St.Thomas Aquinas College United States

Visual Communications In Graphic Design

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Visual Communications in Graphic Design Bachelors Degree at St.Thomas Aquinas College equips you to shape visual narratives and solve communication challenges in a dynamic creative industry. This undergraduate programme is ideal for aspiring designers who are passionate about the intersection of art, technology, and effective messaging. You will explore foundational principles of 2D and 3D design, digital literacy, and the history of graphic design, preparing you to articulate ideas visually and professionally. This course provides a robust academic grounding for a career where creativity meets strategic communication.

Studied full-time on campus over four years, your journey will involve a blend of lectures, studio practice, and hands-on projects. You will develop essential skills in areas such as typography, digital media, and publication design, with opportunities to engage with real-world briefs through internships and capstone projects like the Senior Design Portfolio. This programme emphasizes practical application, culminating in a comprehensive portfolio that showcases your abilities. You will graduate ready to pursue diverse career paths in graphic design, branding, web design, and packaging, prepared to contribute innovative visual solutions.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program explores the principles and practices of visual communication within graphic design. Students will develop foundational skills in 2D and 3D design, drawing, and digital media, progressing to specialized areas such as typography, publication design, and web design. The curriculum also incorporates art history, creative technology, and culminates in a senior design portfolio.

1 FALL ONE – FIRST YEAR

2D Design Major Requirement
Drawing Skills & Processes Major Requirement
Design Foundations OR ART 228 Major Requirement
Elective Requirement
First Year Seminar Stage Requirement / Foundations 1
Academic Writing I Stage Requirement

2 SPRING ONE – FIRST YEAR

Digital Studio Major Requirement
Intro to Mass Media or ART 204 Major Requirement
3D Design Major Requirement
Quantitative Lit OR Scientific Reasoning Stage Requirement
Academic Writing II Stage Requirement
Elective Requirement

3 FALL TWO – SOPHOMORE

Digital Literacy & The Photographic Image Major Requirement
History of Graphic Design OR ART 218 Major Requirement
Quantitative Lit OR Scientific Reasoning Stage Requirement
Breadth & Proficiency 1 Stage Requirement
Breadth & Proficiency 2 Stage Requirement
Elective Requirement

4 SPRING TWO – SOPHOMORE

Art History Survey Major Requirement
Drawing for Art & Design Major Requirement
Typography Major Requirement
Breadth & Proficiency 3 Stage Requirement
Breadth & Proficiency 4 Stage Requirement

5 FALL THREE – JUNIOR

Prepress & Production OR ART 420 Major Requirement
Graphic Design Internship Major Requirement
Photo Concepts Major Requirement
Digital Media Art Major Requirement
Gateway Course 1 Stage Requirement

6 SPRING THREE – JUNIOR

Publication Design Major Requirement
Sustainable Package Design Major Requirement
Web Design Major Requirement
Gateway Course 2 Stage Requirement
Gateway Course 3 Stage Requirement

7 FALL FOUR – SENIOR

Brand Development OR ART 322 Major Requirement
Art Direction Major Requirement
Intro to Creative Technology Major Requirement
Art Since 1945 Major Requirement
Intro to Printmaking Major Requirement

8 SPRING FOUR – SENIOR

Senior Design Portfolio Major Requirement
Advanced Typography Major Requirement
Information Design Major Requirement
Advanced Web Design Major Requirement
Advanced Publication Design Major Requirement

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 35,160.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 35,160.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 35,160.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 35,160.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 140,640.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Sparkill Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Animation & Visual EffectsCustomer Experience & SupportDevOps & Site Reliability EngineeringHardware & Semiconductor EngineeringJournalism & ReportingRoad Transport & LogisticsSoftware Development & EngineeringSports & AthleticsTheme Parks & LeisureWireless & Mobile Communications

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Microsoft

NBCUniversal

Verizon

Warner Bros

Why Study Visual Communications In Graphic Design at St.Thomas Aquinas College

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

St.Thomas Aquinas College typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at St.Thomas Aquinas College in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Visual Communications In Graphic Design at St.Thomas Aquinas College

Can I work while studying?

International students may work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require a separate permit, while off-campus work requires university approval after the first year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you must meet the English test requirements: a Duolingo score of 105, or TOEFL overall score of 80, among other options. Ensure your scores for each component meet the minimum to qualify.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as graphic designers, web designers, multimedia artists, packaging designers, or publication designers.

What will I actually study in this course?

The program focuses on organizing information into compelling visual communications and blends technology with creativity. Students will gain skills in print and web communications, packaging, and multimedia through lectures and hands-on studio work.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

Students can start the Visual Communications In Graphic Design course in January or August. These intake months allow for flexibility in planning your studies.
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