Communication Design - Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography

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.

Learning Methods

You 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

How long is a BA (Hons) Communication Design: Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography course?

The duration of a Communication Design course is 4 years. This includes lectures, workshops, independent study 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 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 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 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, 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 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.

What is needed for a BA (Hons) Communication Design: Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography course?

Standard Entry Requirements

Entry to Year 1

• SQA Higher: BCC 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: CC 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: H3H3H4 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.

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:

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

Additional Costs

• 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)