The BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree course at the University of Portsmouth is a multi-award winning and inclusive course. Students bring their creative ideas to life using the latest software, design processes and professional tools. Our students have access to a dynamic and creative studio space which provides a friendly, flexible and welcoming environment in which they are encouraged to interact and learn alongside both tutors and peers.
During the course students are introduced to a range of digital and analogue processes and techniques. We run practical workshops in book binding, screen printing, letterpress and laser cutters. Across our numerous digital studios we run industry-standard software, that is also taught within course modules. This includes but is not exclusive to Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Sketch and AfterEffects. Our wider design facilities cater to whatever project you are working on at that time, including access to our range of digital printing facilities such as 3D printing, large format, photographic, sheet fed printers, dye sublimation, risograph and digital fabric printing.
The course curriculum has a strong emphasis on research informed design practice. We encourage students to be curious, engaged and active in their own learning through examining an array of current issues and contemporary contexts. As the course unfolds, we actively encourage the students to challenge existing conceptual frameworks through increased independence and ownership of their ideas through experimentation and applied practice. Students also undertake recognised international professional competition briefs. We foster high standards of professional competency that students take forward into the design world [and their careers].
Many of the course lecturers are active researchers and designers in the field and use their specialist knowledge in research and design to feed, enhance and compliment the taught content on the course. As a course we continue to maintain, develop and expand strong links with course alumni, the design industry and the wider [design] community [including a programme of visiting lectures and workshops]. On completion of the course students have an informed knowledge and applied skills set in Graphic Design that prepares them for a fulfilling and rewarding future career in the design industry.
This year’s graduates have adapted remarkably well to the current conditions under lockdown and we as a course team are genuinely impressed with their resilience and innovation in deploying the latest [virtual] design processes, techniques and tools in the making and production of their amazing work.