In this first unit, you will undertake a diagnostic investigation into visual language and creative practices. This exploratory investigation allows you to become familiar with and experiment within a range of creative disciplines related to Graphic Design & Illustration.  

Projects*  

Project 1: That’s Absurd!  

Kickstart your journey into design with a project that challenges how you see the world around you, exploring the dynamic relationship between form and function. You’ll begin by creating bold, surreal concepts using photocollage before translating these concepts into precise visual communication. Through a progression from 2D sketching to orthographic and isometric drawing, you’ll learn how to present your ideas with clarity, structure and professional accuracy. This project blends creativity with technical skill, encouraging you to think inventively while developing the tools designers use to bring even the most unconventional ideas to life. 

Project 2: 2D to 3D: Flat Pack  

This project invites you to explore how flat, two-dimensional materials can be transformed into striking three-dimensional forms, challenging you to think like a designer and maker from the outset. Through in-depth research and investigation, you’ll analyse objects that cleverly bridge 2D and 3D, then develop your own concepts using sketching alongside hands-on experimentation with paper and card. As your ideas evolve, you’ll refine them through scaled drawings and model making, building precision and confidence in your design process. Supported by a series of practical workshops, you’ll work with materials such as fibre board, wood and plastics, using tools like the laser cutter to bring your concepts to life with accuracy and impact.  

Project 3: Scale in Design – Encase  

Students are given a specific brief from a client to create a handmade object that encases and protects a particular item of significance such as an ancient book, an item of jewellery or a lock of hair. Students use ‘boxes’ as a starting point for experimentation, expanding on this through a series of practical workshops that explore material properties and capabilities. Students will be introduced to a variety of materials including: 

• Metal: Cutting, hammering, texturing, raising, piercing, soldering, polishing finishing.  

• Ceramic: Coil and slab construction, hand modelling, glazing, gold lustre.  

• Glass: Fusing, slumping.  

• Other: Resin, silicone casting, laser cutting.  

 *Projects are examples and may change from year to year depending on the nature of live projects working with external partners, current exhibitions and visits planned and emerging new trends  

Skills Developed In Unit 1 

3D Design Research Processes, Problem Solving, Workshop Skills, Experimental Making Techniques, Form Versus Function, Visual Language, Design Development, Prototyping, Reflection & Evaluation Skills, Peer Critique, Presentation Skills, Portfolio Development for Higher Education Applications.   

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on the knowledge, skills and practices you have developed in Unit 1 and to define your creative ambitions by encouraging a holistic approach to a range of activities, which will support, contextualise and position your creative endeavours within 3D Design. 

Projects*  

Project 1: Reinventing The Wheel   

This project pushes you to rethink the everyday by challenging your assumptions about how familiar products look, work and who they’re for. Using bold, conceptual thinking and creative problem-solving, you’ll take an existing object and completely reimagine it, transforming its design, function or purpose for a new audience. Whether you shift its appeal to a different age group or adapt it for a specific need or ability, you’ll explore how design can reshape experience and meaning. It’s an opportunity to innovate, disrupt expectations and develop ideas that feel fresh, purposeful and forward-thinking. 

Project 2: The Next Best Thing! 

Step into the future of design by exploring emerging trends and forecasting what comes next. In this project, you’ll investigate cutting-edge ideas shaping the industry and use them as a springboard to develop bold, forward-thinking concepts. Blending imagination with practical design thinking, you’ll create innovative outcomes tailored for a fictional future-focused exhibition, challenging you to think like both a designer and a trend forecaster. This is your chance to push boundaries, anticipate what’s next and produce work that feels visionary, relevant, and ahead of its time. 

Project 3: University Research & Application  

This unit is designed to support you at every stage of researching, shortlisting and applying to university. You’ll receive regular guidance through weekly personal tutor sessions and one-to-one tutorials during the Autumn term. In September, a dedicated UCAS week includes a visit to the London UCAS Fair, where you can explore courses, meet university representatives and ask questions directly. 

Students are expected to gather a body of research evidence, develop a personal statement and submit a portfolio of work from across the course, applying the skills learned in your Portfolio Skills classes.  

*Projects are examples and may change from year to year depending on the nature of live projects working with external partners, current exhibitions and visits planned and emerging new trends. 

Skills Developed In Unit 2  

Market & Client Research, Customer Profiling, Contextual & Technical Research, Design Principles, 3D Drawing & Realisation Using Digital & Analogue Methods, Practical Construction Skills, Material Properties & Experimentation, Workshop Skills, Presentation & Communication Skills.  

This unit will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on the knowledge, skills and practices you have developed in Unit 1 and to define your creative ambitions by encouraging a holistic approach to a range of activities, which will support, contextualise and position your creative endeavours within 3D Design. 

Projects*  

Project 1: Reinventing The Wheel   

This project pushes you to rethink the everyday by challenging your assumptions about how familiar products look, work and who they’re for. Using bold, conceptual thinking and creative problem-solving, you’ll take an existing object and completely reimagine it, transforming its design, function or purpose for a new audience. Whether you shift its appeal to a different age group or adapt it for a specific need or ability, you’ll explore how design can reshape experience and meaning. It’s an opportunity to innovate, disrupt expectations and develop ideas that feel fresh, purposeful and forward-thinking. 

Project 2: The Next Best Thing! 

Step into the future of design by exploring emerging trends and forecasting what comes next. In this project, you’ll investigate cutting-edge ideas shaping the industry and use them as a springboard to develop bold, forward-thinking concepts. Blending imagination with practical design thinking, you’ll create innovative outcomes tailored for a fictional future-focused exhibition, challenging you to think like both a designer and a trend forecaster. This is your chance to push boundaries, anticipate what’s next and produce work that feels visionary, relevant, and ahead of its time. 

Project 3: University Research & Application  

This unit is designed to support you at every stage of researching, shortlisting and applying to university. You’ll receive regular guidance through weekly personal tutor sessions and one-to-one tutorials during the Autumn term. In September, a dedicated UCAS week includes a visit to the London UCAS Fair, where you can explore courses, meet university representatives and ask questions directly. 

Students are expected to gather a body of research evidence, develop a personal statement and submit a portfolio of work from across the course, applying the skills learned in your Portfolio Skills classes.  

*Projects are examples and may change from year to year depending on the nature of live projects working with external partners, current exhibitions and visits planned and emerging new trends. 

Skills Developed In Unit 3 

Market & Client Research, Customer Profiling, Contextual & Technical Research, Design Principles, 3D Drawing & Realisation Using Digital & Analogue Methods, Practical Construction Skills, Material Properties & Experimentation, Workshop Skills, Presentation & Communication Skills.  

This unit aims to provide you with an opportunity to take control of your own learning and demonstrate your creative talent by independently initiating, researching, completing and evaluating a project proposal and its final outcome. 

Skills Developed In Unit 4  

By this stage in the course, it is expected that you will have acquired the necessary skills knowledge and understanding to undertake your devised project with confidence, however investigation into new skills is encouraged and supported where possible. You may take advantage of the 3D workshop or join one of the varied specialist workshops offered across the department.