Why study Graphic Design, Animation and Photography?

In today’s fast moving ever widening digital communications industry the complementary disciplines of graphic design, photography and animation work seamlessly to solve a multitude of design needs over a growing array of media channels and touchpoints. To mirror these changes and current creative industry practices, this course will offer you the opportunity to learn both traditional problem solving and design craft skills through digital graphic, animation and image making processes. Skills which will ultimately enhance your employability within a wide range of career and employment possibilities.

As in industry, the course encourages interdisciplinary innovation through collaboration, and uniquely offers students the option to pursue their own specialist interests within Graphics, Animation or Photography through a substantial major project. Completing students will elect certification in either Graphics, Animation or Photography. You will regularly engage with leading UK design professionals through ‘live’ projects and talks, and benefit from our impressive track record for both gaining employment and winning national competitions. The course is an active member of British Design & Art Direction (D&AD) and the British Institute of Photographers and has forged strong industrial links with both local and national practitioners.

At the end of the first year your work will be exhibited in public venues. Work experience opportunities will also be made available to you in the latter stages of the course.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
Course delivery is by practising, specialist Graphics, Animation & Photography lecturers (including visiting professionals), in well-equipped studios supported by one-to-one tutorials and group discussions & seminars to inform personal progress & aid assessment.

The course consists of two assessment units which cover the development of core competencies for the workplace: contextual knowledge, ideas generation, design strategies, technical knowledge & skills, professional practice & communication & presentation skills.

You will have the opportunity to work individually and collaboratively on assignments:
• Branding & corporate identity
• Motion graphics
• Photographic techniques/lighting
• Advertising & digital campaigns
• 2D & 3D animation and modelling
• Image making & visual effects
• Typographic design & kinetic typography
• Storyboarding & narrative
• Editorial & information visualisation
• Website design, app Design & social media
• Digital media production

In the first year you will be introduced to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, After Effects, Blender, & Animate.

You will be suited to this course if you have the ability and/or potential to:

Work imaginatively within communications & visual media
Generate & develop creative ideas in response to a wide range of briefs
Articulate & communicate your creative intentions clearly
Show a willingness to collaborate & discuss your work in group situations
Reflect critically on your activities & learning, & demonstrate intellectual inquiry
Embrace new ways of thinking & exploit the potential of new & emerging digital
technologies.

The BTEC HND qualification in Graphic Design incorporates an enhanced work-related curriculum that is designed to equip students with the right skills and competencies for the workplace, or progression to Higher Education (BA HONS Top Up) This extends from the Level 4 programme to further develop & refine students in preparation for the next stage in their career.

This qualification is designed to equip you with the knowledge, flexibility and skills required for a successful career within an exciting and ever-widening industry. The course will provide you with the opportunity to develop a professional portfolio, covering branding, corporate identity, design for print, advertising, illustration, editorial design, typography, digital design, & animation.