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On this globally recognised course you will sharpen your creativity, develop your problem solving ability, enhance your graphic language, hone your presentation skills, master graphic production techniques, and broaden your design knowledge.

Upon graduation, you will be fully prepared for a career in one of the many creative industries. Ultimately working alongside people who value the distinctly creative way that you think and the professional way that you work.

The Northumbria Graphic Design Course will essentially enable you to graduate as an accomplished and confident Graphic Designer with a creative portfolio that showcases your own personal creativity and skills.

This programme is delivered entirely at AOD, Sri Lanka.

"Northumbria University is ranked 13th in Design & Crafts in the UK (Guardian University League Tables 2021)."

"Over 94% of students said that the course provided them with the opportunity to explore concepts in depth, apply their learning and collate ideas from different topics." (National Student Survey, 2019).

If you would like to apply or for further information please visit the AOD website. For any specific queries relating directly to Northumbria please contact tne@northumbria.ac.uk.

Course Information

Level of Study
Undergraduate

Mode of Study
3 years and 4 months

Location
Various Locations

City
Newcastle

Start
January 2022

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

Entry Requirements Modules Overview

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

For information on entry requirements please visit the AOD website

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules Overview 2025/26

Modules



Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two Year three

Year one

DE4017 -

Design History, Context and Theory (Core,20 Credits)

This module introduces you to your design discipline from social and historical perspectives and details its subsequent evolution in culture towards the digitally mediated mixed realities of the 21st century. At the same time, you will become familiar with key issues such as ethics, social responsibility, intersectionality and multiculturism. You will also be introduced to key analytical and research methods that underpin and will strengthen your reflective and critical skills as a developing designer.

More information

GD4007 -

BOOTCAMP 1: Think like a Graphic Designer (Core,40 Credits)

Through a series of short, fast-paced briefs you will be introduced to the intellectual fundamentals and creative processes involved within the practice of Graphic Design.
You will gain an understanding of the essential methods and processes that underpin the subject. The module gives you an introduction to the intellectual and creative philosophy of Graphic Design and fosters an understanding of the cognitive processes of visual problem solving and conceptual thinking required to be a Graphic Designer. This will be accomplished by your introduction to the various methods and approaches that can be employed as part of the design process. It will give you a greater understanding of the fundamentals of Graphic Design, including, amongst other things, the importance of typography, semiotics, layout, image curation, narrative and storytelling. These are all taught as a means of communication and as essential component in the subject of Graphic Design.

More information

GD4008 -

BOOTCAMP 2: Work like a Graphic Designer (Core,40 Credits)

In this module you will build on the design thinking, skills and knowledge gained in ‘Bootcamp One’ by engaging with approaches to identifying design problems and by further developing your ability to respond to them typographically and creatively. You will develop the verbal and visual communication skills needed to present your work and collaborate effectively through presentations and group work (where appropriate). You will also continue developing the appropriate research skills for both practical design work and continuing academic study.

More information

GD4009 -

THE TOOLKIT: Being Prepared (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will have the opportunity to learn about the expressive and creative potential offered by graphic design technical processes and techniques. These will be further enhanced by introductions to a variety of Graphic Design technical processes in a blend of workshop and on-line environments.
You will be encouraged to recognise how learning through challenging Graphic Design technical processes in this module can underpin novel and experimental approaches to problem-based work throughout the Graphic Design programme.

More information

Year two

DE5016 -

Contemporary Design and Critical Issues (Core,20 Credits)

The module debates and reflects on key emerging trends and sector challenges situated within your design discipline, and functions as an important precursor to your final year study.

This explorative module builds on your insights from the first year and continues the discussion of design’s sociocultural impact on the world. In the first half of the module, your tutors will present for debate examples of advanced practice and research that will showcase these impacts. In the second half of the module, you will be introduced to a range of social science methods that are currently being used in human-centred design practices. This will help you to understand better the dynamics of human behaviour and how it may be applied in your future design practice. By the end of the module, you will have begun explorative research into a design problem, setting or theme of your own choosing that can be further developed during your final year modules.

