BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration

About your course The BA (Hons) Graphic Design at Liverpool John Moores University has a well established reputation for developing innovative designers and illustrators, highly sought after by employers in this exciting but competitive sector. Graphic Design and Illustration has been a central component in the Liverpool School of Art and Creative Industries for over 40 years. Our established and distinctive approach offers you the chance to explore a broad range of skills and knowledge whist supporting you to develop into independent and creative thinkers with the capacity to make an impact in and beyond the creative industries.

We are a friendly, inclusive, and supportive community of illustrators, designers, researchers, and troublemakers with studio culture at the heart of our approach. Across all years our modules are inclusive and accessible. We encourage traditional approaches to flourish side-by-side with emerging technologies, nurturing play and experimentation, and embedding research into practice in the belief that design & creativity can be used to make positive changes in the world around us.

Coursework is primarily organised around practical studio projects with supporting contextual studies and professional development modules. Projects at all levels encourage a high degree of creativity and self-expression. An increasing professional emphasis as the course progresses is focused towards the development of a portfolio most suited to future career aspirations.

Graphic Design and Illustration is a studio-based activity and as such the course places great emphasis on the importance of a studio culture in which students engage with their studies on-site and develop a meaningful, ongoing dialogue with tutors about their work and progress. The programme has maintained a strong reputation over the years producing graduates who have become creative forces both nationally and internationally. The first year of the programme develops fundamental skills in visual communication and graphic arts.

In the second year you can choose to specialise in developing skills in either Graphic Design or Illustration. In the third year you work closely one-to-one with your tutor to define a suite of projects that can support you in achieving your goals after graduation. Our close links with the local and national creative industries results in collaborations, 'live' projects and internship opportunities, all of which are essential preparation for your future career.

The programme is committed to a civic agenda and aims to ensure that all students are empowered to authentically explore their interests and identities. Our teaching is informed by four overarching and intersecting themes: Identity & Society Climate Crisis Emerging Technology Responsible Practice As designers and illustrators, we tell stories. Our aim is to enable you to develop and communicate your own areas of interest and approach, harnessing your creativity and self-expression to develop a po