This programme of study specialises in digital visual communication and associated design opportunities that new media provide. It continues a tradition of high quality graphic design at AAS College but focuses on digital design for a variety of screen graphics such as web, mobile phones, television and video.
The BA(Hons) Digital Graphics course has been developed on a philosophy that stresses the importance of creative thinking alongside the need for a high standard of technical skills. Specialist briefs are designed to encourage creative ideas through experimentation, controversy and risk taking so that over the three year course, students produce work of distinct individuality and are able to tackle future digital communication challenges.
The lecturers on the Digital Graphics team are all working in the design industry and combine teaching with their own professional practice providing students with a current insight into design business. The staff offers a diverse range of specialist knowledge of graphic design, typography, web design, multimedia, interface design and television.
Programme of Study
The programme of study specialises in digital visual communication and associated design opportunities that may emerge with new media. It continues a tradition of high quality graphic design at AAS College, based on a philosophy that stresses the importance of creative thinking, alongside the need for a high standard of technical skills. Specialist briefs are designed to encourage creative ideas through experimentation, controversy and risk taking so that over the three year course, students produce work of distinct individuality and are able to tackle future digital visual communication challenges.
The course focuses on digital graphics for a variety of screen based media combining the creative use of word, type, image, sound, motion and narrative. On completion of the course, students will be equipped with a range of visual communication skills and the knowledge to work in the field of digital graphic design.
Course Content
BA(Hons) Digital Graphics focuses on all the elements required in the design and production of screen based graphics. Essential design skills are taught for producing a variety of on-line design and include creative thinking, typography, illustration, branding, viral advertising, story-boarding, navigation, motion, interface design, coding and contemporary styling. In addition computer software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Flash and After Effects are taught.
Year 1: You will be introduced to the basic components of Graphic Design through a series of short briefs focusing on creative thinking, research typography, story-boarding, narrative, motion and image making. Computer sessions run along side to improve technical skills essential for digital output. Contextual Studies relates to historical design and practice. Visits to exhibitions and galleries enhance learning.
The modules you are taught are:
Creative Thinking
Design for Screen
Historical Contextual Studies
Plus one elective module
Year 2: Briefs are more in depth encouraging students to develop skills learned in the first year. Students will design and produce websites and motion graphics for various screen based media. Student award competitions are entered and live briefs from industry are introduced. Computer sessions continue to develop technical skills. Contextual Studies in year 2 relates to industry and contemporary design practice. Guest speakers visit from the digital graphic design industry aiming to keep students informed. The modules you are taught are:
Web Design
Motion Graphics
Contemporary Contextual Studies
Plus one elective module
Year 3: Final year students build up a digital portfolio of work with self-initiated projects and student award competitions such as those set by D&AD and YCN. At the end of the year students exhibit their work in the graduate Degree Show. The modules you are taught are:
Honours Project
External Project
Personal Project
Design Futures