LCCA - London College of Contemporary Arts

BA (Hons) Graphic Design


Three Year or Four Year (with Foundation) Degree

Graphic Design


The BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree awarded by the University for the Creative Arts prepares you for entering the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of design. Utilising a hybrid model of both online and on-campus teaching, you will undertake modules exploring both traditional design methods and contemporary digital platforms - applying this knowledge in creating exciting and dynamic outcomes that meet today's industry standards.

Reflecting both current trends and the traditional building blocks of graphic design, this bachelor's degree will fully prepare you to enter the industry upon graduation - ensuring that you are fully equipped to work across a broad range of potential roles through a solid understanding of theory, the history of the industry and meet client and audience needs.

Using top-of-the-range software, our extensive industry connections and studio spaces, you’ll build a powerful skillset that will prepare you to convey your ideas and to operate in a business-like fashion within the creative industries. Throughout the BA Graphic Design course, you’ll also engage in a series of workshops on typography, printmaking, editorial, user experience, motion design and much more.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be a knowledgeable graphic designer capable of communicating the theory behind your ideas, and the history of the industry and creating work that captures your audience.

Upon graduation, you will become a part of LCCA and UCA's diverse, global alumni network - joining graduates who have taken their practice into roles such as Graphic Designer, Digital Content Creator, user interface and user experience amongst others.

KEY INFORMATION
Campus

Tower Hill, London

Intakes

October, February, June

Duration

Three years (or four years with integrated Foundation in Design and Creative Business Pathway)

Direct entry

Direct entry is available for Year 2 and Year 3 of this programme

Study mode

Full-time, flexible learning - study on campus and online with classes available during the weekday, evenings and weekend

Awarding body

University for the Creative Arts

Tuition fees

UK/EU citizens - £9,250 per annum

Funding

SFE funding available

International / EU Applicants

If you are arriving after the UK has left the EU on January 1st 2021, you will require a visa to study in the UK, in which LCCA will not be able to sponsor you. To find out more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status 

UCAS INFORMATION
Course code

GD11

Institution code

L84

Campus code

G

FOUNDATION YEAR ENTRY

Our Foundation in Design and Creative Business is dedicated to preparing students for a BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree. This course celebrates the culture of each student whilst providing vital insight into higher education in the UK. You will emerge from the course with the confidence and practical skills to study a creative subject at a more advanced level.

The practical element of the foundation involves experimentation in a range of creative practices, such as fashion, graphics, moving image and crafts.

You will work in an open studio space where you will be able to refine your abilities in a range of specialist techniques whilst developing your own unique style and approach.

By the end of the course, you will have a strong creative portfolio, having explored a number of specialisms before choosing a specific subject to pursue at undergraduate level.

DIRECT ENTRY

At LCCA, we accept students who may have decided to move on from their current institute to find a new place of study.

All of our UCA accredited UG degrees allow for direct entry onto the second year (Level 5) or third year (Level 6) of study depending on your existing qualifications. 

To verify if you qualify for direct entry, please contact us to discuss your admissions options.

BA (Hons) Graphic Design Course Details


FOUNDATION (YEAR O) DESIGN & CREATIVE BUSINESS

This 30-week course is designed to equip students with the academic skills and subject knowledge needed to progress on to study at undergraduate level. You’ll develop a unique portfolio of work throughout the course, helping you to progress onto a degree in any creative subject.

Stage 1
The first stage covers the key areas of related to your degree programme and will focus on either creative design or business. You’ll learn the theoretical knowledge and debates surrounding these disciplines and the historical and international contexts which underpin them. You will also will also being to build the foundations for studying at degree level.

Stage 2
This stage builds on the key research, analytical and reflective skills built in Stage 1. Students will also have the opportunity to explore specialist areas of study and focus on your chosen path within the creative arts or business.

Stage 3
Students undertake a self-directed, specialist project which will synthesise and conclude their newly learned knowledge. The Final Major Project consists of three units which include advanced language and study skills needed for progression onto an LCCA design or creative business undergraduate degree.

 

Modules include:

  • Introduction to Design
  • English for Academic Purposes, Research & Study Skills
  • Visual Culture
  • Final Major Project

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)

Discover how graphic design and content are produced across a variety of media channels, from printed to digital forms during the first year of this graphic design course.

Introduction to Visual Communication

Initially, you’ll start developing your own personal voice as a graphic designer, particularly thinking about the types of messages you want to convey. To ensure you’re set up for the rest of the programme, this course will consider different types of media including magazines and internet-based media. You’ll then explore the effect form and content has on the messaging.

Design Fundamentals 1: Image, Type, Print

Image, type and print are imperative to creating a visual campaign. Learn what each are, the role they play within media and how you can apply these in different print medium.

Design Fundamentals 2: Motion, Narrative, Screen

Motion, narrative and screen will be covered during this source to familiarise you with how they can be applied to screen-based designs. You’ll use your personal design voice and consider how combining word, images, materials, format and structure creates a certain narrative.

Visual Theory: Message, Medium, Meaning

Build your understanding of historical and contemporary practice, analyse your own studio work and explore concepts including: relationships between word and image, function and expression, subversion and propaganda, semiotics, how to construct narratives and photographic language.

Modules include:

  • Introduction to Visual Communication
  • Design Fundamentals 1: Type, Image, Print
  • Design Fundamentals 2: Motion, Narrative, Screen
  • Visual Theory Message, Medium, Meaning

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)

Throughout your second year, you’ll develop your own style of working and start to articulate your inner artist voice. You’ll work more independently, build your understanding of visual communication and consider a range of important graphic design elements.

