Introduction to Design + Animation

We share this holistic view that all knowledge and inquiry is fundamentally associated with and is echoed in Arts Higher Education (enquiry), from the Aristotelian “Peripatetic Method” (practice) to the era of the 4th industrial revolution (innovation).

In these challenging times, it has never been more important that Arts in Higher Education are recognised for their positive impact on a multidisciplinary society: through enquiry, practice, and innovation. This year’s catalogue showcases a vibrant representation of our design student ethos. For the last 20 years, graphic design and animation students have been actively engaged with societies and citizens to impact through design. Our students awarded several international awards, including D&AD, ISTD (International Society of Typographic Designers), and have been shortlisted in numerous creative industries awards and competitions worldwide.

It is only fair to say that the quality of the undergraduate 2021 projects is of postgraduate standards. Our graduates are critical design thinkers, innovative design makers and are capable of delivering intelligent design work.

Our current programmes include BA (Hons) and HND Graphic and Digital Design; BA (Hons) Animation; MA Web Design and Content Planning and the recently validated MA in Design (2 pathways -Spatial Design and Design Diplomacy) with a focus on diversity and inclusivity by design. The overarching aim of the courses is to assist students in gaining a practical and theoretical grasp of design as an area of intellectual making, creative visualisation and design thinking through professional practice. The programmes emphasise the relationship between the designer/animator, the audience and the client and investigate appropriate, effective and creative communication approaches through design studio practice and in relation to theory.

The ongoing network established by tutors, employers, and former students enables current students and graduates to start their careers in various creative disciplines. Determination and creative energy distinguish this year’s graduates from the rest of the pack. An incredibly talented, culturally diverse group of designers and animators who have been a joy and inspiration to work with.

This year our graduates have worked on a wide-ranging body of creative concepts; their projects varied from print to screen, AR and VR, to traditional editorial design and traditional animation. All graduates used their skills to produce works that fit within the broader context of design and animation; in so doing, they have developed a range of craft skills and become fully autonomous learners. With much of the world in lockdown due to the COVID-19, the global design student community is facing unprecedented challenges. Perhaps one of the most precarious and vulnerable sectors is design culture, especially during crisis-ridden periods. And, yet it is through engagement with culture and creative activities, our graduates can empower themselves and get through the vast psychological effects of such an unprecedented situation as the current prolonged period of global lockdown. Design is one of the disciplines that can empower people and provide design solutions that could enhance communities. Our students respond to this opportunity and design for social change and social empowerment.