BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Lincoln, United Kingdom
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* late applications will be considered if suitable vacancies remain
Key Summary
Our webinars, subject masterclasses, question and answer sessions, and student panel talks are a great way to discover what it is like to live and study at the University of Lincoln.
Graphic Design at Lincoln encourages students to become skilled visual communicators, providing the opportunity to work on projects that require practical skills and creative insight to find innovative solutions.
The degree introduces students to the social relevance of graphic design. It covers a wide range of topics such as typography, advertising, branding, editorial design, artists' books, packaging, interactive design, animation, film, and installation.
By providing the opportunity to work on projects that require practical design skills, as well as creative insights into finding innovative solutions, our students can become adept visual communicators
Our research-active academics, such as Programme Leader Barrie Tullett, practise in the industry and this course has established links to the International Society of Typographic Designers.
Throughout the programme, there are opportunities for students to undertake work experience and internships at design agencies. Currently, students are given free access to Adobe Creative Cloud and LinkedIn Learning.
"This information was correct at the time of publishing (October 2024)"
How You Study
In the first year, students are encouraged to work in both traditional and digital media while studying the fundamental principles of graphic design. The course introduces the creative methods needed in the industry to answer briefs, solve communication problems, and meet deadlines, alongside a theory course that underpins the social context and history of the subject.
This knowledge is taken further in the second year, where more advanced concepts of graphic design are introduced. The third year provides an opportunity for students to develop their own specialism with a range of projects to choose from, including projects set by the industry. The third year culminates in a physical or online end-of-year degree show.
During the three years of the course, students are encouraged to undertake competition briefs or apply to recognised industry award schemes. The course has an impressive track record of success with the YCN Awards, British Book Design & Publication Awards, the RSA Student Design Awards, Adobe Top Talent Awards, and many others. Depending on the award scheme, these offer opportunities for networking, industry recognition, placements and bursaries.
As the course progresses, students will develop a professional portfolio of work through a mixture of studio projects and independent, collaborative, and industry-led briefs.
Studio practice is a key element of this course, and students will have the opportunity to spend a lot of time in creative studio environments. Teaching and learning experiences may include online and studio activities, peer groups, lectures, workshops, seminars, and group tutorials. Students can also benefit from one-to-one tutorials, portfolio reviews, and self-initiated work experience.
First Year
- Contextual Studies 1 (Core)
- Design Fundamentals 1 (Core)
- Graphic Communication 1 (Core)
- Visual Expression 1 (Core)
Second Year
- Contextual Studies 2 (Core)
- Design Fundamentals 2 (Core)
- Graphic Communication 2 (Core)
- Visual Expression 2 (Core)
Third Year
- Contextual Studies 3 (Core)
- Design Fundamentals 3 (Core)
- Graphic Communication 3 (Core)
- Visual Expression 3 (Core)
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How You Are Assessed
As this course aims to develop a wide range of practical and intellectual skills, assessment is varied and includes presentations, written projects, individual and group practical work, projects, and portfolios, in addition to academic essays.
There are no formal end-of-year examinations. Throughout the degree, students are assessed through their production of practical and written work.
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.
Methods of Assessment
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework for example including design project work and presentations; and written assignments. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.
How You Study
In the first year, students are encouraged to work in both traditional and digital media while studying the fundamental principles of graphic design. The course introduces the creative methods needed in the industry to answer briefs, solve communication problems, and meet deadlines, alongside a theory course that underpins the social context and history of the subject.
This knowledge is taken further in the second year, where more advanced concepts of graphic design are introduced. The third year provides an opportunity for students to develop their own specialism with a range of projects to choose from, including projects set by industry. The third year culminates in a physical or online end-of-year degree show.
During the three years of the course, students are encouraged to undertake competition briefs or apply to recognised industry award schemes. The course has an impressive track record of success with the YCN Awards, British Book Design & Publication Awards, the RSA Student Design Awards, Adobe Top Talent Awards, and many others. Depending on the award scheme, these offer opportunities for networking, industry recognition, placements and bursaries.
As the course progresses, students will develop a professional portfolio of work through a mixture of studio projects and independent, collaborative, and industry-led briefs.
Studio practice is a key element of this course, and students will have the opportunity to spend a lot of time in creative studio environments. Teaching and learning experiences may include online and studio activities, peer groups, lectures, workshops, seminars, and group tutorials. Students can also benefit from one-to-one tutorials, portfolio reviews, and self-initiated work experience.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Graduates who pursue careers as graphic designers can work across both print and digital platforms. Recent graduates have worked for agencies including True North, Iris, Jaywing, Landor, Design Bridge, Coley Porter Bell, Brass, Raw, Elmwood, Jack Renwick Studio, Interbrand, and Johnson Banks. Some set up their own independent studios or work as freelance graphic designers.