Graphic design

Learning Objectives

The course of study for the second-level academic diploma of the School of Artistic Design for Business, Graphic Design course, builds on skills with a view to creating professionals capable of training graphic design operators. The Second-Level Graphic Design course is a specialised, in-depth course in applied graphic design, part of the three-year training programmes in “Editorial Graphics” and “Art Graphics”. The aim of the course is to provide students with specialist skills and knowledge of technical processes and organisational-professional methods, enabling them to transform a project into a graphic and/or photographic product intended for different markets and types of consumption and use. The programme is structured to provide in-depth training in graphic design techniques and their application in various areas: programmes focusing on digital software and its interaction with manual techniques. All this, together with the theoretical and aesthetic study of the image. No less important is the section dedicated to the historical study of various subject areas, designed to broaden the educational spectrum offered to students as much as possible, within the framework of technical innovation combined with knowledge of cultural tradition. Graduates will acquire an adequate mastery of technical and methodological skills in order to use a wide range of techniques and visual communication languages at the highest level, enabling them to play a leading role in various sectors of broad-spectrum visual communication.

Career prospects

Graduates of the course will be professionally trained in various public and private design fields, with a focus on new and highly flexible career opportunities in a range of applications for institutions, museums, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large industries, with particular emphasis on visual and digital communication. The course aims to train professionals who are able to work independently and in harmony with other professionals in the sector. In particular, graduates will be able to work in various professional roles related to the world of graphic design, such as art director, graphic designer, multimedia graphic designer, advertising graphic designer, concept artist, digital illustrator in the world of image-making, graphic designer for digital publishing and for the web. Working with public and private organisations, the Academy will arrange the most suitable work placements and apprenticeships to help students achieve specific professional qualifications.

Entry requirements

Access to the “Graphic Design” course is limited to those who have obtained a first-level academic diploma or equivalent qualification. Direct access is permitted only if you hold a first-level academic diploma in “Editorial Graphics” or “Graphic Design”. For access from other three-year courses, it is necessary to take the entrance exam and have obtained 24 CFA in the following subjects: Graphic Design 6 CFA; Design for Publishing 6 CFA; Multimedia Graphics 6 CFA; Graphic Design 6 CFA. In the event of any educational deficits, the corresponding exams must be taken before the end of the first academic year (autumn session).The admission exam will consist of the presentation of the candidate’s CV and portfolio, and an aptitude interview. The committee composed of the course lecturers will evaluate the materials submitted by the individual candidates and the interview.

Type of final assessment

The final assessment, aimed at verifying achievement of the learning objectives, consists of the presentation of a workshop-based project, coordinated under the guidance of one or more lecturers responsible for the specific diploma course. Consisting of a project, developed as part of the course, supported by: the preparation and subsequent presentation of a theoretical thesis, prepared in written form under the supervision of a supervisor chosen by the student. The thesis must be submitted to the supervisor and the academic office no later than 30 days before the date of its discussion. In conducting their thesis research, students are required to strictly follow the methodological and cultural framework defined with their supervising lecturer, as well as the work plan established with the lecturers regarding laboratory work. Failure to comply with this requirement entitles the lecturer or supervisors to withdraw the thesis topic and reject the student’s work by means of a formal decision to the head of the relevant teaching department.