Social and Cultural Contexts

This module will encourage you to consider your personal ethics, values and motivation by producing work for others.

The Editorial Process

Editing is a fundamental aspect of creation. You’ll build on the skills learned in your first year, ready to take on your research and design project in the final year.

Developing Your Practice

To be successful as a graphic designer, you’ll need to be able to think innovatively to respond to design problems but also instigate them yourself. Discover how to do so in this module.

Spatial Practices

Learn to manipulate spaces, create multi-sensory experiences, and prepares events/ exhibitions in sustainable environments.

Modules include:

  • The Editorial Process
  • Social and Cultural Contexts
  • Spatial Practices
  • Developing Your Practice

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)

The final year of this graphic designing course culminates in a self-directed research and design project in which you’ll showcase all your newfound skills and knowledge.

Critical Research and Practice

Combining all the knowledge you’ve developed in your studies, you will research, develop and create a self-directed research and design project. Using a symbiotic relationship between theory and practical, you will develop a unique project informed by both elements.

Major Project

This is your opportunity to utilise your skills and knowledge and communicate your ideas through your unique artist voice. Initially, you’ll develop a research proposal that conveys your ideas, methods and intended outcome. You will then begin to develop a body of work that reflects everything you’ve learned throughout the programme and shows how you have developed your theoretical, practical and technical skills to become a truly innovative designer. You’ll have the opportunity to present your work and collaborate with others.

Modules include:

  • Major Project
  • Critical Research and Practice

Studying graphic design with us will give you a highly transferable set of skills which are desirable across a broad range of creative industries.

Our graduates have landed exciting, fulfilling positions, including:

  • Graphic designers
  • Illustrators
  • Art directors
  • Picture editors
  • Information designers
  • Digital media and app developers
  • Web and broadcast designers
  • User Interface (UI) design
  • User experience (UX) design
  • Advertising and branding
  • Animators
  • Concept artists
  • Creative directors
  • Exhibition designer
  • Fine artists

Upon graduation, you may like to consider further study at postgraduate level. Our range of postgraduate degrees include:

  • MA Fashion Business and Management
  • MA Global Marketing and Communications
  • MA Luxury Business Management

See our course selection here

STUDENT WORK


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS


FOUNDATION YEAR

The standard entry requirements* for this course are one of the following:

  • 64 new UCAS tariff points, see accepted qualifications
  • Merit, Pass, Pass at BTEC Extended Diploma
  • Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
  • 64 new UCAS tariff points from an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma in an appropriate subject
  • 24 points from the International Baccalaureate, see more information about IB entry requirements

And four GCSE passes at grade A*-C and/or grade 4-9 including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2).

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

The standard entry requirements for this three-year BA (Hons) Graphic Design course are one of the following:

  • 112 new UCAS tariff points
  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
  • Merit, Pass, Pass at BTEC Extended Diploma
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma
  • 112 new UCAS tariff points from an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma in an appropriate subject
  • 27-30 points from the International Baccalaureate

And four GCSE passes at grade A*-C and/or grade 4-9 including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2).

YOUR PORTFOLIO

For this course, we’ll ask you to attend an Applicant Day and bring your portfolio for assessment. Further information on how to compile a portfolio and the specific requirements for examples of work to be included will be provided on the Applicant Portal after you’ve applied.

Note:

Other relevant and equivalent level 3 UK and international qualifications are considered on an individual basis and we encourage students from diverse educational backgrounds apply.

*We occasionally make offers which are lower than the standard entry criteria, to students who have faced difficulties that have affected their performance and who were expected to achieve higher results.

Why Study a BA in Graphic Design At LCCA


LCCA strives to provide its students with both academic excellence, career focus and a friendly environment across all disciplines. Our boutique campus is located in Tower Hill, London with a range of facilities and equipment, making it the perfect place to study.

LCCA offers students opportunities to engage with experts both on and off campus.

Our teachers are experts in their field and will enrich your learning experience, facilitating your access to the most current industry expertise and networks across their creative specialisms.

We provide a range of top undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that are delivered in partnership with the University for the Creative Arts.

FACILITIES

We provide dedicated facilities for students, helping them to produce work at an industry-level standard and preparing them for a bright future. These facilities are the reason why, upon graduation, our students feel prepared to start working from day one.

Our students have access to a range of specialist facilities across the college. These include:

  • Mac studios with 110 Apple iMacs: Software includes: GameMaker, Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine, Cinema 4D, Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
  • Access to WGSN – a leading trend forecasting company for fashion and design businesses
  • Reprographic services
  • 3D printers
  • Fashion studios with 24 industrial sewing machines, overlockers and embroidery sewing machines
  • Printmaking facilities
  • Art and Design Studio
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS

Whether you’re completing your first degree or undertak­ing further study to progress your career or change your career direction, LCCA’s strong industry links and wide networks will help you develop your skills, gain valuable experience and make contacts to boost your career opportunities.

·         Aitor Throup Studio LTD

·         Burberry

·         Calvin Klein Jeans

·         Chloé

·         Claret Press

·         Harrods

·         Hop Fashion

·         House of Fraser

·         James Lakeland

·         Jan Masny

·         Karen Millen

·         Christian Louboutin

·         Bartlett Mitchell

·         Boodica UK

·         Pringle of Scotland

·         Richard Boll

·         Soho House

·         Ted Baker

·         Tommy Hilfiger

·         YKK

·         Yulan Creative

·         Paul Smith

·         Louis Vuitton

·         Maria Grachvogel

·         Net-a-Porter

·         Little Wardrobe London Ltd

·         Claret Showroom

·         ZARA

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