Course summary

The study of Visual Communication is a multi-disciplinary, multi-dimensional subject. Crossing borders between subject areas and professions; its structure is, at its heart, about narration. During studio-based design projects, set and live project briefs, self-initiated work, specialist workshops and lectures, you will learn how to give a message shape and form using creativity to generate influence. This may involve text, typography, and image, put together in a coherent, relevant, and inspiring unity. Workshops may include photography, printmaking, software, and motion graphics. You will be given the freedom to explore innovative and experimental methods to develop your practice as a professional visual designer. Our small class sizes ensure that you will receive frequent one-to-one guidance from our highly-skilled lecturers, allowing for a more tailored learning experience. By the end of the course, you will have the tools to help define your future and find an individual voice within the field of Visual Communication. You will also have the opportunity to showcase your work through exhibitions and industry events in both Cambridge and London. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS COURSE YEAR ONE The first year of this course is designed to expose you to the fundamentals of this exciting creative discipline, whilst exploring and experimenting within the breadth of possibilities available within the world of visual communications. Through diverse creative briefs, engaging practical workshops and lectures you will be provided with the opportunity to apply these creative processes, from critical thinking to practical hands-on skills, across different mediums. You will be given the space to experiment and take risks, as you start to define your individual style. YEAR TWO In the second year of this course, you will be given the freedom to take control of the direction of your visual language as you start to explore the area of industry that most aligns with your future aspirations. You will take part in more challenging live projects and/or collaborations as you examine the subject in greater depth, continue to develop your core skills and deliver creative solutions. As the focus becomes more industry facing, you will be encouraged to continue to question convention, disrupt, take risks and use creative thinking throughout. Project briefs, workshops, lectures and crits will shift towards looking at visual communication from a professional and commercial perspective where working practice, time management and design processes are examined on a personal level. During this exciting time, you will begin to define the subject from your own perspective and begin to shape skills and interests for the final year ahead, while still developing your understanding of design process, research methodologies, and storytelling. YEAR THREE Your final year is the link between college and your career in the creative arts. During this year, you will undertake more challenging set briefs and self-initiated work as you have the freedom to examine in depth specific topics of your choosing. Guided by tutors and industry specialists, you will work on a final project, focusing on your individual personal direction, by refining the detail and depth of existing projects or working on new initiatives. This final project should present your final visual identity and will contribute to your final body of work from which to select your own professional portfolio.