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Chelsea College of Arts

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BA (Hons) Graphic Design Communication

College
CHELSEA
Start date
September 2019
Course length
3 years
UCAS code
W216
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Course summary

Applications closed 2019/20

Applications for 2019/20 entry to this course have now closed. Visit the ‘Courses with places available’ page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

BA Graphic Design Communication at Chelsea College of Arts examines the wide-ranging aspects of the graphic design process and contemporary communication.

The course places a strong emphasis on live projects in collaboration with the creative industries. You will develop your digital and technical skills. The work you produce will reflect your passion for new ideas.

Student work

  • Typography and book by Hide Nogawa.
    Hide Nogawa - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Textile graphics by Jack Rowe.
    Jack Rowe - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Print work for lost typography project by Polina Hohonova.
    Polina Hohonova - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Lost typography project by Polina Hohonova.
    Polina Hohonova - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Poster and typography by Jack Haslehurst.
    Jack Haslehurst - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Filming on BA Graphic Design Communication.
    Filming - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Cloud slippers.
    Cloud slippers - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Typography and print work by Jack Rowe.
    Jack Rowe - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Scale model for Selfridges window display by Joanna Haskins.
    Joanna Haskins - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Poster by Mabel Dilliway.
    Mabel Dilliway - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Posters by Mabel Dilliway.
    Mabel Dilliway - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Interactive design at the Chelsea degree show.
    Interactive design at the Chelsea degree show - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Art direction for photography of sunglasses brand by Oliver Jackson.
    Oliver Jackson - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • My Boys of Tinder poster.
    My Boys of Tinder poster - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Game design by Hide Nogawa.
    Hide Nogawa - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Chinese lightbox.
    Chinese lightbox - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Print for Chinese exhibition by Mabel Dilliway.
    Mabel Dilliway - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Branding for a dog clothing company by Eric Kim.
    Eric Kim - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Branding for CND website by Mabel Dilliway.
    Mabel Dilliway - BA Graphic Design Communication
  • Typographic mirror by Jonny Holmes.
    Jonny Holmes - BA Graphic Design Communication

Molly Burdett.

Rosie Howe.

BA Graphic Design Communication Stories

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BA Graphic Design Communication Instagram

@bachelseagraphics
#Repost @ual_alumni @charlieoscarpatterson ・・・ Tho

#Repost @ual_alumni @charlieoscarpatterson ・・・ Those curves ~~~ New work 'No. 1-7 Green on Pink' for 'Lisztomania' openi...

@bachelseagraphics
#Repost It’s free as well! @ual_alumni @nobleandhe

#Repost It’s free as well! @ual_alumni @nobleandheath ・・・ Get down to @growhackney for our @sound_collective_london Summ...

@bachelseagraphics
#Repost Congratulations! @ual_alumni @reubendangoo

#Repost Congratulations! @ual_alumni @reubendangoor ・・・ Honoured to have four canvases in the new @adidasfootball box @a...

@bachelseagraphics
#Repost @bhav.mistry ・・・ The friendly people at @l

#Repost @bhav.mistry ・・・ The friendly people at @lectureinprogress reached out to me and asked me a few questions for th...

@bachelseagraphics
#Repost @bkontuesdays ・・・ If you haven’t seen me i

#Repost @bkontuesdays ・・・ If you haven’t seen me in a year it’s probably because I’ve been busy designing these - Manche...

@bachelseagraphics
Great work recently on the @ual_insights Summer Sc

Great work recently on the @ual_insights Summer School with Dean & Ime @bkas__ who graduated last year and workshop led ...

@bachelseagraphics
Jaqueline Colley just got married! Congratulation

Jaqueline Colley just got married! Congratulations! @bachelseagraphics alumni @jacquelinecolley is an illustration an...

@bachelseagraphics
Very hot here at Chelsea 32 °- top tip if you get

Very hot here at Chelsea 32 °- top tip if you get a little overcooked the Lecture Theatre is empty today and has AC ❄️...

Course details

This course is subject to re-validation. Re-validation is a process that makes sure students get a high quality academic experience. During re-validation there maybe be some changes to course content and structure. Please contact us if you have any questions about this course.

