Graphic Communication Design BA (Hons) (top-up from HND)

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Overview

Graphic Communication Design BA (Hons) Top-up (Full time)

This course offers the opportunity to top–up your existing Graphic Design or equivalent subject qualification to a BA (Hons) Graphic Communication Degree Level 6, (validated by University of Northampton), whilst studying within the highly successful Graphic Design faculty at Bedford College.

You will benefit from:

  • Highly experienced, practising tutors
  • Access to live industry-­led design briefs and national competitions
  • Visiting creative industry guest speakers and client presentations
  • Opportunities to exhibit locally and in London at D&AD New Blood
  • Impressive track record for winning competitions and placing students into employment
  • Small group sizes offering excellent tutor access and support
  • Excellent facilities and Apple Mac computer suites
Available Courses
Bedford College
Starts: 18/09/2023
Type: HE
Length: 30 weeks
Day(s): Monday, Tuesday
Time(s): 9:15am - 5:30pm
Fees: £9,000.00 Fee notes: The fee indicated is for each year of the course.
Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Course information

Entry requirements

Higher National Diploma (HND), Foundation Degree (FdA) or completion of years 1 & 2 of a Degree course in Graphic Design or an equivalent subject. Entry is subject to a successful interview and portfolio presentation. International students may submit their portfolio electronically.

Course content

In this final year you will develop stronger ownership of your work as you define your portfolio and career direction for either employment or postgraduate progression.

You will develop:

  • A substantive creative portfolio of professional design work with an accompanying exhibition
  • An understanding of design as communicated through wider sociocultural and ethical issues, themes, debates and practices
  • the ability to study independently, exercise initiative, take personal responsibility, manage a varied workload and make decisions in complex and unpredictable contexts

Units:

MAJOR PROJECT (Including Critical Report) – 60 Credits

A substantial self-determined and directed assignment supported by a professional report.

PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO – 40 Credits

Consisting of a range of industry led design briefs including competitions

PREPARING FOR INDUSTRY – 20 Credits

Portfolio of knowledge and experiences to support the transition from education to employment.

Assessment methods

During the course you will work with a range of specialist lecturers (including practising designers) in well-equipped studios and workshops. Project briefs will be set for each assignment and you will be encouraged to develop a personal response to each task. All activities will be supported through one-to-one tutorials and group discussions to inform personal progress and aid assessment. Assessment will be continuous, with assignments graded at the end of each task.

Qualifications

Level 6 BA (Hons) Graphic Communication Design

Further study and career options

Upon successful completion graduates are employed as graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, web and digital designers throughout the UK with some entering Europe and the USA. Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a Master of Arts (MA) qualification at University.

Additional information

External live projects, commercial activities and the course’s wide network of industry contacts supports and offers a range of work experience and placement opportunities.

Earlier this year, Bedford based brewer Charles Wells challenged students to come up with branding design ideas for its new multi-million investment brewhouse and visitor destination, due to open to the public in early 2020. 20 students will soon have the opportunity to pitch their individual creative design ideas.

The Department offers each year an optional trip to a major European cultural capital.

Additional costs

  • Basic art & design equipment such as layout pads, pens, scalpel, ruler, and external hard drive as per materials list.
  • Developing a personal portfolio (completing students) and self-promotional items approximately £150, and occasional visits by train to London.
Take the next step

Apply through UCAS

Apply now
HE Graphic Design
Bedford College Graphic Communications BA (Hons)
Art & Design

Curtis

I’ve always been interested in design, but never studied it at school and ended up going to work for an insurance company for two years. At this point, I realised I needed to create a design portfolio if I wanted to start considering design as a career. Once I had my portfolio I applied for the Level 3 Graphic Design course here at the College and, after my first year, was fast-tracked on to the HNC and then the HND. I’m now studying for a full degree at College in partnership with the University of Northampton.

We get so many great opportunities on this course. We’re currently working on a live brief from a client who we’ll soon be pitching our designs to.

The client is local brewer Wells & Co (formerly Charles Wells) who are building a new £14m brewery just outside Bedford and in need of new branding.

We also work on a lot of competition briefs, which the department has great success with. I won a YCN award last year for a ‘Student Art Pass’ campaign I designed for ArtFund; a national charity for art that offers entry to museums and galleries. I won a week’s work experience with ArtFund’s design agency down in London who work with clients such as the NHS.

I’ve also had work from the course, which is great. We had to design a flea market poster for a branding project and my design was chosen to be used. Due to a mutual contact, this has led to some design work for the Bedford Clanger magazine.

Our tutors are very helpful and encourage you to try different routes for your designs, while also helping you to refine your ideas. They’ve all worked in industry and are very easy to get hold of whenever you need them.

After the BA I hope to find work with an agency in London focusing on branding and advertising. I’d prefer to work for a smaller agency on more bespoke projects.

Funding Information

Loan Pay by Instalments

You could be eligible to take out a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees. Click on the link below to find out more about the financial support available for our Higher Education courses.

Find out more

If you decide to pay for your course yourself, we also offer an affordable Direct Debit instalments option to help spread the cost of tuition fees (terms apply).

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Brewpoint success for students

Following a collaboration with Bedford College, one student is to see her work used as part of the new Brewpoint visitor centre.

Work is underway on the new brewhouse and visitors centre near the A6 Sainsbury’s / Aldi sites, and it will be an exciting new asset for Bedford – combining the heritage of the Wells & Co. family business founded in 1876 with the latest in modern leisure activities.

Find out more
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Additional Learning Support

If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it.

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.

Accessibility

We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.

Additional formats

Course information sheets are also available in large print and audio formats. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 to order your copy.