HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA GRAPHIC DESIGN Programme Specification Awarding Body Teaching Institution and College site Programme Accredited by: Award title[s]: Programme title: Language of study: Edexcel Reigate School of Art Design Media [East Surrey College] Edexcel Higher National Diploma Graphic Design English UCAS Codes[s] 012E Graphic Design If appropriate 022E Illustration Programme specification status Date valid from: September 2010 Version No. 02 revised September 2010 Intended Learning Outcomes and the means by which they are achieved. Educational Aims of the Programme The philosophy underpinning the HND Graphic Design/Illustration programme can best be summed up as an opportunity to develop as a graphic designer or illustrator within the context of contemporary culture, communication and practice. Both pathways are ideas led. The course will provide the knowledge and skills to equip learners to take an independent cognitive approach to graphic design or illustration. We aim to provide the theoretical, analytical and creative skills needed either for employment or for onward progression to degree level study at another institution. To widen participation in Higher Education by offering vocational courses that provide opportunities for learners with differing previous experiences to study and achieve their aspirations To provide an educational experience which develops a range of technical and vocational skills to a professional level and enhances students employability To underpin the development of skills with rigorous and broad-based academic learning which provides a sound basis for further academic study To guide and support students in making appropriate choices for progression to further study or employment To provide opportunities for students to develop transferable skills in communication, team working, problem solving and information technology in the context of vocational subject based learning To provide opportunities for students to develop generic skills, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in professional working life To provide a stimulating, supportive and creative learning environment in which students can maximise their potential as individuals To offer learning experiences which foster cognitive skills: independence of thought and encourage analytical and imaginative enquiry
Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of the course the student will: Understand the importance of employing design methodologies purposefully, proficiently and with confidence Understand the main technical, cognitive and conceptual issues related to graphic design and illustration Be able to explain what constitutes a professional approach to graphic design or illustration and understand the responsibilities and constraints on them in professional contexts. Be able to relate their own creative work as future graphic designers or illustrators to contemporary design practice in its social and cultural context. Have the knowledge and understanding to work in the design industry either as freelance designers or as employees, and to work effectively with others. Have the knowledge and understanding necessary to progress to study on either the second or third year of a degree at other institutions. Learning and teaching methods The course will be a combination of theory and practice. Much of the study will be project based in a practical setting where students will carry out tasks to develop and demonstrate their knowledge through practising their skills, sometimes working on their own, sometimes in groups. Students will also participate in classroom sessions where they will learn about the social and historical background and current context of their subject such as legal requirements and copyright issues Knowledge and understanding are acquired and consolidated through studio practice and skills acquisition gained through project work and workshops. Their understanding of the design process is explored through the use of practical projects which take the student through discrete stages: the brief its constraints and context: consideration of the requirements of clients ; problem analysis; concepts; research; initial ideas; the development of ideas; problem solving; choosing, preparing and presenting graphic design or illustration solutions. Students are encouraged to consolidate knowledge and understanding through further reading and independent study Assessment strategies Assessment of knowledge and understanding occurs throughout the course:- Group Crits with verbal feedback and peer review. Marking of project work and assignments Students are given written feedback identifying relevant action points with formative assessment on completion of each project Students will be provided with the Learning Outcomes being assessed in each project and also the grade criteria which will apply so that they know what they need to do gain the unit with a high grade
Skills and other attributes Cognitive Skills On successful completion of the course a student will be able to:- Present reasoned arguments and apply judgements Analyse and critically evaluate practical problems and provide logical, practical design solutions Evaluate their own work and the work of others Demonstrate a capacity to develop knowledge, understanding and subject specific skills Engage critically with key theoretical concepts and apply them to their own academic and practical work Be able to take a critical approach to graphic design/illustration Be able to appreciate and understand the context of design/illustration work Be able to critically analyse a design/illustration work The course is ideas led and students are encouraged to develop their cognitive abilities through practical design projects designed to develop the use of the cognitive elements of the design cycle: understanding the design brief its constraints and context; consideration of requirements, problem