Course Catalogue

To provide an interdisciplinary learning environment that is distinctive, relevant, coherent and intellectually stimulating. To equip students with practical and theoretical skills that are adaptable, flexible and transferable. To develop approaches to the study and production of visual material that are critical, analytical, reflective and self-motivated. To cultivate enthusiasm, imagination and creativity in visual communication. To encourage self-expression, exploration and experimentation with a wide range of graphic materials, processes and media. To develop independent and creative thinkers, who have an awareness of their role in society as creative practitioners and producers of cultural artefacts. To support learning through diverse teaching and assessment practices underpinned by staff scholarship and research. To equip students with a professional attitude in preparation to sustain a fulfilling future career. To encourage students to engage with the development of employability skills by completing a self-awareness statement.

Teaching and learning is delivered primarily through set practical studio based projects supported by a programme of lectures, demonstrations, seminars and tutorials. Teaching sessions include: supervised time in the studio or workshops; lectures, presentations and talks; demonstrations of skills and techniques; and external visits. Learning is consolidated through: seminars, tutorials, critiques and guided independent learning. VLE (Google Classroom) will make teaching materials readily available. Coursework assessment, including: Project outputs/Artefacts (artworks, designs, visual essays, proposals); Portfolios (practical project work and supporting research and development work); Portfolios (research project work, artefacts and supporting written work); Presentations (proposals); and Written assignment (essays). Students will be encouraged to engage in the continued acquisition of professional practical skills through independent learning. These skills are implicit within the overall learning and teaching methods employed on the programme: The programme is a studio based activity and as such places great emphasis on the importance of a studio culture in which students engage with their studies on-site and develop a meaningful, on-going dialogue with tutors and their peers about their work. Supervised studio work provide opportunity for engagement in visual communication, creative problem solving and project planning and organisation and interpersonal and social skills. Seminars provide the opportunity for discussion and the development of verbal skills. Team based workshops and studio projects provide opportunity for collaboration with peers and external partners. Extra-curricular activities including placements, collaborative projects, and social and cultural activities will also develop these skills. PDP and personal tutorials provide opportunity for personal development through reflection and self-evaluation. Coursework and Practical assessments throughout the programme will allow students to demonstrate transferable / key skills.

At Level 6 all modules emphasise students undertaking projects that match their personal interests and career aspirations and as such give them opportunities to develop their employability prospects. The programme sees the portfolio of projects that a student develops during the course as the most valuable manifestation of their professional development. Studio Projects and Future Focus both include project options that are developed in collaboration with industry professionals. Additional placement opportunities can be accommodated within the Future Focus module in consultation with a student’s personal tutor. Future Focus also requires students to design, build and publish a personal website presenting their portfolio of design work to the creative industries. All work related learning is supported and monitored by the programme’s PDP activities.