Inspired by the University of Birmingham motto “Per Ardua Ad Alta” (“Through Effort to High Things”), the Ad Alta Pathway is at the core of a bold new Birmingham curriculum. a journey designed to help you grow, thrive and reach new heights in your studies, careers and lives:
- Year 1: Discover – Modules stimulate inquiry-led learning, curiosity, and reflective practice
- Year 2: Challenge – Experiential learning and collaboration on real-world problems develop practical wisdom and applied knowledge
- Year 3: Create – Substantial research, design, or innovation projects showcase creativity, evaluation, and communication skills
At postgraduate level, the framework supports research, leadership and global employability pathways.
Across all stages, Ad Alta connects academic learning, personal growth, professional identity, and employability, emphasising participation, application and reflection.
The Challenge
We’re inviting you to create a striking visual identity for Canvas that captures the spirit of the Ad Alta Pathway. This is your chance to leave a lasting mark on the University.
What's in it for you?
- £500 prize
- A chance to collaborate with the University’s Digital Education team
- Your work showcased across campus and online
- Real impact on the student experience for years to come
What we’re looking for
A concept with a set of illustrations that bring the Ad Alta Pathway to life across campus and online. Your submission should include: ;
- One main illustration representing the Ad Alta Pathway as a whole.
- Three supporting illustrations, each depicting a stage of the undergraduate pathway: Discover, Challenge, Create.
- A short explanation of the concept behind your design.
- Designs should align with the University of Birmingham Brand Guidelines.
Winning design(s) will be invited to work with Birmingham Digital to shape and refine their concept and illustrations.
How to submit
You must submit a PowerPoint slide deck of no more than 6 slides, including the title slide, with an overview of your design concept and the illustrations. Feel free to work solo or as a team!
Submit your slide deck
The deadline to submit is Friday 12 June.
Shortlisted entries invited to present their ideas to a judging panel in mid-June.
For more information, attend the briefing session online on Wednesday 13 May, 17:00.
This is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity and design skills, gain institutional recognition of your work and contribute to a University-wide initiative that will shape the student experience for years to come. Best of luck!