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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Overview
Experiment with and explore new ways to push the boundaries of graphic design.
You'll take an applied approach to the dynamic field of graphic design. You'll use professional studios and workshop facilities to gain and build on your creative and professional skills. Hands-on, practice-based projects will develop your core design and research knowledge and develop your own design identity.
You’ll explore a range of approaches and techniques including:
 typography
 interaction
 user experience
 social design
 photography
 animation
 digital design
 book and editorial design.
You’ll participate in live projects working with the broader design industry in an environment that help prepare you for work in a professional studio. Recent collaborations have included RSA, D&AD, ISTD, Creative Conscience and Extinction Rebellion. A third year optional work placement / internship will help you progress your skills.
You’ll discover your own approach to visual problem solving and graduate with the technical, critical, and conceptual skills that are valued by the creative industries.
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 112
A Level: BBC
IB Points: 30
BTEC: DMM
Contextual offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 88
A Level: CCD
IB Points: 27
BTEC: MMM
We welcome applications from candidates with alternative qualifications, and from mature students.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Critical Thinking: Research skills & methods
This module serves as an introduction to the fundamental research methods and offers valuable insights into the ever-evolving field of critical thinking. Through engaging in critical analysis of various works and presenting your findings to peers, you will sharpen your research skills and develop a research journal or blog. Additionally, you will undertake the task of producing a comprehensive literature review, which will deepen your understanding of the subject area.
By the end of this module, your ability to critically analyse your own creative practice and the works of others will be greatly enhanced. Moreover, this module will foster independent thinking and encourage you to contribute with informed ideas and well-considered opinions, empowering you to actively participate in academic discourse and collaborative environments.
Design Practice: Principles (15 credits)
Immerse yourself in the fundamental principles of graphic design with the module "Design Practice: Principles." As a central part of Level Four, this module provides a comprehensive understanding of the languages, methods, practices, and contexts associated with graphic design. Through a program of practical study, you will embark on a journey of exploration, discovering a wide range of approaches to creating impactful design work. Throughout the year, you will also have the opportunity to engage in workshops focusing on diverse topics such as Letterpress, bookmaking, and Photoshop.
By the end of this module, you will have built a solid foundation in the principles of Graphic Design. Develop your skills in research, concept development, and visual experimentation, nurturing your ability to effectively communicate and express your creative ideas. Embrace a range of media processes and techniques, refining your artistic craftsmanship and shaping your unique design voice.
Design Process: Strategies & Techniques
How to get ideas and how to develop them imaginatively is the skill of creativity, greatly sought after in the workplace.
Critical Thinking: Theory & Practice
Design Process: Context, Communication and Audience
Students learn to work collaboratively as a team.
Design Practice: Application
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Critical Thinking: Design & Society
Building upon your previous engagement with Critical Thinking at level 4, this module will help you cultivate a profound understanding of the historical and cultural influences on design, engage in stimulating debates, and unravel the intricate relationship between theory and practice. By critically evaluating the profound impact of social, political, cultural, and technological contexts on design practices, you will gain a holistic perspective, enabling you to comprehend the multifaceted nature of the field and make informed contributions to its discourse.
By the end of the module, you will emerge as a perceptive and discerning thinker, equipped with the tools to critically analyse design's impact on society and navigate the evolving landscape of design practice.
Design Practice: Integrated Projects 1
Visual System
Design Process: Issues, Ethics and Social Responsibility
Design Practice: Integrated Projects 2
Professional Practice
Year 3 (placement year)
Optional modules
Career Development Placement
Career Development Placement The aim of this module is to develop the professional profile and professional confidence of a student through experiential learning opportunities and engagement with external organisations by undergoing work placements, internships and industry experiences. It aims to enable students to manage their own learning and self-direction through identifying opportunities that align to their disciplinary ambitions, situating their practice in a professional context. It offers a range of options including an Enterprise Residency where students can operate as freelancers and develop ideas for a start-up business with the full support of Brookes Enterprise Support.
Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)
Compulsory modules
• Final Negotiated Practice
• Collaboration
• Entrepreneurial Practice
• Professional Practice
Learning and teaching
Your work will be project-led and practice-based. To prepare you for the creative challenges and pressures of the professional world, you’ll work in a professional studio environment.
