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Our course offers you the opportunity to explore Communication Design through the investigation of traditional techniques and the latest digital technologies and production methods. Industry-led projects, European exchanges, national design competitions, placements and internships are all integral to the curriculum and place an emphasis on the professional and commercial setting.
Four honours degree awards are available including Communication Design and/or specialising in Graphic Design, Illustration or Photography.
Year 1
You will develop competencies 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 skills and knowledge that enable informed choices and decisions to be made as the curriculum progresses.
Year 2
In Year 2 you will apply your knowledge and understanding of key theoretical principles through the delivery of integrated thematic and theoretically driven projects. Design briefs are delivered through a combination of studio, contextual and critical study activity that focuses on outputs that connect with personal interests.
Year 3
You can opt to specialise in Graphic Design, Illustration or Photography and will undertake increasing levels of self-directed study and studio project work enabling a greater focus on developing specialist interests in preparation for Year 4. You further develop your insight into your professional context and explore the requirements of new business start-up.
Year 4
You will develop your own design brief in response to personal interests, researching subjects, themes and design questions that will underpin your study and final design outcomes. You apply critical design skills to a range of projects while collaborative design briefs and competitions provide opportunity to promote work at our annual Degree Show and externally at a national and international level.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationYou will explore graphics, illustration and photography within studio based collaborative practice and are taught using both traditional and digital technologies and techniques. Open plan studios with dedicated work spaces create a vibrant learning environment through shared learning experiences while a programme of critical theory-based study exploring design culture and context supports your studio learning.
You will have the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of external activities throughout the duration of the course including international field study trips, national competitions and live collaborative projects with a wide variety of external partners. Our Enterprise Partners Network includes Hatch, Elevator, Scottish Institute for Enterprise Aberdeen, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce and NESTA.
Activity Summary
Year 4
- Lectures - Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Seminars - Approx 12 students per group, 1 - 2 hours per week
- Webinar - Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Tutorial - 1 - 12 students per group, 0.5 hour per week
- Project Supervision - Approx 50 students per group, 1 - 2 hours per week
- Demonstration - Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Practical class or workshop -Approx 50 students per group,length of time varies per week
- Supervised time in studio / workshop - Approx 50 students per group,length of time varies per week
- Independent Study - Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Field Work - Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
- External Visits - Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
- Placement / Work Based Learning - Approx 50 students per group, length of time varies per week
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 Communication 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 essay
- 3 portfolios
Year 2
- 2 written assignments, including essays
- 3 portfolios
Year 3
- 2 written assignments, including essays
- 3 portfolios
- 1 oral assessment
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 distance 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, Semester 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 such as Timorous Beasties, Modest Studio, Bright, Bespoke Atelier, Tellyjuice, Slurpy Studios, Lomography, Satumaa Family Business and Imajica Brand Evolution.
You are responsible for finding the placement with support from the placement office and academic staff.
Study Abroad
In Year 3, Semester 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 Communication Design a good career choice?
Previous BA Communication Design graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Photography
- Publishing
- Digital design
- Web design
- Marketing
A number of our graduates have established their own design consultancies while others are working as freelance designers, illustrators and photographers for prominent publications, major design consultancies and media organisations such as the BBC and Channel 4. A number have extended their academic understanding through further study at the Royal College of Art and other postgraduate institutions.
For more information on the Master's programme at Gray’s School of Art visit here.
Standard Entry Requirements
Entry to Year 1
- SQA Higher: BBC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject e.g. Graphic Communication, Media Studies) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
- GCE A Level: BC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject e.g. Media Studies) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English e.g. History).
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3 to include Art (or a creative design and/or technology subject e.g. Graphic Communication, Media Studies) 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.
Entry to Year 2
Suitable qualifications for entry to Year 2 (or above) may include relevant GCE A Levels, HNC/HND or Diploma in Foundation Studies (e.g. Art & Design, Design & Media, Fashion Design, Textile Design).
- GCE A Level: BCC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject e.g. Media Studies) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
- IB Diploma: 27 to include Higher Level Visual Arts and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
All advanced entry applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) and who successfully meet the criteria will be invited to attend an ‘advanced’ 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 (or a creative design and/or media subject such as Graphic Communication, Media Studies) and English or a written subject requiring the use of English
APPLICANTS FROM PARTNER COLLEGES
A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2 or 3, subject to successfully meeting the partner course criteria.
All advanced entry applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) and who successfully meet the criteria will be invited to attend an ‘advanced’ portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.
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.
Interview/Portfolio Review
Suitable applicants will be invited to attend the School with their portfolio for an informal review/discussion with academic staff. This allows you to meet staff, see the teaching environment and allows the School to explore our ambitions whilst reviewing your work. We will discuss your folio work and specific interests within art and design, as well as your aspirations. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions.
International Students
The International College at Robert Gordon University offers first year degree entry into Art and Design courses at Robert Gordon University for International Students.
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:
Our Pre-Sessional English Programme (PSP) is available for students who have not yet reached the required English level and those who would like to improve their language competency.
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH PROGRAMME AT RGU
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021
Scottish/EU Students
- £1,820 per academic year
Rest of UK Students
- £6,750 per academic year
International Students
- £15,000 per academic year
FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020
Scottish/EU Students
- £1,820 per academic year
Rest of UK Students
- £6,750 per academic year
International Students
- £12,730 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living costs
- Printing
- Studio fund: £100 Year 1, £60 Year 2, £60 Year 3, £60 Year 4
- £50 - £150 Materials
- £250 Field Study (optional)
- £750 International Travel (optional)
- £300 Camera (optional)
- £1,000 Laptop (optional)
- £350 Tablet (optional)
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident or EU national you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.
STUDENT AWARDS AGENCY FOR SCOTLAND (SAAS)
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may also qualify for a scholarship or financial award.
Have a question about the course? Get in touch with our Student Admissions Team and we'll do our best to help.
+44 (0) 1224 262728
The studios provide a creative environment to discuss projects and briefs with peers. The facilities and in particular the workshops within Gray’s, have really helped me to develop my creative practice. I have learned how to use a professional camera and had access to the dark rooms so now I can confidently develop and produce my own photographs.
Taking this course, you will have access to some of the world's best facilities.
We've invested more than £100 million in the development of our campus, new facilities and new resources.
University Wide FacilitiesApply
UCAS Code: WW26
The university has moved to home teaching and working following official COVID-19 guidance from the Scottish Government. Our staff will continue to process applications and respond to enquiries about your course during this time.
We’ve got a few options for applying to our undergraduate courses for UK, EU and international applicants.
Applicants for first year entry will apply to other universities as well as to RGU through a single online Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application.
Applicants from non-EU countries can apply direct to the University with our PDF form.