Can you tell me more about the Programme and what the courses have to offer me?
The Communication Design Programme enables students to combine creative visual and intellectual skills with technical expertise, in order to work within today’s evolving communication professions. Our curriculums are developed in response to employer’s requirements & market demand for creative designers fuelled by the advance of digital technologies making our graduates highly employable. The programme seeks to promote links with industry and includes placement & collaborative project opportunities in order to give our students a sound understanding of the ‘business’ of design as well as producing creative graduates.
You are taught traditional skills required by all designers, as well as the specific tools of the industry. It’s fast-moving and exciting programme, spanning a range of dynamic subject areas.
Enterprise, innovation and creativity are key themes running throughout our syllabus.
Key activities relate to professional commercial practice and new business start-up encouraging an entrepreneurial outlook and self reliance. Multi-disciplinary projects highlight teamwork and an awareness of the holistic nature of design.
Recent graduates are currently employed in a wide range of roles across a variety of sectors while others have gone on to start their own design companies.
You can find out more about the course in a variety of ways. The University prospectus and web site are normally first point of call as well as searching on www.ucas.com. Make use of the internet and recent press articles to find out about recent graduates and current projects that students are involved in and look out for articles on us in the leading publications like Computer Arts & 3D World.
Throughout the year there are a variety of opportunities and Open Days for prospective students to visit, meet staff and view the facilities first hand //learn more.
If you apply, you will be guaranteed an appointment to review your folio and you will also have the opportunity to visit the school and speak to existing students on the course, so there’s nothing really to lose.
What can I do once I graduate?
There are many different career opportunities in the field of Communication Design in a variety of industry sectors; recent graduates are employed by leading companies locally, nationally and internationally as graphic and web designers, illustrators, photographers, computer and mobile game developers, architectural and mechanical CAD technicians, 3D animators, design project managers, multimedia design consultants, music and digital video producers.
Graduates have also continued onto Post Graduate study whilst some have established their own successful businesses // read more.
Why should I apply to Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen?
When it comes to graduate employment, The Robert Gordon University is Scotland’s top university for careers and second only to Cambridge in the UK, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
RGU has two campuses in Aberdeen, the oil capital of Europe. In the heart of the city centre the attractive 19th-century Schoolhill campus houses the schools of engineering, computing and pharmacy. Overlooking the River Dee, the beautiful parkland campus at Garthdee is home to the Sir Norman Foster designed Aberdeen Business School, the brand new Faculty of Health and Social Care, Gray’s School of Art and The Scott Sutherland School (Architecture and the Built Environment). There is also a £10m RGU Sport and leisure centre.
Read more on RGU and Aberdeen as featured in Scotland on Sunday.
Which course within the Programme should I apply to?
The most important thing to consider is to consider you career ambitions, the course content and the type of portfolio that you will produce throughout your period of study. It’s important to learn the basic skills required by all designers, as well as the specific tools of the trade. You should also look to expand your knowledge of design principles, creativity, production techniques and associated technology. Our curriculum includes practical design projects, and theoretical and analytical study. Issues of design culture and context should be examined through lectures and seminars, with study trips to, and visits from, leading designers and companies. This keeps you up-to-date with current practice in the real world. We also incorporate an international exchange programme with other top European University courses.
Where do you go on study trips?
In 1st year we normally visit Paris or Amsterdam. Barcelona in 2nd year and then New York in 3rd year. 4th Year Graduates also exhibit at D&AD New Blood Exhibition in London.
Local trips are regularly organised to Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
What does the design industry look for in graduates and how does the course respond to these requirements?
The design industry is fast-moving and consequently, there is great demand for adaptable designers who have transferable skills and the ability to work effectively across a range of dynamic subject areas. They look for both creative and technologically inclined graduates, who are imaginative and committed. They are also keen to see good communication, interpersonal and organisational skills. Most importantly they look for well rounded individuals who have the ability to work within team environments and effectively communicate their ideas.
Our course aims to produce graduates to satisfy this demand by listening to these companies and involving them within the course itself through live projects and work placements. Check out our list of Industry Partners.
I want to gain some industry experience while at University. Are there placement opportunities?
Students are often involved in ‘live’ projects with external industry partners, culminating in 4th year with a period of self-initiated and self-directed study. This normally involves collaboration with an industrial partner, taking students to the threshold of professional practice in the development of a concept or prototype to pre-production level.
In Semester 2 of 3rd year you can elect to take an Industry Placement module which offers you the opportunity to work with a company for the entire Semester // read more.
Can you specialise in a particular field on the course and is this a good idea?
Specialising can work for and against you; graduates are faced with a wide variety of career options. The design industry is fast-moving and consequently, there is great demand for flexible designers who have transferable skills and the ability to work effectively across a range of dynamic subject areas. I would recommend a good basic grounding in a variety of subjects and specialise later on once you gain some industry experience.
What do you look for in applicants?
We mainly look for candidates who have a genuine desire to learn about the subject. Enthusiasm, motivation, qualifications and an inquiring attitude are all important.
What should I include in my portfolio?
Check out our page on portfolio advice // learn more.
I’m worried about my Portfolio Review appointment. Is there anything that you can advise?
The portfolio review consists of an appointment which takes the form of an informal discussion. This is an opportunity for applicants to meet with staff and students and have a look around the design studios and campus. Staff will take time to review your portfolio while current students show you around and tell you about the course. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions. It’s really nothing to worry about.
What level of grades and subjects are required by school leavers in order to gain acceptance into the course?
We normally expect an applicant to have at least 3 Highers (BBC) including English and any Art & Design, Design & Technology or Computing subject. A Portfolio of work is also required for when you attend the application appointment/school visit.
How do I apply to the course?
Check out our page on applying // learn more.