Modules

Level 4
• Creative Processes and Experimentation
• Adventures in Type
• Creative Thinking
• Visual Communication
• Design Impact


Level 5


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

Level 6

• Project Research and Preparation
• Dissertation / Report
• Final Major Project
• Final Show and Portfolio

Our alumni work in creative careers for companies such as:

BBC
Capitol Records
Netflix
The Jamie Lloyd Theatre Company
The FA
Liverpool FC
Converse
Chanel
Visualsoft eCommerce
BCG Digital Ventures
Disturbia
Juiced

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:

Studio Dumbar
Based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Studio Dumbar are driven by curiosity and ambition, exploring new possibilities in creative coding, motion, sound, AI and the creation of proprietary tech tools with the forward thinking notion of ‘what’s next’. Voted ‘Agency of the Year’ at the European Design Awards 23, Studio Dumbar are a diverse group of nationalities, personalities, and specialists; from creative coders to sound designers, project managers, motion designers, strategists and visual designers brought together by the passion to make a difference. They work for a variety of clients, from leading global tech companies, to local businesses, NGOs, governments, non-profit organisations and cultural institutes. Our students recently visited their studios and were offered the opportunity of internships during an educational visit to the Netherlands.

Jimmy Turrell
Jimmy Turrell is a graphic artist and video director, born in Newcastle and raised in the Byker Wall. Growing up in Newcastle he went on to study at Central St Martin’s. He combines a love handmade collage, drawing, screen printing and painting with digital techniques to produce visually exciting work for a plethora of global clients including; Universal Music, Nike, Channel 4, The Guardian, MTV and Chanel, to name a few. Jimmy has worked with The School and its students for several years and has offered valuable experiences such as live projects for national magazines and placements.

Dom Bailey - Baxter & Bailey
Dom is a cheerleader for the power of design to make change. Cultural change, organisational change, perception change: design can positively affect all of these things. He has been applying design to help clients make positive change in arts and culture, education, architecture and technology for 25 years. It’s a commitment he has put into practice for organisations including Oxford University Press, London Symphony Orchestra, NSPCC and as trustee of Theatre for a Change, a rights charity committed to social change around the world.

Music
Based in Manchester, Music create brands from scratch. They evolve brands to better compete and engage and bring existing brands to life across multiple platforms. They do this by unearthing, supporting and collaborating with unique talent across the UK.

Through a varied range of work including; branding, advertising, UX and UI, copywriting and film creation, their work reaches into everyday life by creating and developing the brands that shape our culture. From street food to bike rides, front row fashion to football folklore, galleries to gigs - Music design British culture.

Dave Sedgwick - Studio DBD
StudioDBD are an independent design studio based in Manchester who specialise in creating and nurturing brands.Dave has worked in the design industry for over 20 years. Starting out as a junior designer, he worked his way through the ranks at various agencies before founding his own practice in 2011. He has won awards for his design work, including a prestigious D&AD pencil. He has lectured at a number of Universities and design events, he has also had his work published in magazines and books.

The studio focuses mainly on brand design, which includes the creation of typography, illustration, logo design, print work, digital work and various other forms of design. Dave believes the most important thing is to be able to enjoy your work, connect with nice, decent and honest people and not take yourself too seriously.

Guest Speakers
Jimmy Turrell Newcastle
Baxter & Bailey Brighton
Burberry London
Greater Goods London
Studio DBD Manchester
Kelly Anna London
Graham Wood London
Music Agency Manchester
Fiasco Bristol
Better Studio Middlesbrough
Mike Lemanski Leeds
Pann Lim Singapore
Spin London
Studio Dumbar Netherlands
Ensemble Manchester
GF Smith London

Your portfolio is a visual statement it says a lot about an applicant and their practice. The advice below is not meant to be restrictive but rather offers some simple advice to help you prepare for your interview.

What we like to see
Examples of finished design work presented to a good standard. Work-in-progress including developmental drawing, design thinking, alternative ideas, solutions and proposals. The portfolio should indicate an interest in images and type/lettering.

Please include work such as:
• Photography
• Drawing
• Illustration
• Painting
• 3D Work (can be photographed)
• Short Stories and/or Poetry
• Web Design and Blogging
• Other on-line presence (design and visual arts related) e.g. Instagram, DeviantArt, Flickr, Behance, etc.

Digital Work
You can also include film/animation/ interactive work. If so, please make sure that you provide correctly formatted files and that the work can be played/showed on Mac computers. Alternatively bring your own laptop or tablet.