BA (Hons) Graphic Design
The University has a strong creative reputation and supportive learning environment.
This influenced my decision to choose this course at Oxford Brookes. It offers a great balance between practical skills and conceptual thinking, allowing me to develop a unique design voice while gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard tools. One of the biggest draws for me was the tutors – their passion for design is evident, and with smaller class sizes, they really take the time to get to know you and your work.
As you progress, the modules become more independent, giving you the freedom…
to develop your own design style and explore topics that truly interest you. This independence has made me much more invested in my projects because I’m able to research and create work that feels meaningful and personal. I’ve really enjoyed how the course encourages you to think beyond just design skills and really consider your identity and values as a designer. In my second year, key modules encouraged us to reflect on our practice, ethics, and creative direction. Developing a design manifesto, along with building my own website and CV, helped me clarify my values as a designer and how I want to present myself in the industry.
I have a really close and supportive relationship with my tutors.
They are always responsive, even outside of lessons, which makes a huge difference when I need guidance or feedback. It’s clear that they genuinely want us to achieve our best—they constantly challenge us with thought-provoking discussions, detailed feedback, and regular one-on-one sessions. Their support pushes me to refine my ideas, experiment with new techniques, and grow in confidence as a designer. Having tutors who are so invested in my progress has made my experience at Oxford Brookes incredibly rewarding.
Collaborating effectively in group projects can present challenges.
This is especially evident when we have different approaches or design ideas. I initially found it challenging to manage different opinions and reach a consensus. However, I learned the importance of clear communication, being open-minded, and respecting others' ideas. This experience helped me to understand the value of collaboration in the creative industry. Through these group projects, I also formed some of my closest friendships which have been incredibly valuable, both personally and professionally, and have made group work a rewarding experience.
I’ve gained a wide range of skills that have been invaluable in design work and career preparation.
I’ve become skilled in industry-standard design software like Adobe Creative Suite, and learned how to work across different mediums such as digital, print, and even motion graphics. We have been introduced to many analogue techniques from screen-printing to letter press and more, allowing a deep, critical understanding of the history and development of graphic design. In terms of career preparation, the course has allowed me to build a professional portfolio that showcases my skills and creative identity. In both the second and third years, we have revisited and refined our websites, regularly updating them with recent work. This process has been incredibly valuable as it allows us to showcase our growth as designers and reflect the development of our skills and style over time. Thus, preparing us for future job applications and to attract the attention of studios through social media.
In the future, my goal is to secure an internship.
I would love for this to be with a studio that embraces a playful and open approach to design. I’m drawn to environments where creativity thrives and where designers aren’t afraid to experiment and push boundaries. My goal is to continue creating work that not only reflects my personal style but also has a meaningful impact. I want to make designs that are political, thought-provoking, and strive for change—whether it's through social issues or challenging conventional ideas. Ultimately, my ideal environment is one where I can collaborate with like-minded individuals who value both creativity and the impact design can have on society.