Graduate Diploma Graphic Design

at University of the Arts London

Unit 1 - Research, Risk and Context

This unit is an introduction to your course, the discipline and the college and will include:
 

• An introduction to 3 key areas of study in the course - visual language, design research and design writing

• Online inductions to learning resources at Chelsea College of Arts

• A series of short projects introducing you to graphic design theory, history and visual research methods

• Online lectures introducing you to a variety of applications for graphic design within different contexts and supporting you to locate your focus as a designer

• An introduction to design research principles and methodologies

• Workshops exploring design writing as a historical and contemporary practice

• To produce a portfolio of project work

Unit 2 - Practice, development and realisation

In this unit you will produce a significant body of work in response to several projects. This will refine your focus and your individual ambition towards postgraduate study. You will:
 

• Produce a 2000-word piece of design writing that explores questions and ideas that are relevant to your practice

• Work on live projects with external studios and organisations

• Present your work to staff, peers and professional designers

• Further develop your identity as a designer through a series of set projects that allow you to define your own focus

• Produce a portfolio of project work including your design development, prototypes and solutions

• Present work in the college end of year event

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:
 

• BA (Bachelor of Arts) (Hons) degree or equivalent academic qualifications

• Evidence of ability in art or design

• Alternative qualifications and experience will also be taken into consideration

• Personal statement

• Portfolio of work

Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work and personal statement.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
 

• Related academic or work experience
• The quality of the personal statement
• A strong academic or other professional reference
• A combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

All classes are taught in English. If English is not your first language you must provide evidence at enrolment of the following:
 

• IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking

Home fee
£11,550

International fee
£23,610

The course is committed to supporting students in developing the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to continue your creative practice.

Personal and professional development is integrated into the course with opportunities to develop your skills through bespoke sessions, talks with industry practitioners, career management and postgraduate progression seminars.