It is considered that generation Y is the generation with the most creative minds. Thus, millennials tend to express themselves through various forms, such as Art and Design.
Degrees in Art and Design aim to empower students to use art as a tool for self-expression. This degree is designed to develop visual perception as well as visual literacy. As a result, students gain practical skills in order to turn their imaginative ideas into reality.
Unlike many programmes, Art and Design courses improve students’ attention to detail, creative thinking, and freedom in the decision-making process.
Art and Design is a competitive industry. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to be equipped with the necessary skills to have higher chances of being employed in this field.
In general, graduates from this degree have a wide range of employment options once they finish their studies. The advantage of an Art and Design course is that you are highly employable for other industries too – there are numerous courses that would help to develop specialised skills for specific careers.
Some particular job areas include – apart from being an artist – community worker, fashion designer, graphic designer, illustrator, advertising executive, and multimedia worker. Many Art and Design graduates find themselves using their skills in marketing, media, or even teaching.
Art and Design degrees are part of Bachelor of Art (BA) Degrees. Courses’ structure and length depend on what type of programme you choose to study and the country where you choose to study. Usually, Art and Design courses are a three-year commitment, although there are countries – like the USA – where you need to study for at least four years.
The most remarkable aspect about this degree is that it emphasises the practical knowledge. Courses are often taught in studios, as a form of workshops. Additionally, students are assessed based on their portfolios of work, which may be exhibited to the public.
My BA (Hons) Media & Communication course at GCU is a lot of fun, and I’ve made real friends through it. The course gives you access to industry-standard camera equipment and editing software. Plus, as a surprise bonus, with the modules and optional modules that I’ve done so far (I’m now going into year 4), I’ve only needed to do two exams, both of them being online and multiple-choice! The rest of my work has been essays, reports, and presentations. That said, it’s by no means perfect. The course can feel quite focused on journalism sometimes, especially in years 1 and 2. However, the optional modules combat this, with these modules allowing me to find my passion for marketing. Also, I’ve found that some modules can be quite repetitive and/or basic. I wanted to be challenged more. My favourite thing about my course has definitely been the blended online and on-campus experience of it all. Yes, this was originally due to covid, but post-covid, some of my lectures continued to be online since they worked so well.
The campus is great. As I travel by bus, GCU is perfect! It’s one road away from the bus station. It literally couldn’t get any closer. The food and drinks on offer are great too, with there being veggie and vegan options as well, along with a Starbucks on campus.
Overall, I’d recommend GCU.
View moreGCU provides great education and endless opportunities for students to develop their skills and passions. As an international student, I had the opportunity to learn and build relationships despite the difficulties given to the pandemic, thanks to the resources and online program provided by GCU. The support system is efficient and fast, and the different events organised help new students settle in the university experience.
View moreI really enjoyed my course overall. After my second year I was given the option to tailor the route of my course/subjects to suit what I saw myself going on to do after graduation. Even though the university workload in general is intense, I really enjoyed it. I preferred doing projects and course work to exams and was given the freedom to tailor my education to suit. The staff in the media department were always extremely helpful and supportive, big shout out to Iain Muego!
The university had a variety of clubs to choose from – I chose cheerleading and was a part of the club for 4 years. This definitely enhanced my university experience and built strong friendships for me.
I liked that the university was all on one campus and that the library was open pretty much whenever you needed it.
View moreThe programme was great. Super varied and a good mixture of practical and theory. I loved the students association too and was an active part of the student radio station where I met lots of friends.
View moreThe courses are super interesting and very relevant. All the practicals are fun. If you are wanting to go into media then I would recommend this course as you get to try a bit of everything within the industry.
View moreI like my program. It has a variety of courses, but I wish the options were more interesting sometimes. I would like to see more courses about entrepreneurship. Good professors must of the time. I would and wouldn’t recommend it. Students wanting to go abroad in their 3rd year should be aware that GCU won’t provide any help. They have no idea how to get organized about practically anything.
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