Graphic Design 9th Grade Videos

Overview

On this BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree, you'll develop your own visual identity, with a distinct typography emphasis and professional connections gained from our industry-active, research-led teaching staff. With opportunities to specialise in your area of interest and win awards from prestigious graphic design bodies, you'll build an inspiring design profile that no employer can resist.

Graphic design is a cornerstone of many industries, so you'll have lots of career options after graduation. If you want to start in web design, advertising, branding, and other media, or advance to a Master's: now is your time to explore.

Course highlights

Hone vital design techniques – including screen printing, letterpress, laser cutting and dye sublimation printing – using our specialist facilities
Get your talent recognised by entering international competitions by renowned organisations You Can Now (YCN), Design and Art Direction (D&AD), and the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce (RSA)
Elevate your professional profile by becoming a member of the esteemed International Society of Typographic Designers (iSTD)
Impress future employers by showcasing your work at our annual Graduate Show
Experience the graphic design profession by taking a one-year placement - either with a company or by setting up your own
Show your Adobe expertise to industry peers by gaining an Adobe Certified Associate qualification
Connect with companies and communities by taking part in events like SKY Creative Day

90% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19)

TEF Gold Teaching Excellence Framework

I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to enter a variety of different competitions both as part of my university work as well as alongside it. ...I was awarded Overall Creative Champion at the South West Design and Digital Student Awards for my project 'Kuki', where I was also awarded Winner at the RSA Student Awards and fellowship to the RSA.

Entry requirements

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Your facilities

The course has given me all the tools I need in order to be the best designer I can be, both professionally and personally. It has taught me important values and methodologies related not only to better design practices but also for interpersonal skills.

Careers and opportunities

With the skills and knowledge you gain from this course, you can work across a variety of creative industries. In 15 months after graduating, 90% of Graphic Design graduates have already started work or are pursuing further studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019), so you'll be in excellent company.

Areas you could work in include magazine design publishing, branding and design, advertising, web design, and TV and film. You could also set up your own business, work as a freelancer, or go on to postgraduate study.

Graduate destinations

Companies and studios our graduates have worked at include:

Why Not Associates
Aardman Digital
The Light Surgeons
Fitch
4IV
Rubrik
FHM Magazine

Graduate startups

Some businesses our graduates have started up include:

Territory Studio
Bright Agency
Debut Art
Strong Island
MWM Creative
Lethal Creative Studio
iLoveDust

Ongoing careers support

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you'll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

Placement year (optional)

After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in many areas of graphic design. Previous students have landed roles including graphic designer and UX (user experience) designer.

Placement destinations

Previous placement students have worked at companies and organisations such as:

Waitrose & Partners
TopCashBack
MMT Digital
Waterline Media

If you fancy going independent, you can start up and run your own graphic design company for a year as an alternative to a work-based placement.

Whatever your choice, Creative Careers is here to help.

Creative Careers

Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.

They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:

Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route

The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.

Featured placement

Vanessa Maia – MMT Digital

Vanessa tells us what she's learnt during her internship as a Graphic Designer, the highlights she's encountered, and the challenges she's surmounted along the way.

Read Vanessa's story

What you'll study

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

Modules

Year 1

Core modules

What you'll do

You'll research and create pictograms, infographics and context specific data visualisations.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Demonstrate awareness and understanding of how design content works in relation to the form and purpose communicated through designed artefacts
Recognise and demonstrate appropriate use of technology
Present work clearly to both staff and your own peer group

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures, practical classes, tutorials and supervised workshops.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 155 hours studying independently. This is around 9.5 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a portfolio (100% of final mark).

What you'll do

You'll learn about the major design movements and work in a small team to conduct research into designers and studios. You'll also familiarise yourself with University facilities including the library and IT systems.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Use the University's library and IT systems to access research on a given topic and evaluate, prepare and present it in an appropriate form
Experience and contribute to team work, group critique, presentation and debate
Demonstrate, by research and practice, the ability to use appropriate software to create and present a finished group visual presentation

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures, tutorials, practical classes and supervised workshops.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 153 hours studying independently. This is around 9 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a portfolio (100% of final mark).

