Leeds University

Graphic Communication Design

Why Leeds?

The University of Leeds is a top civic university in the heart of one of the UK’s most fashionable and student friendly cities.  Graphic design is well established at Leeds and many of our graduates are successful designers and business leaders in the UK and overseas.

This challenging course develops your creativity in graphic and communication design within an intellectually stimulating learning and research environment.  A framework of academic studies, delivered by experts from a range of design disciplines, gives a dynamic context to your specialist graphic and communication design studies.  You may also develop complementary skills and knowledge through a choice of optional subjects and/or elective subjects offered by the School or other university departments.  A wide range of ‘electives’ are available, in many different subjects, from across the University.

What are the entry requirements?

The course requires three ‘A’ levels to grades ABB or above (or the equivalent qualifications) for entry, including an art or design subject.

For a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma student like myself I would need to attain a minimum of DDM. The course also requires me to have outstanding GCSE's (several A's).

Course Structure

In Year 1, you will undertake core studies in the historic, cultural and technological aspects of art and design. Alongside your academic work, you will develop a strategic approach to communications problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on visual research.

In Year 2, you will develop your academic understanding of the core subjects and an awareness of professional standards. You will focus your studio practice and specialise in either: graphic design, branding and advertising or animation/interactive media.

In Year 3, you will work towards a final exhibition of design work and produce a written investigation into a graphic and communication design subject of your choice.

Student Achievement

G&CD student are currently working on a number of live project set by design agencies across the globe. The first, set by M&S has resulted in 4 students being short listed for a one week work placement in London which will eventually lead to a full 12 month paid placement for one lucky student. Another lucky student who is currently working on a brief set by Exposure has secured a 12 month placement at their New York office. The great news continues with three final year student being offered placements at Elmwood after completing their live brief. Hopefully the good news will continue as we move into the months when D&AD winners are announced.

This is what some of our students have won:

• D&AD
• RSA
• Futurebrand
• Elmwood
• Prego
• YCN
• Consort Royal

This is where some of our graduates are:

• Saatchi + Saatchi | London
• FutureBrand | London
• Smoke & Mirrors | London
• Show Media | London
• Elle Magazine | London
• McCann – Erikson | London
• BBYO | London
• SSY | London
• Allgood | London
• Golden | Leeds
• Prego | Leeds
• Elmwood | Leeds
• An Agency Called England agency | Leeds
• Exposure | New York
• Spiekermann Partners | Germany
• Zitromat | Germany