Graphic Design and Illustration

Awards

Target Award

Award Description:Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Fnd) - BAHF

Alternative Exit

Award Description:Bachelor of Arts (Fnd) - BAF

Award Learning Outcomes:Demonstrate a broad and comparative knowledge of the general scope of the subject, its different areas and applications, and its interactions with related subjects. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of a defined subject or a more limited coverage of a specialist area balanced by a wider range of study. In each case, specialised study will be informed by current developments in the subject. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the essential theories, principles and concepts of the subject(s) and of the ways in which these are developed through the main methods of enquiry in the subject.

Alternative Exit

Award Description:Certificate of Higher Education (Fnd) - CHEF

Award Learning Outcomes:Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study. Present, evaluate, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study. Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to their area(s) of study and/or work. Communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments. Undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment. Demonstrate qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.

Alternative Exit

Award Description:Diploma of Higher Education (Fnd) - DHEF

Award Learning Outcomes:Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of their area(s) of study, and of the way in which those principles have developed. Apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context. Demonstrate knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in their subject(s), and ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in the field of study. Understand the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge. Use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis. Effectively communicate information, arguments, and analysis, in a variety of forms, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively. Undertake further training, develop existing skills, and acquire new competences that will enable them to assume significant responsibility within organisations. Demonstrate qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making.

Programme Offerings

Full-Time

F2F-JMU-SEP

Educational Aims of the Course

1. Cultivate a friendly, supportive and equitable community that nurtures a love for visual culture, critical discussion and creative practice.

2. Support students to develop imaginative, research led, creative practice through curiosity, playfulness and self-expression.

3. Support students to become resilient, confident, self-aware, self-motivated and independent in their practice.

4. Support students to develop digital literacy and a critical approach to research, thinking and making to develop new approaches, identify original insights, and enable a deep, contextual understanding of their discipline.

5. Create proud, enthusiastic, collaborative, and professional graduates with the skills, knowledge, and agency to communicate their practice, articulate their own voice, plan for, access, create and sustain fulfilling futures with confidence.

6. Create a community of ambitious, responsible practitioners with the capacity to make positive impact that reflects their interests, aspirations, ethical principles, lived experiences and personal values.

Learning Outcomes

Work independently, confidently, and resiliently with the capacity to plan and organise tasks, meet deadlines, make decisions, and adapt to manage contexts of ambiguity, uncertainty, and unfamiliarity.

Work collaboratively, demonstrating social, intercultural, and leadership skills, and recognise the value of inter and multi-disciplinary approaches in contemporary graphic design and illustration practice.

Work ethically, respectfully, and professionally recognising the responsibilities relating to contemporary graphic design and illustration practice and the potential for practitioners to acts as agents of change.

Reflect on, analyse, and evaluate information and experiences to formulate independent judgements and identify personal strengths and development needs.

Experiment with and evaluate a variety of media, skills, technologies, techniques and working methods relevant to contemporary graphic design and illustration practice demonstrating creativity, originality, ambition, and imagination.

Synthesise and evaluate information and knowledge from a variety of relevant sources, frameworks, traditions, practices, and knowledge systems to articulate original viewpoints, insights, ideas, and approaches with a distinct authorial voice.

Create work in response to tasks, set briefs and/or self-initiated projects that demonstrates a critical, reflective, professional, and contextual understanding of practice and communicate this through a distinctive professional portfolio.

Communicate and present information, ideas, and work in visual, spatial, written, and oral forms, with a particular emphasis on curation of practice, to successfully meet the needs of different audiences and contexts.

Plan for future success, articulating personal values and ambitions, assessing employability, entrepreneurship, academic and personal development opportunities, and evaluating their own practice in the context of future plans.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

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 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 and guided independent learning. Canvas will make teaching materials readily available. Coursework assessment includes: Portfolios (artefacts, project work, supporting research and development work, written work); Written work (authorial, editorial and professional) and Presentation. Studio based group critiques engage the students in critical discussion around their work in the context of their peer group.

All students will be assigned a personal tutor who will be responsible for overseeing their academic development and provide pastoral care. The teaching, learning and assessment on the programme is inclusive and supports a diverse range of student learning styles. Across the programme, emphasis is placed on students identifying and developing their own individual creative voice expressed through a highly individual body of work. At every level and within all modules, students can make choices about the work they produce in order to reflect their interests, aspirations, ethical principles, lived experiences and personal values.

Students are encouraged to engage in the continued acquisition of professional practical skills. These skills are implicit within the overall learning and teaching methods employed on the programme and foregrounded in Semester 2 Studio modules. Studio work provide opportunity for engagement around: 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 opportunities for personal development through reflection and self-evaluation. Coursework and Practical assessments throughout the programme will allow students to demonstrate transferable / key skills. Graphic design and illustration practice is continually adapting to developments in new and emerging processes and tools, including digital media. Digital Literacy is implicit in much of the curriculum across all levels.

