Students from our BA (Hons) Graphic Design course at University Centre St Helens recently took part in a series of agency visits across Manchester, gaining valuable first-hand insight into contemporary design practice.
The day began at Code Computerlove, where students were welcomed by Gina Manns, Design Lead and former St Helens College lecturer, alongside Colin Preston, Design Director. The team introduced students to the processes behind developing user journeys and translating them into effective design solutions across digital platforms, including app development and wider brand applications. Students were able to see how research, structure and collaboration underpin successful outcomes.
Further insight was provided into team roles and delivery processes, helping students understand how designers, developers and delivery teams work together in a professional environment.
The group then visited AND Digital, hosted by Robert Jones, Managing Director, alongside Samuel Yau, UX Principal, and Ummai Kully, Product Designer. Students explored the relationship between Graphic Design, UI and UX, before taking part in a hands-on ‘Crazy 8s’ ideation workshop. The session encouraged quick thinking and problem solving, with the agency team praising the quality and creativity of student responses. Guidance was also given around networking and pathways into the industry.
The final agency visit was to Truth Creative, where Jo Scott, Co-Founder and Group Director and Darren Scott, Founder and Creative Partner, shared their experience of building and sustaining a successful design studio. Their session offered a clear and honest perspective on both the creative and commercial realities of running a design business.
The day concluded with a visit to the Whitworth Art Gallery, where students viewed Katsushika Hokusai’s The Great Wave, reflecting on the enduring influence of historic visual culture within contemporary design practice.
Our students received fantastic feedback from all the organisations visited throughout the day, particularly on their development of app-based Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) using Figma, which allowed them to demonstrate a strong level of industry awareness at this stage of study. Damyon Garrity, Programme Leader, said:
“I am dedicated to ensuring that education at University Centre St Helens not only meets learning outcomes but goes beyond this to equip students with the skills needed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Experiences like this allow students to develop industry-standard portfolios and gain the confidence to secure placements and future roles.”
Students also reflected on the impact of the experience.
Our student Daryn said:
“Visiting the agencies was really informative. Learning industry standards, professional tools and following the creative process across different teams has helped us to better understand the focus of the work we’ve been doing this year. The trip also reinforced the importance of academic research, something I am continuing to improve.”
Siobhan added:
“This trip was incredibly useful in providing insights into the industry, what employers are looking for and how to manage projects. I learnt a lot about the value of iteration and refining ideas.”
University Centre St Helens looks forward to continuing its relationship with these agencies, with potential opportunities for future collaboration and student placements.
If you are interested in studying a Graphic Design course with us, find out more in our dedicated subject information area here.
