Communication Design - Graphics, Illustration, Photography BA (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Robert Gordon University

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Communication Design – Graphics, Illustration, Photography at Robert Gordon University offers a creative, hands-on and studio-based journey where you’ll explore the world of visual communication across three exciting disciplines: graphics, illustration, and photography. This course is perfect if you’re imaginative, enjoy storytelling through images and design, and want to build both the creative and technical skills needed to thrive in the visual industries. You’ll graduate with a distinctive portfolio and the confidence to turn your ideas into a meaningful creative career.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year is all about building a strong foundation. You’ll dive into studio-based projects that help you experiment with ideas, materials and techniques, while developing your own creative voice. Through modules like Communication Design: Principles & Processes, you’ll learn how to research visually, generate ideas and bring them to life — discovering what design is and how you can shape it.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll move into more collaborative and thematic project work. You’ll apply your growing skills in typography, layout, digital imaging and visual communication theory to real design briefs. This is where you’ll begin to explore your personal style, combining critical thinking with hands-on creativity in studio and workshop settings.

Year 3
By your third year, you’ll start to specialise — choosing a pathway in graphics, illustration or photography. You’ll work on self-directed studio projects and live briefs that reflect professional practice. This stage focuses on independence and innovation, allowing you to develop projects that mirror real-world design challenges, including collaborations and entrepreneurial ventures.

Year 4
Your final year is about defining yourself as a designer. You’ll research a personal design question, develop a substantial creative project, and put together a professional-level portfolio. The year culminates in Gray’s School of Art’s annual Degree Show, where you’ll exhibit your work to industry professionals, potential employers, and the public. You’ll graduate ready to take your next step — whether that’s employment, freelancing, or further study.

Focus Areas

Visual communication through graphics, illustration and photography
Studio practice across traditional and digital media
Creative and professional development through live briefs and portfolio work
Encouraging personal expression, experimentation and innovation

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you’ll have:

Strong creative confidence and visual literacy
Specialist technical skills in your chosen area
The ability to conceive, produce and present impactful design work
A professional portfolio and practical experience to launch your creative career

Professional Alignment

Delivered by the renowned Gray’s School of Art at Robert Gordon University, the course has a strong professional focus. You’ll engage in live projects, real-world collaborations and industry-led opportunities — ensuring you graduate with both artistic flair and employable skills.

Reputation & Rankings

Gray’s School of Art is ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction in Art & Design (Complete University Guide 2025) — a reflection of its outstanding teaching, supportive environment and commitment to helping students thrive creatively and professionally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re thinking about studying the BA (Hons) Communication Design – Graphics, Illustration & Photography at Robert Gordon University (RGU), you’ll be glad to know this course is all about hands-on, real-world learning. From day one, you’ll be immersed in creative studio and workshop environments where you can explore ideas, experiment with materials, and bring your concepts to life. The programme combines traditional craft skills with cutting-edge digital technologies, helping you develop as a confident, adaptable and industry-ready designer.

Here’s how your experiential learning journey unfolds:

What you’ll do and where you’ll learn it

Design studios and workshops: You’ll spend plenty of time in open-plan design studios and specialist workshops, working alongside classmates in a collaborative, creative setting.
Traditional and digital techniques: Whether it’s drawing, illustration, photography shoots or using the latest digital tools, you’ll gain hands-on experience with both classic and contemporary design methods.
Live briefs and real projects: You’ll take on live design briefs from real clients and organisations, giving you valuable insight into how the industry operates.
Competitions and field trips: The course also offers opportunities to take part in design competitions and international field trips, broadening your creative and cultural perspectives.

Key components of the experience

Industry-standard tools and software: You’ll master a wide range of design tools — from digital production, interactive and web design, to animation, videography, illustration and photography.
Collaborative learning: Working on group projects and sharing studio spaces encourages teamwork, idea exchange and creative problem-solving.
Industry-led projects: You’ll collaborate with external partners and creative agencies, gaining exposure to professional expectations and networking opportunities.
Independent final-year project: In your final year, you’ll focus on your chosen specialism — Graphics, Illustration or Photography — developing a major project that showcases your creative identity at RGU’s annual Degree Show.
Academic and technical support: Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to RGU’s library, study-skills resources and dedicated technical support to help refine your research, craft and presentation skills.

This course offers the perfect balance of creative freedom, professional experience and industry engagement. It’s an ideal choice if you’re passionate about design and want to graduate with a strong portfolio, real-world experience, and the confidence to make your mark in the world of communication design.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Studying the BA (Hons) Communication Design – Graphics, Illustration, Photography at Robert Gordon University (RGU) gives you the creative foundation and confidence to thrive in the ever-evolving creative industries. This degree opens doors to exciting roles such as graphic designer, illustrator, photographer, or digital/motion designer — with many graduates also moving into UX or branding-based careers.

Career Opportunities

With this degree, you’ll be well-prepared for positions such as:

Graphic Designer
Illustrator
Photographer
Digital, UX or Motion Designer

Progression & Future Opportunities

At RGU, career development is supported every step of the way. The Employability Hub, based in the Ishbel Gordon Building, offers career coaching, CV and portfolio reviews, and tailored job placement support to help you transition smoothly into professional life.

An impressive 95% of graduates from this course are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, with average earnings around £23,000 and typical starting salaries between £20,000 and £25,000.

Throughout your studies, you’ll take part in live, industry-facing projects and external collaborations with creative companies such as FortyTwo Studio, Imajica Brand Evolution, Timorous Beasties, Bespoke Atelier, and TellyJuice — giving you valuable real-world experience and professional connections before you graduate.

As part of Gray’s School of Art, you’ll benefit from its outstanding teaching reputation — ranked 1st in Scotland for teaching quality in Art & Design — and a vibrant creative community that encourages experimentation, innovation, and collaboration.

The course helps you build a strong blend of creative, technical, and critical skills across graphics, illustration, photography, and digital media — ensuring your expertise remains adaptable and relevant in a fast-changing industry. In your final year, you can specialise flexibly to tailor your portfolio toward your chosen career path.

Further Academic Progression

After graduation, you can choose to continue your creative journey with a Master’s in Communication Design at Gray’s School of Art, or explore related postgraduate areas such as Visual Communication, Digital Media, UX Design, or Art & Design Research.

This degree is your launchpad into a creative career — built on skill, confidence, and real-world experience.