London College of Communication

Course Details

BA (Hons) Design for Graphic Communication (top up)

Course Description

Top your FdA up to a BA (Hons) Design for Graphic Communication This builds upon the practices and strengths of the FdA Design for Graphic Communication, helping you to progression into both employment and/or further study. Work Based and Work Related Learning will be the central focus of this Top Up year, allowing graduates to develop a wide range of practical and theoretical skills enabling them to choose to prepare for entry to the creative industries or application to postgraduate level study. The contextual studies element of this Top Up course will have more of an industry focus and students will be required to produce a design research report based on their own primary research of the creative industries, critically analysing current industry practice and feeding back, directly into the students' studio practice and Work Based learning experiences. Entry to industry will be facilitated by building upon the current practice of the FdA Design for Graphic Communication of assessed work placements, use of a mentorship scheme, studio visits, input of School of Graphic Design alumni and encouraging the development of entrepreneurial skills and understanding necessary for freelance practice or successfully finding a job. Staff from the Top-Up and Postgraduate courses will develop teaching and learning activities together designed to facilitate and help interested students identify which postgraduate course is the most appropriate for them, build an appropriate portfolio and prepare for application, therefore ensuring continuation of experience and retention of the most suitable students. Teaching and learning practice developed by School of Graphic Design staff on parallel courses (Diploma in Professional Studies and Grad Certificate/Diploma Design for Visual Communication) will be utilised in the curriculum. Both these courses have strong Work Based Learning and research method approaches that align closely with the aims of the FdA and this Top Up year. This course is taught within the School of Design. Learning and teaching Courses in UAL span a broad range of art, design, communication, business, media, science and communication subjects. So the ways in which you learn and how your time is used will vary according to the specific course you are studying; this may be in studios, labs, classes, involve working alone, learning from peers in pairs or groups, or with external partners. Most importantly, no matter which course you enrol on, you will learn not only about your subject but also about how you learn and how to increase your knowledge base. Our courses will guide you to take increasing responsibility and ownership of your work and your learning. We do this so that you will be ready and able to take full advantage of the full range of opportunities offered by the creative industries in the global economy.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
1year

Career outcomes

Our students have a wide variety of options available when they leave college. The significant percentage seek employment in the design industry either in the UK or abroad. Additionally, a number continue onto postgraduate study in courses in which they can pursue subject based research or teaching qualifications. Enterprise and employability at UAL We know what it takes to be successful in your chosen field. Your tutors are professionals in their own right and understand what you need to help you establish your career. Staff in our Centre for Student Enterprise and Employability (SEE) are dedicated to helping you build up work-relevant skills, knowledge, experience and networks throughout your time here. You will also benefit from our many relationships with industry, which give our students exclusive opportunities and access to networks and funding. Artists and designers tell us they value UAL's informed engagement with their career and professional practice development and our ability to offer them practical advice, guidance and opportunities across the wide spectrum of possible professional pathways - as entrepreneurs and employees. Staff value the resources and skills UAL makes available to help them deliver effective professional and career development through the curriculum. Find out more ArtsTemps (SEE) is the UAL in-house recruitment agency placing students and graduates in paid temping roles within the University. Creative Opportunities (SEE) is the UAL job vacancy and work placement website for students and graduates and advertises hundreds of creative job and placement opportunities each month. Get more information and advice on employment and creative careers for all UAL students and graduates.




BA (Hons) Design for Graphic Communication (top up) London College of Communication