Graphic Design
Programme Code: GRD
Level: Undergraduate
Duration: 4 years
Graphic Design concentration provides theoretical and hands-on education for the future specialist in visual communications. The growing demand for innovating, high quality graphic design offers graduates a range of exciting and rewarding employment opportunities within the creative industries. Graphic designers provide creative communication solutions across the fields of media, publishing, advertising, packaging, branding, corporate identity, TV graphics, animation, corporate communications and more.
The Graphic Design concentration is built upon promoting a thorough understanding of the creative design process, a realistic balance between developing conceptual thinking and mastering the skills to express ideas visually. It is structured over a period of 4 years that cover the study of corporate design, visual communication, printed publications, packaging, graphic techniques, typographic compositions, colour perception, digital imaging, multimedia/interactive techniques, art history, and photography. In the final year, students synthesize their acquired knowledge and skills to develop components from their final year research into a significant graphic design project.
Department Requirements: Compulsory Courses - GRAPHIC DESIGN
| NQF Level | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | GRD134 | Digital Photography | 3 |
| 5 | MMP101 | Introduction to Visual Culture in Digital Media | 3 |
| 6 | COM201 | Intro to Mass Communication | 3 |
| 6 | GRD221 | Digital Media I | 3 |
| 6 | MMP207 | Introduction to Multimedia Tools | 3 |
| 7 | COM301 | Media Law, Ethics and Society | 3 |
| 8 | CGM400 | Internship | 3 |
| TOTAL | 21 |
Department Requirements: Elective Courses (select any 4 electives- 12 cr hrs)
| NQF Level | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | GRD152 | Art History II | 3 |
| 6 | GRD214 | Typography II | 3 |
| 6 | GRD222 | Digital Media II | 3 |
| 7 | GRD326 | Motion Graphics | 3 |
| 8 | GRD427 | Interactive Digital Media | 3 |
| TOTAL | 12 |
Concentration Requirements: Compulsory Courses (11 courses/39 credit hrs)
| NQF Level | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | GRD103 | Foundation Studio | 4 |
| 5 | GRD131 | Basic Drawing | 3 |
| 5 | GRD132 | Color Fundamentals | 3 |
| 5 | GRD151 | Art History I | 3 |
| 6 | GRD204 | GD I Studio | 4 |
| 6 | GRD213 | Typography I | 3 |
| 6 | GRD205 | GD II Studios | 4 |
| 7 | GRD306 | GD III Studio | 4 |
| 7 | GRD307 | GD IV Studio | 4 |
| 7 | GRD307 | GD IV Studio | 4 |
| 8 | GRD408 | Final Year Research | 3 |
| 8 | GRD409 | Final Year Project | 4 |
| TOTAL | 39 |
Concentration Requirements: (Elective) Select 12 credit hours/4 courses
| NQF Level | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | GRD128 | Printmaking | 3 |
| 5 | GRD129 | Pastel Painting | 3 |
| 5 | GRD133 | Illustration | 3 |
| 7 | GRD323 | Pre Press Production | 3 |
| 7 | GRD353 | Interactive Digital Media | 3 |
| 8 | GRD441 | Professional Practice | 3 |
| TOTAL | 12 |