Teaching is enhanced by visiting industry professionals. You will have the chance to enter industrially recognised competitions. As well as work on live projects with real clients.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
GCSE: Grade 4 (C) in Mathematics and English
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
Selection process
Applicants are offered places through:
 submission of a digital portfolio of an appropriate standard (see guidelines below); and
 an interview with a member of staff from the programme.
Most interviews take place between late January and the middle of March. Applicants who submit their application early may be invited for interview in December.
Portfolio guidance:
What to include and what we are looking for
Your portfolio should demonstrate your own unique world through which we can see your skills, personality and potential. It's a collection of your work demonstrating how your creativity has developed over a period of time. It shows your ability to work with different materials, themes and techniques, as well as how you research, develop and plan your ideas. Your portfolio should be professional yet human - we want to see your amongst the slides / pages.
Personality
We want to see your passion and enthusiasm for graphic design. It's not always about how advanced your skill set is but what your potential is. As creatives we put a lot of ourselves into our work, so ensure that comes across in your portfolio.
Balance process and perfection
Don't be afraid to include imperfect drawings or unfinished plans (sketchbook work), it's all part of your process and is how we understand your ability to generate ideas. We always like to see research, development and final outcomes. It's good to see a variety of process work (trial, tests, sketchbooks) and finished work, and a range of techniques and processes if possible. It's your work, so give it the best possible chance of making a good impression. Feel free to include text labels and indicators so we know what materials and creative methods were involved.
Narrative
Instead of chronological order we advise a strong narrative. Compare it to a good book design: an impactful beginning, interesting middle and a punchy end. Ensure work has room to breathe, is all the same orientation and can speak for itself (with additional labelling if required).
Be decisive
While we love to see a varity of work within your portfolio we do want to see your ability to edit. It's all about establishing a balance, don't submit everything you've ever done but don't pare it back to nothing at all. If you have lots of drawings, show us a few of your favourites.
Show us what you love
Don't assume what we want to see. It's better to include what you want us to see. You can submit unfinished pieces, independent or group work - but do remember to indicate this so we know the origins of the project and the role you played in it. You may really excel at a certain technique but show variety and endeavour to keep the work on topic without it becoming repetitive. Show us your range, keep our attention.
Building your portfolio
 Please provide a maximum of 20 slides of your work. Each slide can contain more than one image.
 The preferred format used to present your portfolio is either a single PDF document, PowerPoint presentation file (under approx 15MB) or if you choose to use an online service, such as Behance, Carbonmade or similar, you can email the link to us
 Carefully select and edit your work to produce an exciting, creative and representative portfolio which informs us about your skills, interests and ambitions
English language requirements
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Learning and assessment
Year 1 introduces you to the theories, practices and processes associated with the discipline of Graphic Design. This provides a solid grounding for years 2 and 3.
Year 2 focuses on personal exploration, application and developing your personal voice. We encourage risk taking and you'll learn to challenge established languages and processes. This will help you to create disrupted, innovative and imaginative solutions. We also encourage you to seek out your individual interests as well as work in teams.
In your final year teamwork continues and you will develop projects based on your own career planning. You will consolidate your practice. And prepare for either employment, self-employment or further study. Creativity, critical thinking and complex problem solving are transferable skills. These skills cross disciplines and significantly contribute to employability.
Assessment is 100% coursework.
Your final year prepares you for either employment, self-employment or further study. You will:
 Create a self-promotional branding package. You'll use a range of platforms and business and career planning techniques. This helps you to prepare for employment, self-employment or postgraduate study (Entrepreneurial practice).
 Respond to live and competition briefs individually or collaboratively. This enhances your professional portfolio (Collaboration) (Professional Practice).
 Produce a final practical project. You'll combine a written research project with a range of practical portfolio pieces. This allows you to display your own creative and academic voice. (Final Negotiated Project).
Career Opportunities
Throughout the course you’ll discover your own approach to visual problem solving and graduate with the technical, critical, and conceptual skills that are highly valued by the creative industries. This course can lead to a wide-range of careers from branding consultancies to digital design, illustration, publishing to advertising.
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