What you can expect

To explore:

  • Analogue and digital typography
  • Design strategy
  • Digital and interactive design
  • Editorial design
  • Fashion and music industry promotion
  • Moving image and print media

You will:

  • Work on simultaneous creative briefs. This will help you learn how to manage a diverse workload with a variety of goals
  • Learn key skills of the profession supported by lead practitioners in their fields
  • Develop a good understanding of the links between technology and the user, between creativity and the professional sector as well as between theory and practice
  • To have access to Chelsea's shared workshops. These include ceramics, casting, laser cutting, photography, audio-visual editing suite, metal and woodwork. View the Chelsea facilities

Course units

Year 1

  • Unit 1: Introduction to Graphic Design Communication
  • Unit 2: Analogue and digital visualisation
  • Unit 3: Concept and narrative
  • Unit 4: Creativity and context

Year 2

  • Unit 5: Expanded practice
  • Unit 6: Exploring the professional brief
  • Unit 7: Developing a personal language
  • Unit 8: Culture and context

Year 3

  • Unit 9: Professional and personal practice
  • Unit 10: Dissertation and project blog

Work experience and opportunities

The college has strong links with the creative industries. Our BA Graphic Design Communication students gain commercial experience through exclusive commissions, award schemes and live projects. Many of these lead to job offers on graduating.

Learning and teaching methods

  • Academic, production, presentation skills and technical workshops
  • Analogue and digital demonstrations
  • Exhibition, studio and other visits and trips
  • Focused research
  • Group and individual crits, tutorials and feedback
  • Group work
  • Lectures and seminars
  • Live projects
  • Online learning
  • Portfolio surgeries
  • Presentations to clients and peers
  • Project briefings
  • Research methods and analysis exercises
  • Self-directed learning
  • Simulated work-based learning
  • Studio group teaching
  • Team projects
  • Technical orientations, demonstrations and inductions to workshops

Assessment methods

  • Essays, reports and final dissertation
  • Peer assessment, seminars and project blogs
  • Presentations
  • Self-initiated project and individual portfolio submissions
  • Student self-evaluations
  • Tutorials and mid-year reviews

Staff

  • David Barnett - Course Leader
  • Nigel Bents
  • Peter Chadwick - This Brutal House
  • Kieron Dennis
  • Sakis Kyratzis
  • Paula Nessick
  • Danilo Piga
  • Anna Rhodes - Reference Bank
  • Eva Sajovic

How to apply

Opportunities for all

We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are one or a combination of the following qualifications:

  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4)
  • 2 A Levels at grade C or above
  • Merit, Pass, Pass (MPP) at BTEC Extended Diploma
  • Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma
  • Or equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma
  • And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C)

Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work, personal statement and reference.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • A combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

All classes are taught in English. If English isn't your first language you must provide evidence at enrolment of the following:

Selection criteria

We look for:

  • Evidence of a critical engagement with visual communication concepts and products
  • An aptitude for developing communication ideas based on extensive research
  • Applicants that can communicate an enthusiasm for the subject

Making your application

Portfolio advice

Portfolios should show the following:

  • A concise portfolio that shows a selective approach
  • Use of words, type and image, in a variety of media and formats including still and moving image
  • Evidence of an understanding of the broad range of the subject
  • Self-initiated as well as project or course work
  • Evidence of research and development of ideas
  • Clear documentation of work that’s too large
  • Evidence of recent written work

Please remember:

  • The quality of the work is more important than the quantity
  • Where possible, large or 3-dimensional work should be photographed and scanned
  • To organise your work by project, with supporting work presented alongside final outcomes

Applications for 2019/20 entry for this course are now closed. Applications for 2020/21 entry will open in Autumn 2019.

You must apply through UCAS, where you’ll need the following information:

  • University code - U65
  • UCAS course code - W216

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 15 January for equal consideration.

However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

This course will give consideration to:

  • Applications for year 2 entry, subject to places being available
  • Deferred entry application

What happens next

Communicating with you

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.

Initial application check

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you’ll be invited to or asked to book onto a suitable date to attend an interview selection event.

Interview selection event

You will be expected to bring your portfolio, which will be reviewed by the academics conducting the event.

