We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework, and we have worked to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Racial and Social Justice Principles into the curriculum and in everything we do.
As part of this initiative, we’ve shaped our courses around social and environmental sustainability principles that ensure learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip you with the understanding, skills, and values to foster a more sustainable planet. Our aim is to change the way our students think, and to empower you to work towards a sustainable future.
In common with all courses at University of the Arts London, this course is credit rated. The course is 3 years, levels 4-6. Each year requires you to achieve 120 credit points. To be awarded the BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.
Year 1
Introduction to Graphic Branding and Identity (20 credits)
This unit will introduce you to your course and its subject specialism as well as to effective learning and studentship at undergraduate level.
Branding and Design Principles (40 credits)
This unit will introduce you to the importance of audience and personas; brand promise and purpose, brand values, brand personality and tone of voice alongside the development of a range of graphic design principles in typography and layout.
Brand Narratives (20 credits)
This unit introduces you to the importance of developing a brand story with which to engage your audience.
Brand Packaging (20 credits)
This unit focuses on an exploration of branding in the context of 3D packaging, allowing you to explore materials, form and physical interaction.
Contextual and Theoretical Studies 1 (20 credits)
Introduces histories, theories and debates relevant to graphic branding, identity and visual culture.
Year 2
The second year will consolidate and expand on your experience of graphic branding and identity across a range of different online and offline media. You’ll explore the role branding might have in a range of social, cultural and political contexts. We encourage individual and collaborative working, with theoretical aspects of the subject, all within an exploratory context.
Brand Expression (40 credits)
This unit will enable you to understand how brands communicate flexibly to multiple audiences and how design can be used effectively to maximise this communication in terms of meaning and brand personality.
Professional Practices (20 credits)
This unit gives you the opportunity to collaborate with design students from other courses on a live industry brief.
Brand Futures (40 credits)
This unit challenges you to engage with branding in social, cultural and political contexts, recognising that as designers we have the ability to bring people together around current societal challenges. It also explores the potential for audience engagement in a range of emerging technologies.
Contextual and Theoretical Studies 2 (20 credits)
You’ll study a specific set of ideas, practices and theories chosen by you and related to your career and practice ambitions.
Year 3
The final year allows you to pursue your interests and direction through supported independent study. It will provide you with confidence to choose your future path within the industry, or progress onto postgraduate study.
There are two pathway options in term one and two of Year 3. One route involves an 8,000 – 10,000 word piece of written work (Route A), or the other route combines a 4,000 – 5,000-word piece of written work plus a Self-Initiated Project (Route B).
Route A:
Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 (Route A) (40 credits)
Is a 8000-10,000 word thesis on a subject of your choice in negotiation with your tutor.
Industry Practice (20 credits)
In this unit you will choose from a range of live or design agency set briefs to give you the experience of working with clients or with industry partners.
Major Project (60 credits)
This unit is the culmination of your degree. It offers a range of project choices that enable you to continue to develop a personal portfolio of work relevant to your aspirations. Briefs include those set by Graphic Branding and Identity staff, live briefs, competition briefs and the opportunity to undertake self-initiated projects.
Route B:
Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 (Route B) (20 credits)
Is a 4,000-5,000 word thesis on a subject of your choice in negotiation with your tutor.
Industry Practice (20 credits)
In this unit you will choose from a range of live or design agency set briefs to give you the experience of working with clients or with industry partners.
Self-Initiated Project (Route B) (20 credits)
This unit offers you the opportunity to undertake an extensive self-initiated project that enables you to work on an aspect of the subject area that particularly interests you and reflects your aspirations for both your portfolio and future career.
Major Project (60 credits)
This unit is the culmination of your degree. It offers a range of project choices that enable you to continue to develop a personal portfolio of work relevant to your aspirations. Briefs include those set by Graphic Branding and Identity staff, live briefs, competition briefs and the opportunity to undertake self-initiated projects.
Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3
Between Years 2 and 3 of your course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following qualifications:
Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) (Optional)
An optional, year-long learning opportunity which enables you to develop your professional skills by undertaking time out for industry experience. Supported throughout the year by academics, you’ll build on the knowledge gained on your course in a range of national or international locations, and graduate with an additional qualification of Diploma in Professional Studies.
UAL Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)
Between Years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity (with Creative Computing).
