphic design and architecture intersect to enhance spatial navigation? How does interdisciplinary teamwork elevate the creation of user-centric wayfinding solutions? In this module, you'll explore spatial navigation through interdisciplinary collaboration with students on the Spatial and Interior Design and Architecture courses. You'll study the principles of environmental graphic design, and focus on creating cohesive wayfinding systems that seamlessly integrate with architectural spa

Design is powerful. It influences user interactions, emotions, and perceptions across various platforms from digital interfaces to physical spaces. How can you adapt your existing skill set to connect with all the senses on a large scale, building environments to evoke emotions and tell stories? Experiential graphic design is a multidisciplinary approach to building an environment which contributes to how people perceive and interact with a space. In this module, you'll learn where design and hu

Valued by employers You have unique design skills, but how do you prefer to work and what personal and teamwork strengths would you bring to a start-up design agency? You'll identify your strengths and talents, form a start-up creative agency with classmates, and pitch work to clients. Together you'll then formulate solid briefs and identify measurable outcomes. Through practical application, you'll develop an appreciation of the commercial and financial concerns of the creative business sector,

Data visualisation transforms data and information into graphical representations. What tools do designers use to ensure the resulting visualisations are simultaneously accurate and compelling? You'll explore the theory and practice of transforming sometimes complex datasets into compelling visual narratives. You'll also learn to interpret and communicate data effectively, exploring various visualisation techniques and tools. The teaching emphasises understanding the principles of information de