This programme emphasises mixed-media experimental work as well as real-world creative problem solving. Through a varied range of exciting briefs you will develop industry relevant digital and analogue skills. As well as offering a conceptual approach to design through mixed-media, analogue and digital technology we offer areas of specialties including:

• Visual communication
• Image-making & illustration
• Printmaking (letterpress, risograph & screen printing)
• Editorial design
• Branding
• Advertising
• Typography
• Packaging
• Motion design

You will have access to a wide range of industry standard equipment and software including a print studio and several large design studios with easy access to a suite of iMacs.

You will be working in a creative community surrounded by fellow designers, image makers, creatives and artists where you will engage in regular workshops, technical demonstrations and critiques with tutors. You will be encouraged to submit to national and international competitions, such as Design & Art Direction (D&AD), Royal Society of Arts (RSA), International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) and Creative Conscience. Regular live projects and guest speakers from industry will enhance your portfolio and learning. Collaborative projects and placement opportunities are encouraged during your study to establish yourself as an emerging designer within this growing and fast paced industry.

As you progress through the programme you will have the opportunity to shape and form your design direction - adding specialist skills to your base knowledge. This culminates in your final year where you build your portfolio through independent and self directed projects - developing your individual creative voice as an exciting contemporary designer.

Our school engages with a wide range of partners working across each creative sub-sector to ensure that teaching and learning are in line with the latest developments in and requirements of industry, including:

Industry Partners
• Baxter & Bailey, Brighton
• Jimmy Turrell, Newcastle
• Studio DBD, Manchester
• Music Agency, Manchester
• Studio Dumbar, Netherlands

Guest Speakers
• Studio Dumbar – Netherlands
• Burberry – London
• Greater Goods – London
• Jimmy Turrell – Newcastle
• Kelly Anna – London
• Graham Wood – London
• Music – Manchester
• Spin – London
• Fiasco – Bristol
• Pann Lim – Singapore
• Raissa Pardini – Glasgow
• Pilot Magazine – London
• GF Smith – London
• Mike Lemanski - Leeds

Students have the opportunity to work with a range of companies on live briefs throughout the programme, including:
• Jimmy Turrell
• ITV
• Now You See Me Moria
• Changing Relations Action
• Revelry Distillery
• Emmerson Marketing

Our alumni are working all over the world creative areas for companies including:
• BBC
• Capitol Records
• Netflix
• The Jamie Lloyd Theatre Company
• The FA
• Liverpool FC
• Converse
• Chanel
• Visualsoft eCommerce
• BCG Digital Ventures
• Disturbia
• Juiced

Your portfolio is a visual statement it tells us alot about you & your practice. The advice below is not meant to be restrictive but rather offers some simple advice to help you prepare for your portfolio review.

Examples can include:
1. Knowledge of the subject you are applying for

2. Drawing and painting skills
• Observational drawing
• Experimenting with different media
• Design sketches and illustrations
• Paintings using different media
• Photography
• Poster Art
• Comic Art

3. Evidence of a variety of techniques and processes
• Traditional and/or digital

4. Multimedia and/or 3D work
• Sculpture work/models (can be photographed)
• Animations or moving image

5. Online presence (design and visual arts related) e.g. Instagram, Behance, Facebook, Flickr, Vimeo, WordPress etc.

6. Sketchbooks
• Evidence your ideas generation, development and research
• References to artists and designers that have inspired/influenced your work
• You may have references to contemporary and historical practices

7. Experimental approaches to your projects

8. Examples of written work

Please ensure any work you bring is easily viewable, especially digital files. Feel free to bring work on your own tablet or laptop. We also want to know about you, so we’ll ask you about what artists, films, games or stories inspire you and your work.

Authenticity of Submitted Work
All work submitted in support of an application (including written work, portfolios, proposals or additional evidence requested by the School) must be the applicant’s own original work.

The School reserves the right to request verification of authorship. Where submitted work is found to be misrepresented, misleading or not the applicant’s own, the application or offer may be withdrawn in accordance with our Admissions policy.

Where applicants have used digital or AI-assisted tools as part of their creative process, this should be clearly declared.

Graphic Design Foundation and Orientation
In your first year (Level 4), you will be introduced to the core concepts, skills, and techniques that form the foundation of your graphic design practice. You’ll explore a variety of mediums, software, and approaches to help you understand the wide possibilities within both analogue and digital processes required as a graphic designer. This year focuses on developing your creative thinking, technical ability including, motion, typography, image making, branding and more.

• Creative Processes and Experimentation
• Adventures in Type
• Creative Thinking
• Visual Communication
• Design Impact

Development and Exploration
Your second year (Level 5) builds on this digital foundation, allowing you to develop more advanced, industry-standard skills and a deeper understanding of the digital sector. You will begin to define your personal direction through live briefs and self-directed projects, while building a professional portfolio that reflects your developing specialism. During this stage, you are also encouraged to seek relevant work experience and internships.

• Advanced Design Production
• Creative Discussion
• Design Specialism & Innovation
• Future Industries

Consolidation and Expertise
In your final year (Level 6), you will consolidate your skills, experience, and creative identity as a graphic designer. Working on self-initiated projects, you will refine your skills and explore your future professional direction. This year provides the opportunity to realise your creative ambitions, demonstrate your digital proficiency work towards an industry role or further study.

• Specialist Practice 1
• Specialist Practice 2
• Professional Futures and Final Show
• Dissertation and Report

Optional Master of Arts.

Develop your creativity even further with a postgraduate study year – https://northernart.ac.uk/masters-degrees/