Introduction to Graphic Design

This introductory, hands-on course guides you through the fundamentals of graphic design. You’ll explore visual communication through a variety of mediums—including traditional sketching, collage, digital design, and photography—to develop your own unique visual language.

Along the way, you'll learn how type, composition, and cultural context influence design, setting you up for a focused project that solidifies your skills.

You will be taught in specialist art and design studios and supported by the course teacher through practical demonstrations, one-to-one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

You will require access to a device with an internet connection.

You may be required to bring some materials to your first, and subsequent classes – details of this can be found in the ‘Entry Criteria’ section of this page.

Learning in this course is hands-on, and your skills will develop through practice, discovery, and engagement with materials and techniques.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Effectively record and refine your design concepts using various strategies, such as maintaining a sketchbook or visual journal enriched with contextual references
• Apply practical techniques to experiment with collage and digital media to build your own distinctive style
• Develop creative problem-solving, visual communication and design skills through hands-on exploration of composition and various media while understanding the influence of cultural context on design

This course is for those with little or no experience of Graphic Design.

Learners with an enthusiasm for creative exploration, who enjoy making things, or have a natural appreciation for colour, texture and form may find this course particularly rewarding. A willingness to experiment and express ideas visually is encouraged.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy. Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services. 

The course is suitable for those with no prior experience. This course welcomes those with a vivid imagination and an enthusiasm for creative exploration. While no formal background in art or design is required, learning is hands-on and a willingness to experiment and express ideas visually is encouraged.

Once the course is confirmed to run, you will receive a materials list to bring to class. Please consider this additional cost when booking. We aim to keep the cost of materials reasonable whilst ensuring you have the right tools. Costs may vary, depending on the course. Further information will be provided by your course teacher.

There is no recommended reading with this course; however, your course teacher will guide you to relevant sources.

Reading, listening and communication skills are essential. You must be comfortable learning in English. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.