analysis, research, initial concepts and ideas; the development of ideas; problem solving. The Contextual Studies content is designed to further develop and underpin cognitive skills and encourage students to widen their range of approach. Learning and teaching methods Cognitive and analytical skills are developed through discussion and debate during studio/class based sessions and individual tutorial. Lectures, seminars, film screenings, slides, independent research [internet, libraries, museums, site visits, exhibitions], written reports essays and presentations. Critical faculties are enhanced by visits to exhibitions, lectures and participation in industry led awards/lecture programmes/shows/seminars. The opportunity to visit exhibitions/museums abroad is also offered to students during the course. Assessment strategies Projects, essays, reports and presentations are assessed Group Crits with verbal feedback and peer review. Marking of project work and assignments Students are given written feedback and relevant action points with formative assessment on completion of each project Students will be provided with the Learning Outcomes being assessed in each project and also the grade criteria which will apply so that they know what they need to do gain the unit with a high grade Subject specific skills Students will understand that design is a process having characteristic stages and a methodology Students will be able to use a variety of approaches to solve graphic design or illustration problems Students will be able to explore a variety of possible design applications and will be able to broaden their perceptions of the fields of both graphic design and illustration. Students will have experience of the range of materials, processes and technologies both contemporary and traditional that are available to the graphic designer or illustrator. Students will have had experience of industry set project briefs either through work experience and/or through participation in student design awards [Starpack, RSA, D&AD and Penguin Books] Skills competency will be developed [as appropriate] in:- Digital Imagery Digital Typography Typography [letterpress] Printmaking [Lino, dry point, colograph, silk screen, photo silk screen, etching] Model making [3D materials, vacuum forming]
Layout Book Arts Packaging Materials manipulation [paper/card etc.] Photography [including digital] Mixed media Computer Software [Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Flash, Director] Drawing Story boarding Research Learning and teaching methods Subject specific skills will be fostered through studio practice and skills acquisition gained through project work and workshops. The design process is explored through the use of practical projects which take the student through discrete stages: the brief its constraints and context; consideration of the requirements of clients; problem analysis; research; initial ideas; the development of ideas; problem solving; choosing, preparing and presenting graphic design or illustration solutions. On completing the programme we want students to know and understand both: Their role as a self- reliant creative graphic designer or illustrator capable of operating in a professional capacity in industry. The possibility of further study to add to, broaden or develop their skills and experience. Professional/Practical Skills On completing the programme we want students to be able to:- Employ design methodologies purposefully, proficiently and with confidence Have a professional approach to graphic design or illustration and understand the responsibilities and constraints on them in professional contexts. Relate their own creative work as future graphic designers or illustrators to contemporary design practice in its social and cultural context. Work in the design industry either as freelance designers or as employees, and to work effectively with others. Have the capability to progress to study either on the second or third year of a degree at other institutions. To work safely and effectively in all stages of production of graphic images Learning and Teaching Methods Students learn practical skills by means of studio based project work, lectures, demonstrations, practical workshops, assignments and tutorials. Visits to industry, Live projects, work experience and participation in industry set briefs enhance this learning. Assessment strategy Students are assessed by direct observation and group and individual practical projects supported by written reports and presentations.
Programme structure, modules offered, mode/pattern of study The course is a full time course spread across two years. Each year is divided into three terms [30 weeks] and is taught over two days per week. Time is allocated for both Computer studies and Contextual Studies each week and the rest of the time is devoted to practical teaching and learning within a studio or workshop base. The course is project based and comprises 16 units which are mapped across projects the majority of which are practical. Students have to provide evidence during the course that satisfy the requirements of each unit in order to gain the full qualification. Each unit is achieved by a combination of taught or supported time, directed study and independent study. Student studio space is available throughout the week to support personal study. All students have the opportunity to take part in the annual New Blood show [D&AD London] for new graduates at the end of their second year List of Units: Graphic Design Year One Computer Applications in Art & Design [H1] stand alone unit terms 1-3 Historical & Contextual Referencing [H1] stand alone unit terms 1-3 Ideas Generation [H1] terms 1-3 Drawing Techniques and Approaches [H1] terms 1-3 Design Principles [H1] terms 1-2 Typographic Skills [H1] terms1-3 Image Manipulation Applications [H1] terms 1-3 Visual Communication [H1] terms 1-3 Packaging [H2] term 2 Corporate Identity [H2] terms 