KBU International College

BA (Hons) Graphic Design (3+0)
KP/JPS(PA5264)1/10

All three years of this degree programme have core modules covering practical and theoretical work and continuous assessment. Students receive regular feedback through individual or group tutorials, interim critique sessions and portfolio review. Team working is also an important feature as this helps to develop the communication skills that are essential in many commercial graphic design practices. Learning will take place through a variety of methods that include: lectures, workshops, seminars, group tutorials, one-to-one ‘surgery’ tutorials, portfolio reviews, work experience, peer group discussion and independent study.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are adequately prepared for jobs in design consultancies; advertising agencies; television graphics companies; publishing and multimedia companies; post -production firms; visual merchandising, branding and packaging design consultancies; in-house graphic departments.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Year 1

A stimulating and wide-ranging introduction to the basic principles and history of graphic design. There is a series of project briefs and emphasis on a ‘learn by doing’ approach. This combines creativity with technology that incorporates use of state-of-the-art software and visualization techniques.

The Evolution of Graphic Design

Outlines the development and role of graphic design and the graphic designer in a historical and theoretical context, and within contemporary practice.

Lecture topics include:

Design Process

Relating Theory and Practice

(*MQA Compulsory Subject)

Year 2

The second year places increased focus on professional practices and students often have the opportunity to start live project work through links with external companies. Students can also benefit from short work placements of up to four weeks in commercial design companies.

Contextualising Graphic Design

Lecture topics include:

Understanding the Professional Context

Application of practical, technological and theoretical techniques that relate more closely to professional practices. There is focus on team working, critical debate, self reflections and management skills.

Towards a Personal Direction

Allow students a choice of projects in their areas of interest. This culminates in a period of negotiated study in preparation for independent study.

(*MQA Compulsory Subject)

Year 3

Students specialise in areas of their choice by developing their own project and design briefs as well as student competition briefs. By the end of this year, students produce a portfolio of self-initiated design show-work and a fully research dissertation on a subject of their choice.

Dissertation

A dissertation of between 5,000 – 6,000 words on a subject selected by negotiation with tutors. Emphasis is on self-motivated research using appropriate methods: reading, visits, interviews, etc.

Developing a Personal Portfolio

Optional set projects: corporate communications, illustration, motion graphics, advertising, branding, packaging, typography, etc.

MQA Compulsory Subjects*

*All Malaysian students are required to take 3 MQA Compulsory Subjects that include Bahasa Kebangsaan A, Malaysian Studies, and Islamic Studies (for Muslims) or Moral Education (for non-Muslims). MQA Compulsory Subjects are optional for all International Students.