BA (Hons) Graphic Design course content

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1 BA (Hons) Graphic Design course content Year One Design Studio 1 (100 credits) The aim of this year-long module is to provide you with opportunities to learn about, and to begin to practise, the process behind the development of effective graphic design solutions. You will investigate the relationship between visual research and idea development, practise the development of appropriate visual or graphic languages, and experiment with visual techniques, materials and media. The module will be fast-paced, with a good deal of studio and tutorial debate around the design process. Risk taking will be encouraged as well the development of strong personal visual abilities. You will be expected to engage in: Research and idea development Employ problem solving strategies Experimentation with media/materials/technologies/techniques Develop visual literacy Investigating the work of others Working with others and project management Development of IT skills Critical debate and self-reflection During this module, you will be required to produce a body of work including: research for ideas development; evidence of visual experimentation; use of visual language and appropriate use of media and techniques; exploration of technologies; and production of finished outcomes. It is expected that you will also aim to demonstrate a developing range of visual abilities, exploring a full range of design approaches to problem solving. This module consists of a series of interlinked projects, which will be delivered via tutorials, workshops, seminars and lectures. Term One Projects You will complete four project of varying duration. These projects will focus research, gathering analysis, typography and image making. You ll also produce a portfolio of process and outcomes in response to an seven-week workshop rotation which will include: screen printing; analogue printing;

2 photography; visualisation; design and layout; paper craft and book binding; and Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator. Term Two Projects You will complete four projects of different lengths. These will focus on Screenzine, branding/packaging, book cover illustration (Penguin/Puffin competition), and a magazine design brief. You will also complete a Type in Motion workshop with a digital outcome using After Effects. Term Three Projects You will complete two extended projects, A moment in time plus a film/animation which will include editing in Final Cut Pro. This module consists of a series of interlinked projects and is delivered through: studio activities; tutorials; sign-up surgeries; workshops; seminars; and lectures. Assessment for this module is 100% coursework. Visual Culture 1 (20 credits) This year-long module will give you an introduction to the history of graphic design, from the Renaissance to present day. It will look at the various contextual factors that have shaped graphic design and also the role it has played in spreading ideas during this period. Through a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials, emphasis is placed on raising your awareness of relevant issues and controversies, as well as establishing a timeline of events. You will also be introduced to research methods, writing and analytical skills that will help you to develop the required critical abilities needed in order to undertake this aspect of your degree course. You will be introduced to: graphic design history; research methods; essay writing skills; visual and textual analytical skills; and self-reflection in learning. Lectures will cover topics such as: Why study graphic design history? The Industrial Revolution, the work of William Morris and the Private Press movement.

3 Anarchy in graphic design: Futurism, Dad and Surrealism. Modernism: The Bauhaus and Russia. Post-war Modernism: the Swiss school and design in 1950s/60s What is post-modernism? The evolution of photography and satirical illustration. The invention and spread of typographic printing. The magazine in the 20 th Century: Picture Post and Life. Graphic design in the TV and computer age. The Digital Revolution. The evolution of corporate design and branding. Art Nouveau and the rise of the pictorial poster. Art Deco and the use of avant-garde art and design in the inter-war period. Comic books and the paperback publishing revolution. Graphic design goes to war. The story of film. Animation: Satirical weapon and advertising tool. The story of children s animation This module is delivered through a series of lectures with accompanying seminars and tutorials. You will also be expected to spend time conducting self-directed learning which will include directed reading, note-taking, research, using the slide library and internet, looking at case studies and visits and writing essays. Assessment for this module is 100% through coursework which will include two lecture quizzes (10% each), a group presentation (20%) and a 1,500 word essay (60%). Year Two Design Studio 2 (100 credits) This year-long module give you the opportunity to build on your Year One experimentation, creative skills and techniques. You will be encouraged to explore the varied strands of contemporary graphic design practice, with a view to identifying your personal strengths and interests, and your own personal identity as a designer. Whilst developing your awareness of the professional context, client and audience, we will continue to encourage you to explore, experiment and take risks with your design process. During this module you should: become more independent; develop and deepen your design process; develop and improve your technical skills; reflect and critically evaluate research, design ideas and outcomes; finish and present work to a high standard; have a clear idea of your identity and ambitions as a graphic designer; explore, develop and experiment within your own particular areas of interest; have a clear understanding and knowledge of the contemporary design practice; be able to verbally and visually present work to a high standard; interact with industry; and develop self-promotion/personal portfolio, research and apply for/undertake internship or placements opportunities.