Please be prepared to talk about your work, what inspires you and your influences. We may not discuss all of these topics at the event.

The event will also give you a chance to meet current students, take a tour of the college and see the facilities.

More details about your interview selection event will be emailed to you once you have chosen or been allocated your date.

Selection for Home/EU applicants happens in a variety of different ways:

  • In person at Chelsea College of Arts
  • By phone or Skype

If you choose phone or Skype, you will be sent an email requesting that you upload a digital portfolio using UAL’s online portfolio review system.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS track.

Please note that applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.

Applications for 2019/20 entry for this course are now closed. Applications for 2020/21 entry will open in Autumn 2019.

There are 3 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course at Chelsea College of Arts:

If you are applying via UCAS you will need the following information:

  • University code - U65
  • UCAS course code - W216

You can only apply to the same course once per year whether you are applying via UCAS, UAL representative or using the UAL online application system. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 15 January for equal consideration.

However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

This course will give consideration to:

  • Applications for year 2 entry, subject to places being available
  • Deferred entry application

What happens next

Communicating with you

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.

Immigration history check

Whether you’re applying online via UCAS, through a UAL representative or by direct application you will need to complete an Immigration History Check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. If you don’t complete the check we won’t be able to proceed with your application.

Initial application check

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you’ll be invited to or asked to book onto a suitable date to attend an interview selection event.

Interview selection event

You will be expected to bring your portfolio, which will be reviewed by the academics conducting the event.

Please be prepared to talk about your work, what inspires you and your influences. We may not discuss all of these topics at the event.

More details about your interview selection event will be emailed to you once you have chosen or been allocated your date.

Selection for international applicants happens in a variety of different ways:

  • By phone or Skype
  • In your country, if your application was made through one of our official representatives
  • In person at our international office based at Chelsea College of Arts

If you choose phone or Skype, you will be sent an email requesting that you upload a digital portfolio using UAL’s online portfolio review system.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

  • If you applied through UCAS you will receive the final outcome of of your application through UCAS track
  • If you applied directly or through an agent, we will notify you through the UAL portal

Please note that applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.

Study Abroad

Through the Study Abroad programme international students can apply to join an undergraduate course.

For information on how to apply visit the Study Abroad section.


Fees & Funding

Home / EU fee

£9,250 (2019/20).

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students, in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Please visit our undergraduate tuition fees page for more information.

International fee

£19,930 (2019/20).

Additional costs

In addition to tuition fees you are very likely to incur additional costs such as travel expenses and the cost of materials. Please read the information on our additional costs page.

Accommodation

Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.

Scholarships and awards

Use our search tool to find out more about the scholarships and awards available to students.

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Careers and alumni

The course's links with the creative industries provides our students with opportunities to engage in work-based learning, and often leads to job offers on graduation.

Many of our former students are freelance designers, art directors and moving image specialists. Others have worked for companies including:

Adidas, AKQA, ASOS, Bench, Bompass & Parr, Bradley & Pablo, Burberry, Canon Europe, David James Associates (DJA), Dazed Media, Ditto Press, Dream Works TV, Forth Studio, GFSmith, Glamour magazine, Grey London, Guerrilla Games, Harper Collins, Hato Press, INT Works, It's Nice That, Koto, LEGO Interactive, LOVE magazine, Liquid TV, M&C Saatchi, MSL group, MTV, Mario Testino, Matter Productions, Mother, Net-A-Porter, Nice & Polite, Nike, ODD, Ogilvy & Mather, Orlebar Brown, Passion Pictures, Pentagram, Puma, Radley Yeldar, Rankin Photography, Rattling Stick, Rogue Films, SHOW studio, Sky Arts, Someone, Studio Moross, Suburbia, Temperley London, The Mill, The Office of Optimism, VIACOM, Village, WGSN, Wednesday, Wolff Olins, Wonderland magazine, BBH, Channel 4, Elle magazine, IDEO, Spring Studios, Vogue magazine.

Alumni

Find out how careers and employability helps our students and graduates start their careers.

View college guides

Contact

  • Telephone: +44 (0)20 7514 7751

Address

  • Chelsea College of Arts
  • 16 John Islip Street
  • London
  • SW1P 4JU

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