BA Graphic Communication

The BA (Hons) Graphic Communication degree course responds to the demands of the contemporary communication industries with a focus on conceptual and creative thinking, problem solving and the harnessing of research, analysis and theory to help solve practical problems.

You will develop a diverse range of creative skills and flexibility in approach and attitude. The course is predominantly employment focused and provides students with the skills and knowledge relevant to a career within the wide spectrum of creative enterprises. A balanced approach to traditional design, communication skills and principles is coupled with exposure to relevant areas of digital media, contextual studies and business awareness.

The course's overarching aim is to produce industry-ready graduates with the up-to-date skills and attitude demanded by the workplace. Work-related learning is delivered through work placements within the graphic communication industries as well as live briefs and industry-mentored projects.

The academic staff are design practitioners from industry and their teaching is enhanced by a series of both regular and invited guest lecturers who share their contemporary commercial experience and present examples of their creative work. Industry live briefs are central to the course.

Your Future

NUCA's close working relationship with industry attracts contributions from leading creatives within the region and beyond. A programme of distinguished and successful visiting lecturers has included design agencies Poke and Thoughtful, book designer David Pearson, designer Phil Baines and Laura Jordan Bambach from the digital agency LBi.

The course has been instrumental in the development of an annual design symposium, raising awareness and debate relating to industry practice and design education. This year's event, 'She Says', brought renowned female industry creatives and D&AD to NUCA to deliver lectures and workshops.

Students have been successful in securing employment in design consultancies, advertising agencies, print, publishing and packaging companies both nationally and internationally.

Students who successfully complete their undergraduate studies who wish to undertake further study before employment can progress to the MA Communication Design, which covers graphics, illustration, publishing, typography and related fields.