Which Graphics Design...?

What's wrong with animation or game design?

Nothing wrong with it in particular, but personal. And it doesn't matter why I choose not to do them 2. >_<

Please stick to the main question QQ

Thanks.

Hi im in my second year at college doing BTEC graphics, it seems that at most of the unis ive looked at, graphic design is a broad subject where you try out lots of things in the first year and then start to specialise in one topic, such as illustration or typography etc.

With graphics theres fair amount of computer based work involved, so experience photoshop would be a great advantage (not too sure what software you guys use in architecture)

Other than that have you considered product design, it seems to be abit more along the lines of architecture.

1 - Graphics Communications is more digitally-oriented, with modules and paths going into web design and 3D animation.
2 - Graphics Design is slightly more traditional, and arty-designy, focusing slightly more on 2D designs such as magazine/advert, with more need for creative designs than technical web scripting.
3 - Media is closer to sociology than art, and there tend to be a bit more of TV and radio in it.
4 - Illustration is just on the edge of fine art, very much using traditional techniques.

For most of them, especially the more digital options you need to have experiences in the Adobe Creative Suite (think somebody said that), for Media you need to learn stuff like After Effects and Soundbooth, for Graphics you definitely need Photoshop, and preferably some experience with InDesign (magazine layout) /Illustrator (vector art) / Flash (web-based interactive content).

Oh, and if you consider going 3D (not necessarily for games), Maya is the industry standard.

I myself just browsed half of the creative arts forum over the entire night, knackered, but hopefully my own deductions will help, and please correct me where I'm wrong.

p.s. if I want to study graphics design/comm., I have a mix of foundation and undergrad applications, do you think these are okay?

FOUNDATION
Loughborough Uni
Central Saint Martins (UAL)
Dundee Uni
ECA / GCA?

UNDERGD.
Brunel Uni
Southampton Uni
Goldsmith Col.
Nottingham Trent?

I'll thank God if I get into half of these, but are they very good at what they do? And are they broad?

Well the only other advice I can give is think about where you see yourself in the future, as in what kind of career. If you're really unsure of what course/pathway to go down do an art foundation course (if you don't want to go to London, apply to Loughborough's).

If you know that graphic design is best for you then are you definitely sure you like graphic design or are you more into illustration with your art background?

The way I see it is:
*graphic design is old school, but broad based, mainly print based
*graphic communication is new as it has a media twist going into more digital based work, working on many different platforms.

So you just gotta think, are you certain?