More information

GD5012 -

DIFFERENTIATION: What makes you, you! (Core,20 Credits)

This module introduces you to the professional context and how to place yourself and promote yourself within it.
It will give you the opportunity to undertake the following:
Design report preparation
You will complete a 500-word written assignment and attend supporting seminars which are designed to equip you with the ability to review what subject areas are important to your developing professional interests and identity as a Graphic Designer. This proposal will become the framework for the Design Report a 6000-word independent research project that you will complete in your final year.

This will enable you to develop a professional attitude to emerging contexts, enhancing your opportunities for placement and employment.
Experience lectures by professional practice speakers
Professional speakers from related industries will help develop your critical awareness of the design related industries, an understanding of responsible design and/or professional practice, as well as developing your awareness of employment context within the design profession. This module will also reinforce the various opportunities that professional studios offer to graduates as well as an awareness of the professional and ethical responsibilities of the designer/illustrator.

Portfolio preparation
You will learn how to design a finished portfolio, prepared and presented to a high standard. This process gives the you an opportunity to reflect upon what you have achieved so far on the programme, assess your development, and gain confidence in presenting your work critically, visually and verbally, building on your strengths and addressing your weaknesses.

You will be asked to consider your aspirations as Graphic Designers, research the professional environment and design pieces that which will showcase you and your work to an identified and relevant audience in a convincing and compelling way.

More information

GD5013 -

IMPLICATION: Can Graphic Design Saves Lives? (Core,40 Credits)

This module will enable you to focus on the positive social and cultural impacts of Graphic Design practice. The design solutions that practitioners create can help change lives, human behaviours, and culture within societies.
Graphic Designers have been at the forefront of facilitating modern societal change for over a 100-years across the world. In this module, you will build on this legacy by choosing from a set of briefs that cover design manifestos, ethical and sustainable design, designing for the third sector (charities and NGOs), etc. You will use your developing creative skills to impact positively on other people’s lives.
You will research your chosen sector and use the skills and knowledge acquired so far, along with your technical skills to design an appropriate, creative and meaningful solution.

More information

GD5014 -

IMPLEMENTATION: what can you accomplish? (Core,40 Credits)

This module builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired so far on the course and gives you the opportunity to consolidate your learning and explore the more specific areas of Graphic Design that interest you.
A number of briefs will be offered which accommodate opportunities to take a more specialist approach, or a more generalist approach to the subject area. This will be your first opportunity to tackle a substantial brief of this nature in a chosen area and will result in a significant project for your portfolio at the end of the year.
This project will also help you to reflect upon your progress so far, the aspects of Graphic Design that you have found most rewarding, most challenging and most enjoyable. This process will help you to set your trajectory through 3rd year, giving a focus to your journey through the course.

More information

Year three

DE6017 -

Future Practice in Context (Core,20 Credits)

This module will help you deliver a body of new design-led research that will underpin and provide criticality and context to your final self-initiated studio practice. We will support you by offering refresher online and live lectures, presentations and seminars on a selection of interdisciplinary methods and contemporary design challenges as a way to help you finalise and finesse your critical contextual research project in advance of your writing up of the project.

More information

GD6014 -

REALISATION: Industry Briefs (Core,40 Credits)

You will continue to develop and explore your knowledge and intellectual understanding of the creative process underpinning Graphic Design at an advanced level of study. The module fosters a deep understanding of the cognitive processes and visual problem solving required within the field of Graphic Design. This will be accomplished by your selection from a range of intellectually stimulating and suitably complex professional “live briefs” – projects set by industry partners, professional design educational bodies, or related organisations.

More information

GD6015 -

SUMMATION Final Major Project (Core,60 Credits)

This final module will be the culmination of your undergraduate studies and will give you the opportunity to showcase your abilities within your chosen area of Graphic Design.
The module provides you with the opportunity to plan, develop and produce a significant body of work over a whole semester. The module allows you to consolidate and utilise the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained throughout the course and provides you with a unique opportunity to create a highly developed, intellectually stimulating and fully resolved body of work that will be an important part of your portfolio and will help you ascertain your creative direction as you work towards your future career, or further study.
You will need to use your skills in organisation, management and communication alongside the technical, creative and conceptual skills you have gained throughout the course. Projects need to be resolved to the high conceptual and technical standards demanded by the profession.