Opportunities for work related learning

The programme offers opportunities for students to reflect on their work and plan for the future across all levels with a specific focus on work-based learning in all semester 2 modules at level 5 and 6. This creates a platform for career exploration & career planning that extends throughout all levels of the programme. At the end of L4 students select a L5 pathway to gain specialist skills in either Graphic Design or Illustration.

At Level 5 students specialise in either Graphic Design or Illustration – both established career pathways. In semester 2, two 20 credit module options for both specialisms focus on the broader issues of each profession and will offer students the opportunity to enhance employability through professional development and work-related learning activities. Graphic Design and Identity examine the professional framework of identity and branding whilst Illustration (Creative Practice) explores the boundaries of contemporary illustration practice. Graphic Design in Context and Illustration (Context) develop students’ awareness of the current social and economic context for their practice and offers them the opportunity to place their own emerging practice within the field. The programme’s network of professional external partners is used to support these modules. The modules introduce students to the working environment of current practitioners through guest lectures and Q&A sessions from industry professionals and studio visits. Projects are developed in collaboration with industry professionals and specific professional practices are introduced through workshops delivered by guest professionals.

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. The modules Ambition and Authorship, and Professional Practice both include project options that are developed in collaboration with industry professionals. Additional placement opportunities can be accommodated within the Professional Practice module in consultation with a student’s personal tutor. Professional Practice 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.

Programme Structure

Programme Structure Description

The programme is taught and assessed within the Academic Framework. Students must take 120 credits of Graphic Design and Illustration modules at Levels 4, 5 and 6 of the programme. Each Level of the programme should normally be completed in one academic year. The programme should normally be completed in … For more content click the Read More button below. At Level 4, all modules are core and provide a broad introduction to visual communication. At the end of L4 students select a L5 pathway to gain specialist skills in either Graphic Design or Illustration. This is supported by a discrete set of optional modules equivalent to 80 credits at Level 5. All other Level 5 are core and continue to stress common themes and practices across disciplines. All Level 6 modules are core and build on the skills and aspirations developed in previous levels. Modules at Level 6 have a specific focus on independent study and offer a wide range of project options within core modules supported by the allocation of specialist supervisors and studio tutors. Across all levels modules are organised within thematic semesters which create structural clarity and focus activities within each level creating scaffolds from which skills can be developed and built on, and opportunities for longitudinal learning where skills can be revisited, extended, and developed across levels. Studio modules in semester 1 focus on experimentation and skills acquisition whilst those in semester 2 focus on skills consolidation and the development of practice relevant to external contexts which clarifies and reinforces a progressive approach to employability skills acquisition. At Level 4, semester 1 modules focus on induction and orientation. A series of complementary briefs encourage curiosity and experimentation with a variety of approaches to build confidence in taking risks and develop a theoretical and practical understanding of studio culture and the key concepts, processes and references that underpin and inform the study making and application of graphic design and illustration. Semester 1 and 2 modules explore how visual communication can be used to interrogate, discuss, challenge, and communicate complex issues related to culture and society enabling students to reflect on their own background, interests and values and to recognise the purpose, power and possibility of the work they produce. At Level 5 (from 2024/25 onwards), semester 1 modules introduce students to new and emergent thinking, approaches and business practices in Graphic Design or Illustration. Studio modules focus on developing and expanding practice through experimentation, creative play and iteration examining the relationship between media, method and audience. Semester 2 modules respond to a range of briefs informed by external contexts and socio-cultural themes enabling students to develop and assess self-directed, independent, and collaborative working methods, and to cultivate a professional approach to their practice. There is an option for students to apply for additional 120 credits with appropriate study abroad using 5220GD Study Abroad module. The study abroad option will comply fully with the LJMU Placement Code of Practice. A year-long and semester-long Study Abroad option is available, year long will only be available to students entering Level 5 in 2024 and replaces semester long option which will not be available to these students. Please note that students recruited in 2021/22 who are entering Level 5 in 2023/24 will be studying 40 credits of Core Modules: 5101GD Investigate, Document, Present Approved 2022.02 - 20 credit points and 5110GD Future Thinking Approved 2022.02 - 20 credit points; the remaining 80 credits of Optional modules can be chosen from: 5102GD Graphic Design and Typography Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points 5103GD Graphic Design and the Screen Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points 5104GD Graphic Design and Identity Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points 5105GD Graphic Design and Context Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points 5106GD Illustration (Text and Image) Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points 5107GD Illustration (Materials and Media) Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points 5108GD Illustration (Creative Practice) Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points 5109GD Illustration (Context) Approved 2022.02 - 20 credit points Optional Study Semester - 60 credit points OPTIONAL 5120GD Study Semester Abroad - Graphic Design and Illustration Approved 2022.01 - 60 credit points At Level 6 students’ practice is defined by project options within core modules and the allocation of specialist supervisors and studio tutors. The year is made up of three 40 credit core modules, that offer students the opportunity to individually tailor their learning through a range of research-based projects, set projects and self-initiated or self-directed projects. In semester 1, modules support the transition towards more ambitious, independent, and self-directed learning giving students the opportunity to undertake projects relevant to their personal practice and future aspirations. Students are encouraged and supported to articulate their creative voice. In semester 2 students undertake an individual programme of study that positions their work in a professional context. A series of workshops, industry focussed skills sessions, and portfolio development exercises prepares students for the transition to postgraduate study, entrepreneurship, or employment. Students are taught throughout the year by their Personal Tutor. PDP activities assist students to choose project options and to support them in relation to their learning opportunities to future career and/or personal aspirations.

