It is hard to image a world without pictures, symbols, or signs. Visual communication is prime directive of Graphic Designers. They play a key role in the transferal of information within our society. At the Academy of Design, the Graphic Design program is a three-year degree that combines creative thinking with commercial practice, imagination with technique, and innovation with wisdom. With it’s state of the art facilities, award winning lecturers and UK Northumbria University School of Design partnership, the Graphic Design department at the Academy of Design is the first it’s kind, in Sri Lanka, to offer a UK Bachelors with Honours degree in Graphic Design.

This degree program aims to build professional designers and expert visual communicators. With importance placed on development of concept, research, experimentation, analysis and critical awareness, the programme fosters an ideal environment for Graphic Design Studies within the specialization of Branding, Image-making or Publishing.

The first year of study provides an underpinning of knowledge prior to a specialized approach in Years 2 and 3 giving, giving the student’s learning experience greater depth and breadth. The foundation of theoretical, historical, cultural and professional contexts is given throughout the programme via lectures, visiting industry professionals, craftsmen, technicians, live projects, entry to international competitions, visits, both in Sri Lanka and in India, and a staffing balance of both full-time educators and associate lecturers with significant industry experience.

First Year – Working with Visual Language
Design Thinking
History
Visual Language
Typography
Corporate Identity
Editorial

Local study ours throughout the academic year as a useful ‘community’ building opportunity, as well as a cultural and historical learning.

Study tours include: Architectural master pieces, the Cultural Triangle, Temple Paintings, Library tours, Printing Presses, Packaging Centers, and a tour of the Petah Market.

 

Second Year – Commercial Visual Language
Ideas in Context
Critical Issues
Art Direction
Packaging
Advertising

New Media Communication

A study tours include: Trip to India, to attend one of the largest Communication Design and Advertising festivals in all of Asia, DesignYatra is a corner stone for all AOD Graphic Students. It includes visits to different international agencies, workshops, and most of all exposure to the world leading creative thinkers, industry innovators, world-renowned artists and hundreds of international students.

 

Third Year – Advanced and Experimental Visual Language
Advanced Publishing
Advanced Branding and Advertising
Advance Visual Language
Thesis Paper
Final Project Exhibitions

 

Advanced level modules of study contain a balance of set and self-determined briefs. Whilst maintaining the individual pathway, students are encouraged to perform to their strengths through exploring their chosen pathways. Professional visits, and specialty workshops, combine with entry into international competitions to give students the platform to enter their chosen professional route following graduation.

List of international competitions briefs: DandAD, ISTD, Penguin Books, The Rose Student Awards, RSA Student Awards, Puffin Books, amongst others.

“We teach our students to think like designers and to use their creative skills in a professional manner. Our program structure aims to give each student a proper balance of design theory and practical knowledge. Each project reflects current local and international industry standards. By bridging the gap between education and industry our students are prepared to lead today’s design and advertising industries.”

- Alain Parizeau: Programme Head : Graphic Design

Graphic Design Graduate Exhibition