Department of Graphic (Communication) Design Courses

BA Design (Communication Design) (B8CD2Q)

Communication Design is a vast, exciting, ever-evolving field that employs visually strong creative thinkers and problem solvers to use various design methods, processes, and techniques to communicate clearly to relevant audiences. Communication Designers, or Graphic Designers, create visual content to communicate to a particular audience.

Our program teaches students to create a variety of visual content, including layout, art direction, illustration, animation, data visualisation, and textual elements (typography). Students are prepared for multidisciplinary creative careers in an ever-evolving design world. Graduates are employed nationally and internationally in various fields, including government, science, IT, banking, and digital design. They design logos, app user interfaces, social media posts, packaging, murals, websites, brochures, magazines, illustrations, and infographics.

Our Department of Graphic Design offers a Bachelor of Arts in Design, specialising in Communication Design. Our facilities include six spacious studios, a computer lab with the latest high-end graphics computers, and access to the Faculty’s Fabrication Lab with 3D printers and Virtual Reality generators. Our award-winning department accepts a select few candidates and keeps class sizes relatively small to give each student the resources and one-on-one time they need to advance in the discipline and their interests.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be able to enter a communication design career by working in design studios, marketing consultancies,branding and advertising agencies, and for newspapers, magazines and book publishers as:

— Graphic & communication designer — Art directors

— Typographic designer — Layout artists

— Illustrators — Instructional designer

— Digital designer

In addition, employment can be found as an in-house designer for companies or state-supported institutions, or graduates can choose to freelance or start their own graphic design business.

Admission Requirements — BA Design (Communication Design) (B8CD2Q)

— Senior certificate or equivalent qualification with a minimum APS or M-score.

Average Point Score (APS)

A minimum APS of 25 with Mathematics or 26 with Mathematical Literacy is required to apply for the programme

Outline of undergrad programme 

BA Communication Design is a fulltime, three-year degree course that prepares the graduating student for an entry-level career in various creative industries, and further academic study.

A general overview of the course is provided below. Please, note that this overview is subject to change based on technological advancement. The Graphic Design department is intentional about making sure learning content adapts according to evolution of technologies and trends present within industry, ensuring our graduates have the necessary skills to enter the workforce. This list is meant to indicate the type of content typically found in the programme.

First-year

In the first-year programme, Communication Design students are introduced to digital and communication-based design fundamentals. To complete the programme, students must complete five modules: three practice-based and two theoretical.

Communication Design 1 (24)
This module introduces students to:

• Communication design fundamentals such as design principles, visual layout, typography and the basics of branding.
• Design thinking fundamentals such as design research, creative strategy development and concept ideation.

 Communication Design Technology 1 (30)
This module introduces students to digital software and technologies used in multimedia design practices. These include:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Indesign
• Adobe After Effects
• Other relevant creative software

 Visualisation 1 (24)
This module is concerned image making and visualising information and concepts. Students are taught how to do this across a range of disciplinary practices including:

• Drawing
• Photography
• Scamping
• Illustration

Design Studies 1 (24)
In this theory-based module, students are introduced disciplinary, historical and cultural theories that assist students to better understand design and the social world in which design takes place. In Design Studies 1 students are expected to respond and debate concepts through written assignments

Professional Design Practice 1 (18)
In this theory-based module, students are introduced to the world of business. Topics taught in this module include: economics, business organisation, business culture and communication in business contexts.

Second-year

The second-year programme focuses on further developing students creative and theoretical abilities with a particular focus on Communication design practices and industries. To complete the programme, students must complete four modules: two practice-based and two theoretical.

Communication Design 2 (40 Credits)
At an intermediate level this module introduces students to a range of technological and design skills related to digital media in general and interactive and communication design in particular. A number of units are taught in this module include the following:

• Branding design and principles
• Editorial design
• Infographic design
• Social Media, Direct Marketing and Advertising campaign design and strategy
• User interface and interaction design
• Social impact design
• Design Thinking
• Packaging design

Visualisation 2 (30 Credits)
In Visualisation 2 builds upon the foundation that is developed in first year. At second year level, there is a strong focus on developing imagery that communicates information, within a design context. The following units teach students how imagery can be created, but also used to create visual identities, communicate message and narratives:

• Photography
• Illustration
• Drawing
• Motion Graphics

Design Studies 2 (32 Credits)
At an intermediate level this theory-based module, is concerned with disciplinary, historical and cultural theories that assist students to better understand design and the social world in which design takes place and affects. In Design Studies 2 students are expected to respond and debate concepts through written assignments

Professional Design Practice 2 (20 Credits)
In this theory-based module, students knowledge of business is extended. Topics taught in this module include: the business environment, Marketing and Branding, branding, and design entrepreneurship.

 Third-year

Design Studies 3 (50 Credits)

At an advanced level, this theory-based module, is concerned with disciplinary, historical and cultural theories that assist students to better understand design and the social world in which design takes place and affects changes. In Design Studies 3 students are expected to respond and debate concepts through written assignments. Focusses include Gender, South African Design History, Identity and Taste a& Class.

Communication Design 3 (70 Credits)

At an advanced level this module introduces students to a range of technological and design skills related to digital media in general and interactive and communication design in particular.This module predominantly focuses on teaching students the skills that they will require in industry, as well as developing a suitable portfolio of projects that demonstrate their creative, technical and design thinking skills to prospective employers. A number of units are taught in this module include the following:

• Self-Branding design and principles
• Personal portfolio development
• Event design and Marketing
• Editorial design
• Social Media, Direct Marketing and Advertising campaign design and strategy
• User interface design
• Social impact design
• Wayfinding and signage
• Packaging and 3D Design
• Interaction Design
• Preparation for a career in Communication Design.
• Experiential work placement
• Intellectual property rights

Contact details

Ms Elda Majola
Departmental Secretary: Communication (Graphic) Design
Faculty Art, Design and Architecture
Tel +27 11 559 1117