At Level 4, all modules are core and provide a broad introduction to visual communication. At the end of L4 students select a L5 pathway to gain specialist skills in either Graphic Design or Illustration. This is supported by a discrete set of optional modules equivalent to 80 credits at Level 5. All other Level 5 are core and continue to stress common themes and practices across disciplines. All Level 6 modules are core and build on the skills and aspirations developed in previous levels. Modules at Level 6 have a specific focus on independent study and offer a wide range of project options within core modules supported by the allocation of specialist supervisors and studio tutors.

Across all levels modules are organised within thematic semesters which create structural clarity and focus activities within each level creating scaffolds from which skills can be developed and built on, and opportunities for longitudinal learning where skills can be revisited, extended, and developed across levels. Studio modules in semester 1 focus on experimentation and skills acquisition whilst those in semester 2 focus on skills consolidation and the development of practice relevant to external contexts which clarifies and reinforces a progressive approach to employability skills acquisition.

At Level 4, semester 1 modules focus on induction and orientation. A series of complementary briefs encourage curiosity and experimentation with a variety of approaches to build confidence in taking risks and develop a theoretical and practical understanding of studio culture and the key concepts, processes and references that underpin and inform the study making and application of graphic design and illustration. Semester 1 and 2 modules explore how visual communication can be used to interrogate, discuss, challenge, and communicate complex issues related to culture and society enabling students to reflect on their own background, interests and values and to recognise the purpose, power and possibility of the work they produce.

At Level 5 (from 2024/25 onwards), semester 1 modules introduce students to new and emergent thinking, approaches and business practices in Graphic Design or Illustration. Studio modules focus on developing and expanding practice through experimentation, creative play and iteration examining the relationship between media, method and audience. Semester 2 modules respond to a range of briefs informed by external contexts and socio-cultural themes enabling students to develop and assess self-directed, independent, and collaborative working methods, and to cultivate a professional approach to their practice. There is an option for students to apply for additional 120 credits with appropriate study abroad using 5220GD Study Abroad module. The study abroad option will comply fully with the LJMU Placement Code of Practice. A year-long and semester-long Study Abroad option is available, year long will only be available to students entering Level 5 in 2024 and replaces semester long option which will not be available to these students.

Please note that students recruited in 2021/22 who are entering Level 5 in 2023/24 will be studying 40 credits of Core Modules: 5101GD Investigate, Document, Present Approved 2022.02 - 20 credit points and 5110GD Future Thinking Approved 2022.02 - 20 credit points; the remaining 80 credits of Optional modules can be chosen from:

5102GD Graphic Design and Typography Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points

5103GD Graphic Design and the Screen Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points

5104GD Graphic Design and Identity Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points

5105GD Graphic Design and Context Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points

5106GD Illustration (Text and Image) Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points

5107GD Illustration (Materials and Media) Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points

5108GD Illustration (Creative Practice) Approved 2022.01 - 20 credit points

5109GD Illustration (Context) Approved 2022.02 - 20 credit points

Optional Study Semester - 60 credit points OPTIONAL

5120GD Study Semester Abroad - Graphic Design and Illustration Approved 2022.01 - 60 credit points

At Level 6 students’ practice is defined by project options within core modules and the allocation of specialist supervisors and studio tutors. The year is made up of three 40 credit core modules, that offer students the opportunity to individually tailor their learning through a range of research-based projects, set projects and self-initiated or self-directed projects. In semester 1, modules support the transition towards more ambitious, independent, and self-directed learning giving students the opportunity to undertake projects relevant to their personal practice and future aspirations. Students are encouraged and supported to articulate their creative voice. In semester 2 students undertake an individual programme of study that positions their work in a professional context. A series of workshops, industry focussed skills sessions, and portfolio development exercises prepares students for the transition to postgraduate study, entrepreneurship, or employment.

Students are taught throughout the year by their Personal Tutor. PDP activities assist students to choose project options and to support them in relation to their learning opportunities to future career and/or personal aspirations.

Structure

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

Level 5 Core

Level 5 Optional

Study Year Abroad

Level 6

Approved variance from Academic Framework Regulations

A variance to the Academic Framework Regulations has been approved for three 40 credit modules at Level 6. (Approved 01/11/22) A variance to the Academic Framework Regulations has been approved for one 40 credit module in each semester at Level 5. (Approved 05/10/22) Note - the Level 5 variance will … For more content click the Read More button below.

Entry Requirements

A levels

Access awards

Alternative qualifications considered

Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification: Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths, NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English, Higher Diploma in Maths/ English Functional skills Level 2 in Maths/ English Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in communication or Application of Number Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number Applicants may also be invited for interview and portfolio review.

Course Catalogue