Graphic Design and Branding
BA (Hons)
Leaflet Code: CR29812FT
Overview
www.graphicsandbranding.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/ba.graphics.branding
https://twitter.com/BA_GDB
Want to get ahead in the creative industries? Then join us on the fast paced, cutting-edge, industry focused Graphic Design and Branding course @ UCEN Manchester. The Graphic Design & Branding course is a progressive industry focused course centred around outward facing experiences and clear, personalised practical staircasing, with pastoral care enabling you to reach your potential. One of our key industry relationships includes an alumni lead 2nd & 3rd year project from Kin + Carta, in which you will be briefed, taught, and supported by industry experts from Kin + Carta, concluding in pitches to Kin + Carta and placement opportunities.
Throughout the course you will be working with branding agencies, alumni, and live clients, you will experience a full circle of learning from experts, some of whom were taught by your tutors just a few years ago. Often branding briefs are over seen by current local practitioners and you will develop an appreciation and practical understanding for the potential of branding, from how to define a brand, design as problem solving and the value of a two-way conversation in today’s market. Through a mix of exciting realistic projects and supported by key industry relationships the course covers traditional media and contemporary screen-based media, you will engage with live briefs, industry contacts/talks, networking events, placements, alumni teaching and competitions, fully engaging with the creative hub that Manchester is famous for.
Confidence building, professionalism, management skills, critical thinking, problem-solving and literacy build throughout the course alongside specialist theory and industry-based skills. The art of visual communication is underpinned by design theory and commercial marketing know-how to take your work to the next level and enrich your personal portfolio.
- City Campus Manchester
- Full Time
- 3 years
- September 2025
Awarding Partner:
Staff profile
Alex Komlosy
Alex has been in the design industry for 25 years, working with SME’s, blue chip & public sector clients such as National Express, Manchester Council and The Home Office with experience in a range of roles from art-working through to creative directing and client facing.
Teaching passions include developing students’ visual proficiency, bringing current thinking on how to create and communicate commercial design and advertising solutions and running application workshops.
Paolo Feroleto
Practicing freelance graphic designer with 20 years’ experience working at a variety of small to larger design agencies with clients such as M&S, CocaCola, Tesco, Powergen, FHP City Living, Metropolitan Housing Trust, Budweiser, Commerzbank and Sanctuary records. Paolo currently runs specialist services in Design, Live illustration Recording & Spatial Graphics.
Academic Entry Requirements
• 64 UCAS Tariff Points
• If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent.
• Full level 3 qualification in a relevant subject
• We strongly recommend that all applicants have GCSE English Language and Mathematics grades A*-C or level 9-4.
Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Applicants with qualifications from outside the specific subject area may be asked to submit a portfolio demonstrating their suitability for the programme.
Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) who are able to demonstrate relevant skills or knowledge gained in employment or vocational activity will be considered and may be invited to interview.
UCEN Manchester is unable to consider international applications due to UKVI regulations.
What will I be studying
Year 1: Advertising (20 credits)
Learn the differences between designing and advertising, deconstructing a product/service, presenting its benefits in a persuasive manner, and creating engaging and persuasive scamps and copywriting – all before any work on aesthetics even begins!
Year 1: Application Skills for Graphics (20 credits)
Year 1: Branding (20 credits)
With industry input, pitches and feedback this unit Identify the key features that drive an identity and how they are represented across print and screen media… Think beyond the logo.
Year 1: Contextual Studies 1 (20 credits)
Year 1: Exploring Typography (20 credits)
Year 1: Visual Literacy (20 credits)
Explore the design principles and skills that provide the structure around graphic design, focusing on design process, content differentiation, layout fundamentals and the anatomy of typography, exploring the relationship between them. design process, content differentiation, layout fundamentals and the anatomy of typography, exploring the relationship between them.
How will I be assessed?
Course work is assessed at regular points throughout the duration of the course.
The primary method of assessment will be through practical projects as you create a portfolio of work that demonstrates technical and creative know-how. This will be supported where appropriate by logs, presentations, and essays.
Course Associated Costs
All of the books required for the course are available either from the library or as e-books. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. You may also need to print assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated course costs are:
Equipment list: £150-£200
Printing: 1st yr £150 – 3rd yr £300
Optional Software: Creative Cloud £16 p/m (equipped on all campus Macs)
Optional trip: £300+
All students are subject to UCEN Manchester’s Terms and Conditions from the date they accept an offer to study here. The UCEN Manchester Admissions Policy and Procedure can be found here.