Briefs can be from a range of sources including competition set briefs, industry set briefs, staff set briefs or self-initiated briefs which allow you to explore and develop your skills in a particular area of Graphic Design. All briefs proposed must reflect 600hrs of study and be approved by staff prior to the start of the project.

More information

Modules Overview 2026/27

Modules



Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two Year three

Year one

DE4017 -

Design History, Context and Theory (Core,20 Credits)

This module introduces you to your design discipline from social and historical perspectives and details its subsequent evolution in culture towards the digitally mediated mixed realities of the 21st century. At the same time, you will become familiar with key issues such as ethics, social responsibility, intersectionality and multiculturism. You will also be introduced to key analytical and research methods that underpin and will strengthen your reflective and critical skills as a developing designer.

More information

GD4007 -

BOOTCAMP 1: Think like a Graphic Designer (Core,40 Credits)

Through a series of short, fast-paced briefs you will be introduced to the intellectual fundamentals and creative processes involved within the practice of Graphic Design.
You will gain an understanding of the essential methods and processes that underpin the subject. The module gives you an introduction to the intellectual and creative philosophy of Graphic Design and fosters an understanding of the cognitive processes of visual problem solving and conceptual thinking required to be a Graphic Designer. This will be accomplished by your introduction to the various methods and approaches that can be employed as part of the design process. It will give you a greater understanding of the fundamentals of Graphic Design, including, amongst other things, the importance of typography, semiotics, layout, image curation, narrative and storytelling. These are all taught as a means of communication and as essential component in the subject of Graphic Design.

More information

GD4008 -

BOOTCAMP 2: Work like a Graphic Designer (Core,40 Credits)

In this module you will build on the design thinking, skills and knowledge gained in ‘Bootcamp One’ by engaging with approaches to identifying design problems and by further developing your ability to respond to them typographically and creatively. You will develop the verbal and visual communication skills needed to present your work and collaborate effectively through presentations and group work (where appropriate). You will also continue developing the appropriate research skills for both practical design work and continuing academic study.

More information

GD4009 -

THE TOOLKIT: Being Prepared (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will have the opportunity to learn about the expressive and creative potential offered by graphic design technical processes and techniques. These will be further enhanced by introductions to a variety of Graphic Design technical processes in a blend of workshop and on-line environments.
You will be encouraged to recognise how learning through challenging Graphic Design technical processes in this module can underpin novel and experimental approaches to problem-based work throughout the Graphic Design programme.

More information

Year two

DE5016 -

Contemporary Design and Critical Issues (Core,20 Credits)

The module debates and reflects on key emerging trends and sector challenges situated within your design discipline, and functions as an important precursor to your final year study.

This explorative module builds on your insights from the first year and continues the discussion of design’s sociocultural impact on the world. In the first half of the module, your tutors will present for debate examples of advanced practice and research that will showcase these impacts. In the second half of the module, you will be introduced to a range of social science methods that are currently being used in human-centred design practices. This will help you to understand better the dynamics of human behaviour and how it may be applied in your future design practice. By the end of the module, you will have begun explorative research into a design problem, setting or theme of your own choosing that can be further developed during your final year modules.

More information

GD5012 -

DIFFERENTIATION: What makes you, you! (Core,20 Credits)

This module introduces you to the professional context and how to place yourself and promote yourself within it.
It will give you the opportunity to undertake the following:
Design report preparation
You will complete a 500-word written assignment and attend supporting seminars which are designed to equip you with the ability to review what subject areas are important to your developing professional interests and identity as a Graphic Designer. This proposal will become the framework for the Design Report a 6000-word independent research project that you will complete in your final year.