What you'll do

You'll also learn study skills that will support academic writing within the context of visual culture.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Demonstrate a basic understanding of visual culture
Examine key debates related to visual culture history and theory
Communicate knowledge and ideas in writing
Analyse images in a variety of social, cultural and political contexts
Express ideas and knowledge in visual form
Demonstrate an understanding of research, academic referencing, citation and bibliographic techniques

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures, seminars, practical classes and workshops, tutorials and fieldwork.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 158 hours studying independently. This is around 9.5 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a practical exercise (50% of final mark)
a 1,500-word written assignment (50% of final mark)

What you'll do

You'll explore areas including communication theory, design research, design thinking and design process.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Demonstrate an awareness of communication theories
Develop and apply visual/textual research, design thinking approaches and methodologies
Reflect on your own and the work of others from an informed position

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures, seminars and practical classes.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 160 hours studying independently. This is around 9.5 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a portfolio (100% of final mark).

What you'll do

You'll research and create grid systems and composition for media specific outputs.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Demonstrate your awareness of current design practice in publications, including typography, form, function and content
Recognise and demonstrate appropriate use of technology in your work
Present your work clearly and informatively, both to your lecturers and your peers

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures, practical classes and workshops, tutorials and supervised time in the studio/workshop.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 155 hours studying independently. This is around 9.5 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a portfolio (100% of final mark).

What you'll do

You'll explore historical and contemporary good practice in sequential design and motion graphics, look at on-screen typography and storyboarding, and examine the relationship between moving and still images. You'll also explore the importance of sound in motion graphics, and the pacing and timing of sequences.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Collect, document, analyse and communicate textual and visual research within a historical and contemporary context
Develop and apply concepts, through the contextualisation of research practice, for sequential design problem solving
Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate software/technology in contextual problem solving, to construct a sequence through a motion graphics outcome

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures, tutorials, practical classes and supervised workshops.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 159 hours studying independently. This is around 9.5 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a portfolio (100% of final mark).

Year 2

Core modules

What you'll do

You'll create a hand-bound booklet with a screen-printed dust jacket as you study typography for continuous reading, book binding, layout, print production methods and the software Adobe InDesign.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Demonstrate critical understanding of form, function and content in relation to graphic design and typography.
Understand content and content driven design, the appropriate use of applied methodologies, technologies and materials.
Present your own work and ideas and develop practical knowledge of readability and legibility, layout, typesetting styles and formats
Use intermediate typographic terminology and select typefaces appropriately.

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures, practical classes and workshops, tutorials and supervised time in the studio/workshop.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 161.5 hours studying independently. This is around 10 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a coursework portfolio (100% of final mark).

What you'll do

You'll design and produce a graphic design artefact that articulates your ethical position, evaluating and reflecting on the research you've conducted into potential cultural, ethical and political issues.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Demonstrate critical awareness of ethical issues in design practice
Recognise and critically engage with didactic material
Demonstrate development of critical awareness
Generate work that communicates chosen content from an informed position

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend practical classes and workshops, lectures, seminars, tutorials and supervised time in the studio/workshop.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 157.5 hours studying independently. This is around 10 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a portfolio (100% of final mark)

What you'll do

You'll explore team work and project planning, organisation and communication, as well as pitching and presentation, in relation to professional design practice.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Demonstrate your creative and professional handling of issues relating to identities, branding and promotion
Use your technical skills and processes related to identity, branding and promotion appropriately
Work in a team, meeting professional design industry requirements
Identify audiences and design appropriate solutions

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend practical classes, workshops, tutorials, lectures and supervised studio time.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 154 hours studying independently. This is around 9 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a portfolio (100% of final mark).

