Design

Year 1

You will develop skills in the fundamental elements of the creative process including research, ideas generation and development, resolution and reflection. You will learn a broad range of core design skills and knowledge that enable informed choices and decisions to be made as the curriculum progresses.

Years 2-4

You will choose one of the following courses before entering Year 2:

Learning Methods

You will engage in a series of multidisciplinary experiences that will give you a greater understanding of the critical, creative and professional skills that you will need to flourish.

Activity Summary

Year 4

• Lectures - average 30 students per group, 4 hours per term
• Seminars - 8 students per group, 4 hours per term
• Tutorial - one-to-one sessions, 4 hours per term
• Project Supervision - average 30 students per group, 4 hours per term
• Demonstration - average 15 students per group, 4 hours per term
• Practical class or workshop - average 30 students per group, 6 hours per term
• Supervised time in studio / workshop - average 30 students per group, 60 hours per term
• Independent Study - average 30 students per group, 340 hours per term
• External Visits - average 30 students per group, 340 hours per term
• Placement / Work Based Learning - variable depending on individual project

How long is a BA (Hons) Design course?

The duration of a Design degree is 4 years. This includes lectures, seminars, time in the studio and other activities.

Independent Study

Throughout the course, particular emphasis is placed on your development of independent learning through self-directed design project/s. By Year 4, you will undertake independent study, reflecting on your previous 3 years’ experience of building expertise and specialist knowledge within your chosen pathway and towards a level approaching professional practice.

Staff delivering on this course

The dedicated academic and technical staff on this course have a wide variety of design backgrounds and their knowledge and experience will provide you with a deep understanding of the Design disciplines.

Industry experts contribute to the course as Professional Associates and through the Guest@Grays lecture programme, which invites national and international illustrators, designers and photographers to speak about their work. The course works closely with the University’s Library, Study Skills and Careers staff and academia from other Schools and departments of the university.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 1 written assignment, including essays
• 2 portfolios
• 3 group critiques

Year 2

• 2 written assignments, including essays
• 2 portfolios
• 3 group critiques

Year 3

• 2 written assignments, including essays
• 2 portfolios
• 2 project outputs
• 3 group critiques

Year 4

• 1 dissertation
• 1 portfolio

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

You will have the opportunity to undertake a 10 week optional placement in Year 3, Term 2. This will enable you to gain first-hand experience and a real insight into professional practice. Past placement opportunities have included working with local, national and international creative companies and designers.

You are responsible for finding the placement with support from the placement office and academic staff. 

Study Abroad

In Year 3, Term 2, there is the opportunity to undertake a period of international study exchange with our partner colleges across Europe, Canada and the US.

Job Prospects

The breadth of experience and choice of specialisms offered by this course ensures you have a number of employment opportunities in various roles.

Is Design a good career choice?

Your career choice will depend on the path you choose from Year Two of the course.

Previous  BA Design graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

• Graphic design
• Illustration
• Photography 
• Knitwear designer 
• Accessories designer
• Jewellery designer
• Web design
• Marketing

What is needed for a BA (Hons) Design degree?

Standard Entry Requirements

ENTRY TO YEAR 1

• SQA Higher: BCC to include Art & Design & English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
• GCE A Level: CC to include Art / Design and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H4 to include Art and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
• IB Diploma: 24 to include Higher Level Visual Arts and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).

All applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) will be invited to attend a portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

ENTRY TO YEAR 1

• SQA Higher: CCC  to include Art / Design and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).

Alternative Qualifications

Those who may not hold the standard qualifications listed are encouraged to apply if they can evidence other appropriate/relevant creative work, qualifications and/or life experiences. Such candidates are advised to contact the Student Admissions Service for further advice and guidance.

A portfolio review/interview is still a requirement for this category of candidate.

International Students 

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.