Course Summary
You will be able to develop an original, individual approach to creating graphic design and illustration, coupled with a thorough understanding of the social, cultural and professional context occupied by these two disciplines. Having skills in both areas (feet in both camps) allows a more adaptable approach to taking on work and being successful, chiming with the requirements of the Creative Industries 4.0, where discipline distinctions become increasingly irrelevant to professional life.
Towards the end of the course, in the final year, you will be able to gravitate towards one or other on the named subjects as your creative voice emerges. It’s that flexibility which is the underlying selling point of this course.
At any point should you feel more an illustrator or more a Designer you can seamlessly switch between the degree courses.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
The course will offer a combination of modules that already exist within the Cluster within BA (Hons) Illustration and BA (Hons) Graphic Design. Having skills in both areas (feet in both camps) allows a more adaptable approach to taking on work and being successful, chiming with the requirements of the Creative Industries 4.0, where discipline distinctions become increasingly irrelevant to professional life.
You will be able to develop an original, individual approach to creating graphic design and illustration, coupled with a thorough understanding of the social, cultural and professional context occupied by graphic design and illustration and will gain ability to articulate and apply this in your practice.
Through the course you will undertake interdisciplinary collaborations, adapt to taking on work and become successful in the creative industries. You will work alongside our students from Fine Art Technology, Design Interaction, Illustration, Animation and Photography which will give you the skills to gain a fresh perspective and approaches (divergent thinking) giving you edge in the competitive job market, skills for fourth industrial age.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
- Types of learning
You will benefit from our progressive approach to learning through forward thinking and inclusive blended/ flipped learning and patchwork assessment, allowing you to make connections between modules, technical skills and research and your practice.
- Expanding your learning
Thinking critically to undertake complex problem solving, to be able to succeed in 4iR (fourth industrial revolution) and beyond (we call this emotional intelligence). Gain insights in our yearly cluster employability initiative Detour Ahead: Roadmaps for the Art and Design Industry, a week-long inter-disciplinary guest talks as well as advice about copyright and licensing, freelancing and tax.
- Flexibility in learning
Gravitate towards one or other on the named subjects as your creative voice emerges or stay studying both. It’s this that flexibility which is the underlining selling point of this course.
- Helping independent study
We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.
- Academic support
Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, maths or IT, our Skill-zone and English for Academic Purposes we offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised help-desks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).
- Workload
Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
Year 1: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
Year 2: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
Year 3: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course.
Who teaches on this course
Dan Duran
Ed Gill
Andrew Osman
Valerie Pezeron
Dr Mikey B Georgeson
Jonathan Clark
Bryony Quinn
Kim Louise Stevenson
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
The future needs flexible creatives who can adapt to the ever-changing market. Graduating with two areas of interest gives you an advantage.
In 2018, the UK’s creative sector broke the £100 billion mark. Within this economy there are a great variety of roles that utilise the skillsets we develop.
Our alumni may work in-house for a large company, in a specialist design studio, run their own business or be self-employed across a variety of industries. Spending three years tracking multiple projects, solving the logistics of production and negotiating within teams of creatives will prepare you for work beyond the subject area.
The University’s e-Factor competition offers students resources to develop their own business and the Career Coaching team are always on hand to help students fine tune their CVs and interview techniques.
The course maintains a strong network of alumni and we regularly invite former students to return as guest speakers and lecturers.
Typical roles include: Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Freelancer, Book Designer, Web Designer, Print designer (Fashion textiles), AR/VR Designer, UX/UI Designer, Exhibition designer, Architect, Artist.
The BA (Hons) Illustration course has membership to the AOI (Association of Illustrators) — the BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration course will also join as a member. Access offers students a two-hour illustration business masterclass and an interactive talk covering tangible employment skills, such as tips on contract negotiations and licensing, as well as cheap access to membership and the AOI magazine Varoom.
How you'll be assessed
Each module has a duration of 12 weeks (one term) and always concludes with an assessment point. We provide feedback throughout these 12-week periods with a specific ‘Tracking Week’ dedicated to this process midway through each term.
For Practical modules your submission will consist of a Learning Journal (the presentation of your development and experience) and Portfolio (the presentation of your practical output). For Theoretical modules you may be asked to produce a piece of academic writing of a given length and a live presentation.
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL’s assessment and feedback policy.
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