What you'll do

You'll learn how to investigate and think creatively about problems and opportunities, integrate different styles of thinking in a design process, and explore, evaluate and critique the user experience thinking of others. You'll solve complex problems with creative, user-focused solutions, and build a portfolio of design projects; giving you a strong foundation for future study or work.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Identify and describe the fundamental stages of user experience design
Compare, contrast and use a range of user experience design methods and techniques
Recognise, identify and select appropriate design methods, tools and skills to creatively solve problems
Describe and discuss the challenges and benefits of the user experience design approach
Critically evaluate and use appropriate innovation and creative problem-solving techniques

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures, seminars and practical classes.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 155 hours studying independently. This is around 4.5 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a 1,500-word set exercise (40% of final mark)
a 2,500-word essay (60% of final mark)

Optional modules

What you'll do

Study abroad placements are done in year 3 of a 4 year sandwich degree. Enhance your learning experience by adding a global dimension to your studies and develop knowledge and skills essential for roles in the global workforce. Participation in this module is subject to a selection process, supply and demand you'll be assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Where activity is to be undertaken in a non-English speaking country, you'll need to evidence your language ability and plans for improving your language competency.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Critically assess how activities relate to disciplinary knowledge and practice covered on your course within a global context
Manage and complete tasks in an overseas study environment relevant to your course, with an appropriate level of skill, independence and performance
Reflect critically on your personal development during your study abroad, identifying the transferable skills you acquired and their relevance to future study and employability

Teaching activities

5 hours of tutorials

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a 2,000 portfolio (pass/fail, pass mark of 40)

What you'll do

Study abroad placements are done either in the second teaching block of your second year, or in year 3 of a 4 year sandwich degree. Enhance your learning experience by adding a global dimension to your studies and develop knowledge and skills essential for roles in the global workforce. Participation in this module is subject to a selection process, supply and demand you'll be assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Where activity is to be undertaken in a non-English speaking country, you'll need to evidence your language ability and plans for improving your language competency.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Critically assess how activities relate to disciplinary knowledge and practice covered on your course within a global context
Manage and complete tasks in an overseas study environment relevant to your course, with an appropriate level of skill, independence and performance
Reflect critically on your personal development during your study abroad, identifying the transferable skills you acquired and their relevance to future study and employability

Teaching activities

3 hours of tutorials

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a 2,000 portfolio (pass/fail, pass mark of 40)

What you'll do

You'll add a global dimension to your studies and develop knowledge and skills essential for roles in the global workforce. To choose this option, you'll have to pass a selection process.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Evaluate your activities abroad, and how they relate to your studies at Portsmouth
Demonstrate your independence and skills by managing and completing tasks in an overseas study environment
Reflect on your personal development, and how your exchange experience enhanced your employability prospects

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend supervised workshops, practical classes and lectures.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 600 hours studying independently. This is around 36 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a coursework portfolio (100% of final mark, assessed on a pass/fail basis).

This module combines the Work Placement and Self Employed Placement, so you can alternate between shorter periods of an industrial placement or start-up experience.

What you'll do and learn

With the support of the Creative Careers team, you can find, apply for and complete a year of a work placement with a variety of employers - previous placements have been offered from NBC, Disney, Warner Bros. and a variety of SME's in the region.

Teaching activities

You'll be offered supervisor visits (online, by phone or in person) to support your experience in the workplace.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a portfolio (100% of your final mark).

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Work independently with less need for supervision and direction
Communicate a detailed knowledge of the contexts of business and industry-specific practices relevant to your chosen field
Demonstrate awareness of ideas, contexts and frameworks within self-employment, freelancing or business start-ups
Develop professional working relationships within industry/business disciplines
Proactively evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and develop your own criteria and judgement relating to your business practice, future learning and future employability goals

Teaching activities

N/A

Independent study time

N/A

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a portfolio (100% of final mark).

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Work independently with less need for supervision and direction
Communicate a detailed knowledge of the contexts of business and industry-specific practices relevant to your chosen field
Demonstrate awareness of ideas, contexts and frameworks within your chosen area of employment
Develop professional working relationships within industry/business disciplines
Proactively evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and develop your own criteria and judgement relating to your business practice, future learning and future employability goals

Teaching activities

N/A

Independent study time

N/A

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a portfolio (100% of final mark).

