BA Graphic Design at Middlesex embraces an experimental, innovative and playful approach to designing for communication.
The flexible structure of the course offers you the opportunity to develop a range of skills across typography, branding, illustration, motion graphics, photography, interactive, user experience (UX) and editorial design.
You will find the right tools and refine your skills to create effective design solutions. This multi-disciplinary approach enables you to find your creative voice and find your place within the dynamic landscape of contemporary graphic design.
As you start your degree course at Middlesex, the first year gives you an opportunity to explore and experiment with a wide range of approaches to graphic design. The first year is designed to build your foundational knowledge of typography – the art of working with text which underpins all areas of graphic design practice. You will also engage with a range of media and design skills, from photography to digital illustration, from printmaking to design thinking. Divided into four modules, projects are designed to encourage experimentation and hands-on making, with a focus on the design process, as much as final outcomes. You are invited to think critically about your work by engaging with a range of design ideas, both contemporary and historical.
The second year is a stepping stone towards developing your skills, knowledge and identity as a professional designer. Building on key design skills developed in the first year, you will be pushed to strengthen your ability to problem-solve and develop effective design solutions to a range of experimental as well as live briefs. Working across specialist subject areas, such as advertising, editorial design, moving image, branding, and interactive or web design. You are also encouraged to start developing your own creative language and distinctive design skills. In this year you will make a shift towards independent learning and professional practice, preparing you for your future career while still experimenting with your design and growing your critical thinking.
In your final year of study, you will concentrate on solving visual communication problems to a professional standard and develop an individual portfolio. Using the skills and knowledge developed in your first and second year, you'll develop self-initiated projects that push the boundaries of graphic design both in terms of your conceptual thinking and visual style. In addition to your Final Major Project, you'll engage with a range of projects and briefs in branding, publishing, publicity, advertising, retail, and interactive media, as well as internationally recognised creative industry competitions. This allows you to develop a rich and diverse portfolio of work, and prepares you for a future career in the industry.
BA Graphic Design at Middlesex is known for its exceptional facilities and studios, which allow you to develop design skills to the highest level. Supported by staff with in-depth knowledge in specialist areas of graphic design – from editorial design and typography to advertising or web design – you are given the tools needed to enhance your learning.
Students are able to develop skills in letterpress, risograph, screen-printing or photography, as well as digital skills through the use of specialist software and technology. You will be guided by staff and technicians, while also using the specialist facilities independently to develop projects and studio briefs to the highest professional standard.