Student Testimonials

Ashley Geoghegan (Year 2)
Specialist Interest – Graphic digital image making

This course has really helped me to develop the skills I acquired during my National Diploma, and to perfect my design style.

As well as helping develop these skills, I have learned much about different artists, designers and their techniques. All the projects and modules have been really interesting, and they all require a slightly different approach so the work never gets boring.

I really enjoy working on real briefs for businesses as they give us a good idea of the sort of work you would have to do in the commercial world. For these briefs we are encouraged to produce ideas that that explore and push boundaries. I feel there’s a good mix of practice and theory with neither out weighing the other.

Blake Fullerton BA (Hons)
Graduated 2005: Specialist Interest – Branding

During my time on the BA Design degree I gained a valuable understanding of branding and how identities are perceived by target audiences.

I enjoyed my time at Doncaster, but my most memorable year was Year 3 when, as part of my studies I had to complete a Major Practical Project. I chose to re-brand Magna, a science adventure centre. I produced a visual identity that had to be both appealing and communicate the brand values needed to create a strong brand.

Without the knowledge I gained whilst studying at Doncaster College I would have not been able to achieve a First Class Honours. The programme gave me the confidence to work in the ‘real world’ since leaving Doncaster. I now run my own brand consultancy in Yorkshire.

Dave Feeney (Year 3)
Specialist interests – Branding/ Packaging/Typography

I chose to study in Doncaster because the graphic design course provided the credentials I was looking for.

The programme has been invaluable for developing my ideas, and relevant lectures have also improved my confidence and skills in areas such as hand-rendering visuals, typography, layout and branding.

Recently I was given a brief to create a new kids’ line of packaging forMr Kipling. This has taught me loads about branding and the processes used in their creation.

This course has also broadened my horizons regarding job opportunities, after completing the current packaging project I have now decided to continue a packaging theme and I would like to start my design career working at Fox's biscuits as a packaging co-ordinator.

The course and facilities have got better and better, and the University Centre, Doncaster is definitely an ideal place to study graphic design and I highly recommend this course.

Paul Goodman (Year 2)
Specialist Interest – Illustration for Design

Studying on the design BA programme at the University Centre was the best move I ever made, as I have been able to expand my knowledge and practical skills base. I have learned much about graphic design and the processes necessary to create an dynamic image that answers the requirements of a design brief.

There is a good balance of traditional and digital skills covered on the programme that are also supported by lectures about the business aspects of the industry.

I would truly recommend this course, especially with the industrial knowledge that is passed on by our course tutors.

Craig Lee Scott (Year 2)
Specialist Interest – Branding/Visual Identity Design

I started the Graphic Design degree course in September 2006 and I am amazed at the skills I have developed in such a short period of time. The briefs set are varied, challenging and industry-based.

During my time here I’ve had the opportunity to try out all practical aspects involved in this part of the creative industry, which has really helped me to develop my branding/design work.

The classroom environment is relaxed and friendly and the tutors are on hand to help whenever needed.

I am really enjoying the course and I am looking forward to my next two years of study.

Jane Gee (Year 2)
Specialist Interest – All aspects of graphic design

I am a mature student and am currently in my second year of study at the University Centre’s High Melton Campus, Doncaster, studying a BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree.

Coming from a Fine Art background this degree has allowed me to further my studies in Art History, experiment with digital software and explore further my interests in illustration and photography. The degree can be interpreted to suit your own specialisms and after the first year of sampling all disciplines I chose the graphic design pathway. This is allowing me to further my practices in fine art whilst exploring graphic disciplines such as typography and branding. Taking part in live briefs helps to focus my studies down a commercial route that will lead to employment in the future.

Studying a creative subject has widened my educational view point and it has put a whole new outward perspective on the way I look at life and the world around me. I count my years in art education as the beginning. I am pushing myself to reach new levels of understanding and concentration which I find benefits me in other areas of life.

Lisa Johnson (Year 3)
Specialist Interest – All aspects of graphic design

The Graphic Design degree course has taught me a wide range of art and design skills, and has given me the confidence to build my design skills over the past three years.

Studying at the High Melton Campus has been a unique and positive experience; the whole atmosphere is friendly and calm. The tutors are supportive and most importantly they are always willing to be of assistance at any time and provide creative input, opinion, direction and experience regarding the graphic design profession.

I am sure that the course will continue to inspire others, to help them recognize their talents and believe in themselves, and to be able to achieve their personal and career goals.

Donna Croxall BA (Hons) Graduated 2006
Specialist Interest – Branding

I recently graduated from Doncaster College after studying for five year to become a graphic designer, from National Diploma through to degree level. It has been the best five years of my life! I met some amazing people (friends and lecturers) along the way and best of all, I walked away with a degree.

If it wasn't for the lecturers being so supportive and available when ever we needed them I don't think the grade I achieved would have been possible. They push you and get the best out of you which I think every student needs. Everybody thinks college life is the same as being at school but it is totally different, you are in a adult environment and you gain a lot more independence.

It took a lot of hard work to get to where I am now but it has all been worth it as I have a full time job working designing layouts for newspapers and magazine which I am really enjoying.

Doncaster College is a great place to study and if I was looking to study to MA Level this is the place I would choose. I would recommend Doncaster to any student wanting a rewarding experience and great career prospects.

Everything is possible at Doncaster College.

Glenn Brook (Year 1)
Specialist Interest – Photography and digital image making

This course at the University Centre, Doncaster is perfect for anyone interested in all aspects of graphic design. By having a varied number of modules on the one course, the student is able to both collaborate with others with different artistic interests and also expand their knowledge of the design industry in general.

The briefs offer a lot of freedom and it’s easy to adapt any brief to match personal interests and artistic style.

The teaching style of the tutors is very good; they are easy to approach and talk to and their support and inspiration on a project is always available.

Joone Oliver (Year 2)
Specialist Interest – Typography

“Since enrolling on this programme my whole outlook on life has changed. This has opened my eyes to what visual communication, in particular graphic design, is really all about. Make no bones, this isn’t an easy option, and we all work extremely hard but it is incredibly rewarding and no matter what I do after I complete my degree, this will always be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Leanne Adamson BA (Hons) Graduated 2005
Specialist Interest – Branding

Whilst studying on the BA Graphic Design programme at Doncaster, I gained a lot of knowledge about the branding process and why it’s so fundamentally important.

The course contained a good balance of theory as well as practical work, which helped me develop my ideas and made me think about and challenge myself. The course also showed me how important it is to undertake detailed research before starting a project.

I thoroughly enjoyed working on my final major project, when you get the chance to write your own brief - you can pick an area of graphics that you find most enjoyable and have the freedom to develop your own creative style and signature.

Due to the help and support of my tutors I graduated with a First Class Honours degree and I have now set up my own design company, ‘Brandspanking Design’ which is based

in South Doncaster.

Reuben Crow (Year 2)
Specialist Interest – Graphic digital image making

I am on the second year of the BA (Hons) Visual Communication degree, studying Graphic Design and the course is great!

We have worked on a range of different projects including branding/ corporate identity, editorial design, illustration, and typography, and learned how these skills are applied to create effective design solutions. The briefs give lots of creative freedom and opportunity to experiment with a wide range of styles.

The course has a good balance between theory and practical design, and has also given me the opportunity to work on a number of live briefs for real clients.

I now have a really good understanding of the design process, creating work from start to finish, how to deal with clients and promote myself as a graphic designer, and by the end of the course I will have built up a diverse portfolio of work demonstrating my skills.