What you'll do

You'll do this by engaging in interdisciplinary work, developing an appreciation of other creative disciplines and understanding how professionals collaborate.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Demonstrate independent, analytical and creative attributes
Demonstrate the ability to be an effective team player, able to provide leadership and to support the success of others
Communicate clearly and effectively using various methods and to different audiences

Teaching activities

On this module you'll work independently and in groups with regular tutorial support, and also attend some briefings and lectures.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 176 hours studying independently. This is around 10.5 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a group presentation (40% of final mark)
an individual portfolio (40% of final mark)
a 1,000-word report (20% of final mark)

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Identify future career goals and reflect on these to develop a personal development plan (programme of learning), which includes suitable work experience and skills/knowledge development opportunities
Arrange suitable work experience, engage with personal development opportunities and analyse relevant literature relating to enhancing your employment opportunities
Critically evaluate and articulate your learning (knowledge, skills and attributes) in relation to your future career goals

Teaching activities

On this module you'll take part in work-based learning and attend lectures.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 188 hours doing work-based learning or studying independently. This is around 11 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a 1,000-word report (20% of final mark)
a 3,000-word report (80% of final mark)

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Through research and practice, work inside the design parameters and technical requirements of an externally set brief
Creatively problem-solve to identify audience needs and create an appropriate design solution
Use professional technical skills and processes to produce work
Develop and critically reflect on high-level organisational skills needed for a professional design context
Evaluate appropriate content and build a selective portfolio

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend practical classes, workshops, tutorials, lectures and supervised studio time.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 154 hours studying independently. This is around 9.5 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a coursework portfolio (100% of final mark)

What you'll do

You'll form a small group (typically with 4 other students) and work through areas such as designing, manufacturing and pitching ideas. The knowledge and skill you will get through this module will help you to run your own business, but are also transferable skills you can use in many other careers.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Critically reflect on your effectiveness at tasks that use employability skills such as project planning, communication, time management, leadership and teamwork
Evaluate the theory and complete the practice of establishing and running a business enterprise
Understand the systems commonly used to plan, record and monitor business decisions and company transactions
Critically reflect on the factors that contribute towards the success or failure of business start ups

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 176 hours studying independently (including group work). This is around 10.5 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a 2,000 word report (50% of your final mark)
an oral assessment and presentation (50% of your final mark)

What you'll do

You'll explore design, fashion, illustration, photography, film, television and online materials associated with fandom and collecting. This is in preparation for your third-year research module.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Discuss critical issues in contemporary visual culture, with particular focus on cult fandom, collecting, material culture and taste
Understand the historical, social and political contexts of taste and material culture
Analyse issues pertaining to cult fandom, collecting, material culture and taste in graphic design, illustration, photography, fashion, film, television and online
Use research skills, such as academic referencing, citation and bibliographic techniques
Identify a topic and appropriate research methods for your level 6 research module

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend tutorials, lectures, seminars, practical classes and workshops, and external visits.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 163 hours studying independently. This is around 10 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a 3,000-word set coursework exercise (100% of final mark).

What you'll do

You'll cover theoretical and historical approaches to individual and collective identities through a series of case studies, past and present, and prepare for your third-year research module.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Discuss critical issues in contemporary visual culture, particularly issues of identity
Analyse visual representations of identity in graphic design, illustration, photography, fashion, film, television and online
Understand the historical, social and political contexts of identity.
Use research skills, such as academic referencing, citation and bibliographic techniques
Identify a topic and appropriate research methods for your level 6 research module

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes and workshops.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 163 hours studying independently. This is around 10 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a 3,000-word essay (100% of final mark)

What you'll do

You'll consider how the image has been reproduced and circulated historically as you explore research methods and prepare for a third-year research project.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Engage critically with theoretical debates in visual culture, and apply your understanding to your creative work.
Demonstrate your knowledge of the history of selected key technologies of reproduction, and their impact on visual culture
Present your knowledge and ideas in appropriate academic style
Write proposals for research work, setting out appropriate methods and goals for a prescribed framework

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes and workshops.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 163 hours studying independently. This is around 10 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a 3000-word essay (100% of final mark).