3-4 Year Two Professional Studies [H2] terms 4-6 Critical Study [H2] stand alone unit terms 4-6 Ideas in Context [H2] terms 4-6 Communicating with Images [H2] terms 4-6 Editorial Design [H2] term 6 Working in the Digital Environment [H2] terms 4-6 List of Units: Graphic Design /Illustration Year One Computer Applications in Art & Design [H1] stand alone unit terms 1-3 Historical & Contextual Referencing [H1] stand alone unit terms 1-3 Ideas Generation [H1] terms 1-3 Drawing Techniques and Approaches [H1] terms1-3 Design Principles [H1] terms 1-2 Image Manipulation Applications [H1] terms1-3 Visual Communication [H1] terms 1-3 Packaging[H2] term 2 Year Two Professional Studies [H2] terms 2-6 Critical Study [H2] stand alone unit terms 4-6 Ideas in Context [H2] terms 4-6 Developing a Personal Style [H1] terms 2-6 Referencing and Sources [H2] terms 4-6 Communicating with Images [H2] terms 4-6 Working in the Digital Environment [H2] terms4-6 The programme is planned so that necessary skills and knowledge are delivered appropriate to
the level of the unit covered. In the first two terms of the course graphics and illustration students study common units, the courses then begin to diverge. The courses are project led and most studio-based units are covered more than once. Contextual Studies and Computer studies are taught throughout the year. Entry Requirements Students must be over eighteen years old. They should normally have completed either a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design or a relevant National Diploma. Consideration will be given to those with relevant A levels. Mature students [with or without these qualifications] are encouraged to apply. Students with either industry experience or relevant academic attainment will be credited [APEL] for admission purposes. Students from abroad with equivalent qualifications are also encouraged to apply. Students with a disability are advised to contact the college in the first instance to discuss their individual circumstances. A UCAS application must be made at some point although direct application to the college may be made in the first instance All applicants will be interviewed by one or more members of staff An appropriate portfolio of artwork must be brought to interview Potential students must demonstrate an enthusiasm for the subject, a willingness to study outside the course hours as well as commitment to the course. Support for Learning Student progression on the course is supported both by subject lecturers and central college services including: An induction programme introducing new students to the course and college facilities and staff Course handbook Personal and academic support that is integrated into teaching provided by friendly and approachable lecturers A well equipped Learning Resource Centre Study skills that are provided through Contextual Studies Verbal feedback that is provided through group crits. Written formative feedback that is provided on completion of projects Excellent studio/workshop provision [3D,Printmaking and Photography] with technical support Access to counsellors A well resourced Mac Suite with industry standard software [further mac equipment available in design studio] Within the college there is ESOL support, support for those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. The learning resource centre is available for students to borrow books, read periodicals, use the internet and study independently. Evaluation and improvement of quality standards Teaching staff have industry experience and their knowledge feeds into the programme and keeps it current. The course has its own Higher National Diploma meetings that convene regularly to discuss matters relating to the quality of the course. Learners are surveyed annually Students elect a student representative to attend course committee meetings and College Student Council meetings to represent the views of the group A Course review document is produced to report on the course, identify areas for improvement and development and make an action plan An External Examiner from Edexcel reports annually on the course The college Quality systems support the staff in their efforts to maintain and improve quality issues This course embeds annually changing industry set projects [student awards set by the Packaging Society-Starpack, Design, Advertising and illustration RSA, D&AD &Penguin Books
plus any Live work] in order to ensure that it is kept up-to-date and relevant. Regulation of Assessment Each course leader is responsible for the assessment of units The project brief is looked at by another member of staff to ensure that all learning outcomes can be achieved, assessment criteria are included and the brief is clear and fit for purpose The work submitted is assessed by the named assessor and given a provisional grade The assessment is verified by another member of staff to ensure that it meets unit outcomes and grading criteria A Programme Assessment Panel meets at the Programme Board meeting to confirm assessments and discuss and verify any decisions taken on issues arising. Edexcel appoints an External Examiner to sample assessments across the course. The Examiner can make recommendations to the Programme Assessment Panel at the Programme Board Meeting before the final grades are awarded. The course hand book gives details of grading and assessment procedures and rights of appeal The course handbook also gives information on assessment regulations such as the circumstances under which an extension to a deadline will be granted and the consequences of unauthorised late submission of work The College has a robust Plagiarism Policy contained in the course handbook and this is underpinned by a Study Skills booklet which students receive as an induction to the Contextual Studies element of the course. All written work is checked if plagiarism is suspected and appropriate action taken. Course Leader... Date... Line Manager... Date....