BA (Hons) in Visual Communications
The Open College of the Arts
Key Information
Campus location
Barnsley, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning
Duration
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Pace
Part time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
Aug 2024
Scholarships
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Introduction
Summary
With our open learning approach, the OCA’s Visual Communications degree (comprising of Graphic Design and Illustration courses) provides a real alternative to traditional campus-based learning. Our inspiring course materials enable you to work at your own pace, in your own time, and whenever you choose to study.
Degree overview
The BA (Hons) Visual communication course offers an accessible distance learning experience through which students are encouraged to develop a sense of visual inquiry, expand their horizons, and begin to find a personal creative voice within their practice. The course provides an interdisciplinary approach to study through which students can choose and explore a breadth of subjects, moving towards specialisms in graphic design, illustration or a combination of these subjects.
Degree aims
- To widen access to art and design education at the undergraduate level through Open and Flexible Learning.
- To provide an interdisciplinary course of study across graphic design and illustration through which students develop specialisms.
- To provide an intellectually stimulating programme of study based on high-quality study material and tutor support.
- To encourage the development of a personal and/or professional understanding of visual communication practices and to establish a personal creative voice within them.
- An opportunity for students to apply their skills, knowledge, and understanding creatively and within a range of appropriate contexts.
- To develop autonomous learners capable of applying intellectual and practical skills within employment, sole practice, further study, or life-long learning.
The creative sector employs 1.9 million people in the UK alone.
The Design Council’s Industry Insights Report 2010 highlights that 87% of design consultants employ less than 10 staff, supporting the view that emerging designers need to have the skills to be able to work in small teams and to be able to establish themselves in small businesses and as freelancers. This degree aims to prepare students to become visual communicator professionals and autonomous learners, capable of applying their intellectual and creative skills in a chosen area of employment, further study, or life-long learning.