What will you study on the Graphic Design degree at Middlesex University?

Year one

During the first year, you will be introduced to the diversity of the study area and the breadth of approaches to solving graphic design problems. You will explore research, thinking and communication skills to develop sound working methods, using logical and structured approaches to identify and solve graphic design problems. You will discover the creative and communications potential of typography, and the breadth and diversity of historical and contemporary practice in graphic design. Exploring a variety of different graphic media, you will be encouraged to develop an inventive and experimental response to the use of processes and materials in workshop areas including photography, printmaking, typography, design thinking and digital illustration.

Year two

The focus shifts in your second year to problem solving in context and exploring different media. The projects will enable you to investigate the potential of format and structure, analysing complex information to come up with imaginative visual communication solutions. An understanding of specialist subject areas of creative practice is developed through studio and workshop based activities enabling students to develop individual approaches to visual communication with the acquisition of intermediate specialist skills to work effectively in creative workshop areas such as advertising, book art, magazine design, moving image, letterpress, interactive and web design.

Year three

For your final year of study you will concentrate on solving visual communication problems to a professional standard and developing an individual portfolio. There will be opportunities for students to participate in student award competitions; extend their range of specialist skills in graphic design and visual communication; and pursue creative problem solving projects, self-directed projects and graphic authorship utilising production and presentation to a professional level. You will develop an individual graphic design style and a working methodology. Throughout the year your knowledge and skills will be deepened and extended through a choice of briefs in branding, publishing, publicity, advertising, retail, interactive media, creative industry competitions and a self-initiated project.

Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.

Taught sessions are held at our Dubai Knowledge Park campus (Block 16, 17, 04 and 19) during the week (Sunday to Thursday) between 8:30am and 6:30pm. Additional sessions might be scheduled over weekends or holiday periods and you can expect to receive plenty of notice for these. Attending scheduled weekly classes is an important requirement for completion of this programme.

You will be actively involved in a range of learning, teaching and assessment approaches as part of your programme. Such participative approaches aim to put you at the centre of your learning so you are involved and engaged in all aspects of your assessment and learning. Your programme will require your deep involvement in learning activities and collaboration with your fellow students, working and learning with others as part of small groups. Learning activities may also occur both within and outside the classroom.

With a range of specialist workspaces, digital media, equipment, software and library facilities on-site you'll benefit from unique levels of access to both the latest forms of technology and traditional tools with expert support to help you develop your work.

Your learning will also be supported by technology. Increasingly your tutors will be using existing and emerging learning technologies to engage you in e-learning activities. Your programme may be facilitated using a variety of media and online tools (My Learning on UniHub, podcasts, wikis, etc.) By engaging with e-learning you will also be developing skills which are essential for your learning and are also highly valued by employers. These include but are not limited to: working flexibly, communication, understanding of IT, team working and creating shared understandings based on quality resources and access to global expertise.

The Middle East and North Africa is the fastest growing region in the world for design, worth over US$100 billion across the region. With regard to opportunities for graphic designers in the UAE, positive industry related developments have occurred over recent years and look likely to continue into the future, boding well for those students embarking on a design related career.

Graphic Designers may find employment primarily in design agencies, advertising agencies, digital media companies, as freelance designers in a range of specialist areas or in a growing number of companies that have the foresight to buy in good design as part of their business strategy. These are all growing sectors in Dubai where significant employment opportunities have been created in recent years. The programme supports graduates’ future career development through the attainment of professional practice skills, attendance at professional lectures and presentations, the opportunity to work on ‘live’ briefs and enter international design competitions, work experience, the production of a pdf portfolio and participation in the graduate degree show. Having achieved an admirable pace of economic growth through sectors such as trade & logistics, retailing, tourism & hospitality, aviation and banking & financial services, the Emirate of Dubai has set its aim on becoming a regional and international creative hub for design businesses.