This will enable you to develop a professional attitude to emerging contexts, enhancing your opportunities for placement and employment.
Experience lectures by professional practice speakers
Professional speakers from related industries will help develop your critical awareness of the design related industries, an understanding of responsible design and/or professional practice, as well as developing your awareness of employment context within the design profession. This module will also reinforce the various opportunities that professional studios offer to graduates as well as an awareness of the professional and ethical responsibilities of the designer/illustrator.

Portfolio preparation
You will learn how to design a finished portfolio, prepared and presented to a high standard. This process gives the you an opportunity to reflect upon what you have achieved so far on the programme, assess your development, and gain confidence in presenting your work critically, visually and verbally, building on your strengths and addressing your weaknesses.

You will be asked to consider your aspirations as Graphic Designers, research the professional environment and design pieces that which will showcase you and your work to an identified and relevant audience in a convincing and compelling way.

More information

GD5013 -

IMPLICATION: Can Graphic Design Saves Lives? (Core,40 Credits)

This module will enable you to focus on the positive social and cultural impacts of Graphic Design practice. The design solutions that practitioners create can help change lives, human behaviours, and culture within societies.
Graphic Designers have been at the forefront of facilitating modern societal change for over a 100-years across the world. In this module, you will build on this legacy by choosing from a set of briefs that cover design manifestos, ethical and sustainable design, designing for the third sector (charities and NGOs), etc. You will use your developing creative skills to impact positively on other people’s lives.
You will research your chosen sector and use the skills and knowledge acquired so far, along with your technical skills to design an appropriate, creative and meaningful solution.

More information

GD5014 -

IMPLEMENTATION: what can you accomplish? (Core,40 Credits)

This module builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired so far on the course and gives you the opportunity to consolidate your learning and explore the more specific areas of Graphic Design that interest you.
A number of briefs will be offered which accommodate opportunities to take a more specialist approach, or a more generalist approach to the subject area. This will be your first opportunity to tackle a substantial brief of this nature in a chosen area and will result in a significant project for your portfolio at the end of the year.
This project will also help you to reflect upon your progress so far, the aspects of Graphic Design that you have found most rewarding, most challenging and most enjoyable. This process will help you to set your trajectory through 3rd year, giving a focus to your journey through the course.

More information

Year three

DE6017 -

Future Practice in Context (Core,20 Credits)

This module will help you deliver a body of new design-led research that will underpin and provide criticality and context to your final self-initiated studio practice. We will support you by offering refresher online and live lectures, presentations and seminars on a selection of interdisciplinary methods and contemporary design challenges as a way to help you finalise and finesse your critical contextual research project in advance of your writing up of the project.

More information

GD6014 -

REALISATION: Industry Briefs (Core,40 Credits)

You will continue to develop and explore your knowledge and intellectual understanding of the creative process underpinning Graphic Design at an advanced level of study. The module fosters a deep understanding of the cognitive processes and visual problem solving required within the field of Graphic Design. This will be accomplished by your selection from a range of intellectually stimulating and suitably complex professional “live briefs” – projects set by industry partners, professional design educational bodies, or related organisations.

More information

GD6015 -

SUMMATION Final Major Project (Core,60 Credits)

This final module will be the culmination of your undergraduate studies and will give you the opportunity to showcase your abilities within your chosen area of Graphic Design.
The module provides you with the opportunity to plan, develop and produce a significant body of work over a whole semester. The module allows you to consolidate and utilise the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained throughout the course and provides you with a unique opportunity to create a highly developed, intellectually stimulating and fully resolved body of work that will be an important part of your portfolio and will help you ascertain your creative direction as you work towards your future career, or further study.
You will need to use your skills in organisation, management and communication alongside the technical, creative and conceptual skills you have gained throughout the course. Projects need to be resolved to the high conceptual and technical standards demanded by the profession.

Briefs can be from a range of sources including competition set briefs, industry set briefs, staff set briefs or self-initiated briefs which allow you to explore and develop your skills in a particular area of Graphic Design. All briefs proposed must reflect 600hrs of study and be approved by staff prior to the start of the project.

More information

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

 

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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