What you'll do

You'll learn about Western figurative art's use of the body for expression and narrative, and Modernist fantasies of technological enhancement, to feminist and queer theorists' challenges to dominant conceptions of the body.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of key theories and histories of the body in visual culture
Discuss images and texts relating to concepts and representations of the body
Identify, select and discuss relevant supplementary materials independently
Present your knowledge as a coherently written argument
Define a viable topic for your Level 6 visual culture research module

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend tutorials, practical classes and workshops, external visits, lectures and seminars.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 163 hours studying independently. This is around 10 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a 3000-word report (100% of final mark).

Year 3

Core modules

What you'll do

You'll use primary research, such as interviews and museum visits, alongside the critical examination of textual and visual research from books, periodicals or the web. Your research in this module will be used in the co-requisite module, 'Major Project In Graphic Design - Resolution And Presentation'.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Perform sustained critical enquiry, both textual and visual, into a specialist area of graphic design
Critically appraise and synthesise information from key texts, debates and practitioners, both historical and contemporary, in relation to the development of project work
Evidence design processes and experimentation and evidence of decision-making in the research
Communicate effectively both abstract and tangible concepts through appropriate presentation forms
Evidence a process of critical reflection, evaluation and justification in relation to the research and development of project work.

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend practical classes and workshops, lectures, tutorials and supervised time in the studio/workshop.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 163 hours studying independently. This is around 10 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a coursework portfolio (100% of final mark) – research journals and sketchbooks

What you'll do

You'll also set out the process you used to resolve your research proposal.

Along with your finished artifact, you'll deliver a 10-minute presentation showing your results.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Evidence a process of sustained textual and visual investigation and experimentation with regards to processes, techniques and materials when completing designed work
Evidence a process of evaluation with regards to message aims, context and audience including appropriate choice of design framework and aesthetics with regard to intended audience
Evaluate the function of graphic design produced in an academic context and its likely application in a professional context
Justify the chosen medium and methodologies employed in the realisation of the solution to a personally determined design brief
Critically evaluate the processes, techniques and materials employed to produce the solution to a personally determined design brief
Adapt the dissemination of the content and context of produced design work at varying academic, industry and professional standards

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend tutorials, practical classes and workshops, supervised time in the studio/workshop and lectures.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 163 hours studying independently. This is around 10 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a portfolio (80% of final mark)
a 10-minute oral assessment and presentation (20% of final mark)

What you'll do

You'll work towards meeting the standards required by projects, awards or other international competition briefs set and judged by industry professionals and academics in design practice. This could include the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD) or projects led by the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Understand, analyse and combine complex information in relation to a design brief
Solve problems independently through the creation and development of a creative design solution
Critically evaluate your own work with reference to professional design practice
Show your technical knowledge and ability through the production of a creative solution
Demonstrate professional project management and media management skills

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend practical classes and workshops, seminars, supervised time in the studio/workshop, lectures and tutorials.

Activities delivered through your workshops, tutorials, seminars and supervised studio practice include brief examples, external speakers, letterpress refresher courses, book cover presentations and preliminary feedback.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 152 hours studying independently. This is around 9 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a coursework portfolio (100% of final mark)

What you'll do

You'll deal with planning and budgeting for delivering on client briefs, and use the resulting creative work to extend your design portfolio. You'll also be able to undertake the Adobe Certified Associate exams – a proof of competency in industry standard software for future employers.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Respond professionally and creatively to briefs as you research and develop solutions that meet design parameters
Show your skills in using design software as part of your creative practice
Demonstrate your high-level organisational and time management skills, as needed within a professional context
Practice effective client communication strategies

