Graphic design and animation and illustration can be combined to provide a way of studying two individual subjects.Graphic design: The course is built on a series of diverse and challenging practical assignments underpinned by appropriate theory; these help students develop the wide range of skills and knowledge learners need to pursue chosen careers or progress on to postgraduate graphic design study; there is a policy of continually updating and introducing new modules, ensuring work is relevant to current industrial and international practice; most of the course involves the creative use of graphics software, but is committed to ideas generation and problem solving using traditional media and techniques; students have the opportunity to work on projects for clients from inside and outside the university; students are encouraged to enter national and international competitions; students learn through a mixture of studio-based work, lectures, tutorials and seminars including critical evaluation of work by tutors and fellow students; students gain experience of industry practices and standards by working on real projects for clients; students learn applied skills in a broad range of graphic design media across digital, screen, multimedia and print-based graphics including knowledge and understanding of graphic design software; learners gain an understanding of design theories and principles and also learn about the historical and critical elements of design.Animation and illustration: The 1st half of the course leads students progressively through the basics of drawn and digital creative approaches to animation and illustration; the 2nd half deals with increasing levels of module choice in both subjects so that if the learner wishes to specialise there is a chance of doing so; most modules involve simulated live briefs taken from the professional experience of staff and there are opportunities to work on paid commissions for clients; students can explore the potential of moving and still image-making within the creative industries: tv and film; the web; publishing and advertising; students learn the creative possibilities of commercial image making; learners also explore theory and history; and to develop the ability to organise and evaluate information.