Dan McCabe

I graduated from Coventry University with a BA(Hons) in Graphic Design in 1999. Since then, I have worked in industry as both a full-time and freelance practitioner, predominantly within the specialist fields of packaging and branding.

I was awarded a PGCE in post-compulsory education and training at the University of Greenwich in 2005, which led to opportunities for me to lecture at various institutions on a part-time basis. 

I joined the University of Portsmouth in 2010 as a full-time lecturer on the highly successful, award-winning BA (Hons) Graphic Design course. 

I undertook a 2-year programme of part-time post graduate study in 2012, gaining a Masters with Distinction in Graphic Design at the London College of Communication in 2014.

I regularly publish visual research and self-initiated projects to a personal online platform www.graphicamusing.co.uk, which I also use as a pedagogical resource within the various professional practice modules that I coordinate.  

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.   

My research interests are focused on exploring the existence of heraldic language within 21st Century British society. This includes looking at how heraldic language is used in corporate and cultural branding, and the parallels between the ancient practice of heraldry and the contemporary practice of brand identity design.

Further to this, I am currently researching the nature of visual histories, exploring the potential of graphic design as an innovative form of historiography. This has led to a co-authored published graphic research paper in The Poster, as well as a collaborative theory-practice workshop with students at Merz Akademie, Stuttgart. 

I also have research interests concerning graduate employability, with a focus on developing ways to make more meaningful links with industry. This has led to various media contributions and studio-based student projects in collaboration with industry partners.    

Course Leader for MA Graphic Design, responsible for all aspects of the delivery of this programme.  

Senior Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course, responsible for delivering lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops across all levels of the programme. Modules taught on include Level 6 Major Project in Graphic Design and Level 6 Design Briefs and Competitions.

Additional roles include managing and developing links to course alumni and industry partners, undertaking course outreach activity, co-coordinating the BA(Hons) Graphic Design London show, organising external studio visits and international study trips, and interviewing prospective staff and students.

I have been a representative for the School of Art, Design and Performance on the Faculty Education and Student Experience Committee since 2018.