4 During this module you will engage with tutor written briefs, live (industry), negotiated and competition briefs. You will build on the skills you acquired in Year One, whilst being encouraged to develop your personal style and approach to problem solving and realising outcomes. These briefs offer you the opportunity to explore and experiment across the wide variety of platforms available to a graphic design practitioner. These include: typography; image making; illustration; information design; motion graphics; interactive media; editorial/publication design; animation; advertising; branding and identity; and packaging. This module is delivered through: studio activities; tutorials; sign-up surgeries; workshops; seminars and lectures. Assessment for this module is 100% through coursework. Visual Culture 2 (20 credits) This module deals with a variety of historical, contemporary and theoretical issues in order to develop your understanding of Graphic Design. The first part of the module considers different ways of thinking about narrative in design. The second part of the module explores the relationship between past and future, the new and the old, in relation to current design debates. This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Year One, and concludes by preparing you for your Final Year dissertation. It has a broader reach than that of Year One, attempting to discuss Graphic Design s relationship with other areas of design and culture, such as film, fine art, 3D design. The module also situates Graphic Design in relation to broader intellectual currents such as modernism and postmodernism. The module s aim of broadening your understanding of Graphic Design means that it deals with a wide range of topics. These include: the influence of Fine Art on design, Hollywood film, science fiction and period films, Advertising, Marketing and Political campaigns, the relationship between Graphic Design and politics (e.g. the Russian Avant-garde, Fascism), digital design and culture, modernity and postmodernity, retro design, the heritage industry, Green design, youth cultures. The module is built around a lecture programme that explores the above topics and a seminar programme that seeks to develop both your skills of visual analysis and your ability to discuss design issues in relation to wider social and cultural contexts. Towards the end of the academic year this module also helps you to develop a proposal in preparation for your Final Year dissertation.

5 The assessment for the module is based solely on coursework and includes an essay, lecture tests and a series of assessed seminars. Year Three Design Studio and Visual Culture 3 (120 credits) This year-long module includes studio work (84%) and a written dissertation (16%) as elements. It gives you an opportunity to create a dissertation based on your interests and personal study which is negotiated through consultations with tutors. The studio element provides you with the opportunity to develop a personal portfolio of design work through the selection and completion of five projects. In this way the module gives you greater autonomy to define your career direction and demonstrate your potential for professional practice. It encourages you to form independent judgements and to articulate reasoned arguments through appropriate research, reflective practice and self-evaluation. Studio in the final year of study you are able to select and negotiate your project work and produce a portfolio that demonstrates your identity and abilities as a designer. This means each individual student leaves the course with a portfolio of work that reflects their personal aspirations and interests. You are guided and supported in your choices across the year by the teaching team with weekly group tutorials and sign-up surgeries to help you to develop and progress your design projects and outcomes. Project types fall into five categories: Professional membership schemes, such as the International Society of Typographic Designs (ISTD) students assessment scheme. Student competitions, such as the Designers and Art Directors (D&AD) New Blood Student Awards, Young Creative Network (YCN), Royal Society of Arts (RSA), MPA Roses, Design InSight and Creative Conscience Awards. Set projects, originated by course tutors. Negotiated projects, proposed by you and agreed with a tutor. Outside commissions, live briefs with real clients. You will be able to choose between negotiated projects, a competition or membership schemes, and a menu of set projects presented by tutors, which may include live briefs and outside commissions. You are required to complete five projects in your final year. A negotiated project should be initiated by and based on a subject that you are keen to investigate, or a design area, discipline or technology that you wish to explore in depth. Your project must be negotiated with one of the Year Three tutors. You will need to complete a proposal form (which you will be provided with) that presents your ideas and aims. All negotiated project proposals must be discussed and approved in advance. Your studio work deadline will be in May. Dissertation the dissertation is designed to give you the opportunity to study and write about a subject of personal interest by putting into practise the researching, critical thinking and writing skills developed throughout the course. You will do this by undertaking an investigation that will end in the production of an in-depth dissertation.

6 Your dissertation will be 5,000 words based on a subject relevant to visual culture, and negotiated with tutors. The emphasis is on self-motivated research and the independent organising and editing of the content. It is expected that your dissertation will use appropriate illustrations or examples, though the emphasis should be investigation and analysis rather than pure description. Your completed dissertation deadline will be February. You will be expected to submit a revised synopsis in October, and an initial full draft in November. This module is delivered through: Lectures/briefings; seminars; weekly group or surgery tutorials; and business meetings. Assessment for this module is 100% by coursework. 84% for a portfolio of work that includes: visual research, design ideas and development, and resolved design projects. 16% for an individual written dissertation of 5,000 words.