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures, tutorials and supervised time in the studio/workshop.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 171 hours studying independently. This is around 10 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a 10-minute oral assessment and presentation (100% of final mark) - this includes submission of imagery and text to evidence work flow, schedule, estimate, agreed terms, communication with the client, the proposal of the design presented to the client, rounds of amends and final outcome

What you'll do

You'll also use this experience and material in applying for jobs.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Problem solve to develop a creative design solution appropriate to the perceived audience
Consolidate and demonstrate professional competencies in the use of appropriate technical skills and processes necessary for the production of promotional materials
Demonstrate through research and practice a creative and professional handling of issues relating to branding, identities and promotion
Apply through practice time management skills and a reflection of that process
Develop adaptive self-promotion skills and promotional materials for job seeking or further study

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend tutorials, lectures, practical classes and workshops, and supervised time in the studio/workshop.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 154 hours studying independently. This is around 9.5 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through:

a coursework portfolio (100% of final mark)

Optional modules

What you'll do

You'll select a theme, explore it through substantial research, and analyse your results in a 5,000-word dissertation.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Define and develop an appropriate topic for your research
Analyse and evaluate a range of research sources
Demonstrate sustained independent enquiry
Apply academic skills and conventions in an extended piece of scholarly writing

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures, tutorials, practical classes and workshops and seminars.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 188 hours studying independently. This is around 11 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a 5,000-word dissertation (100% of final mark).

What you'll do

With support from your supervisor, you'll develop an intellectual position and a conceptual creative response, based on your engagement with historical, theoretical, and cultural material.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

Define and develop an appropriate topic, practice-based research strategy and a relevant creative concept
Engage with theoretical, historical, and cultural contexts in research sources
Demonstrate sustained research and independent enquiry
Apply academic skills and conventions in an extended piece of scholarly and reflective writing
Resolve project aims and present work appropriately

Teaching activities

On this module you'll attend lectures, tutorials, practical classes and workshops, and seminars.

Independent study time

We recommend you spend at least 188 hours studying independently. This is around 11 hours a week over the duration of the module.

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a 4,000-word project (100% of final mark).

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

lectures
group critique
seminars
individual tutorials

There's an emphasis on practical sessions, a strong studio culture and developing a creative atmosphere that will inspire you.

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.

For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.

How you're assessed

Not a fan of exams? Don't worry – there aren't any on this course. Instead, you can let your designs do the talking.

You'll be assessed through:

project presentations
research and developmental work
design portfolios
written essays or reports

You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

The way you're assessed will depend on the modules you select throughout your course. Here's an example from a previous academic year of how students on this course were typically assessed:

Year 1, 2 and 3 students: 100% by coursework

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We're planning for most of your learning to be supported by timetabled face-to-face teaching with some elements of online provision. Please be aware, the balance between face-to-face teaching and online provision may change depending on Government restrictions. You'll also do lots of independent study with support from staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle. Find out more about how our teaching has transformed to best support your learning.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree.

In your first year, you'll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes, workshops and supervised studio sessions for about 11 hours a week. The rest of the time you'll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course.

You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends. There's usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting your learning

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff when you need it. These include the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.

In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.

You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
understanding and using assignment feedback
managing your time and workload
revision and exam techniques

If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.

Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5pm to midnight at busy times of the year.

As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

academic writing
note taking
time management
critical thinking
presentation skills
referencing
working in groups
revision, memory and exam techniques

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to:

discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
liaise with external services

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone or online chat to help you make the most of the University's library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees (2022 start)

UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students –£9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
International students – £16,200 a year (subject to annual increase)

You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees. So you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Costs breakdown

You'll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

You'll need to pay extra printing costs of around £100–£600 on portfolio work.

Material and production costs are around £100–£500 a year.

Any study trips are optional and you will be expected to pay full cost. Optional study trips abroad will cost in the region of £200–£800. UK trips, where offered, will be £50–£150.

Apply

How to apply

To start this course in 2022, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

the UCAS course code – W210
our institution code – P80

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

How to apply from outside the UK

See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.