Critical and Cultural Studies (L4) 30 Credits

This module aims to encourage students to see critical and cultural aspects of graphic design and illustration as integral to the development of their practice and a vital component of innovative, well-informed, professional work. A programme of lectures, seminars, tutorials and field trips, will introduce the history of graphic design and illustration and some of the ways in which key movements and individuals have shaped contemporary design practice and debate.

Visual Communication 45 Credits

This module comprises an intensive series of studio projects and supporting workshops aimed at introducing research, idea generation and craft skills as core components of the design process.

Graphic Design Essentials 1 45 Credits

This module introduces students to the core skills needed by graphic designers and tests the knowledge and creative application of them through a series of short projects.

Critical and Cultural Studies (L5) 30 Credits

This module encourages students to view critical and cultural studies as a tool for innovative and well-informed practice. Lectures, seminars, tutorials, field trips and learning support materials will equip students to examine a range of theoretical positions that inform recent and contemporary practice. Students are asked to use relevant debates to reflect critically upon their own work and to locate their practice within the context of historical, social, cultural and professional currents.

Graphic Design Essentials Part 2 30 Credits

This module builds on the first pathway module in semester B (Level 4), and aims to both reinforce core skills, knowledge and creative application whilst introducing students to new essential skills and technologies. Skills are delivered via a series of workshops and these are tested through a series of appropriately professionally focused projects.

Graphic Design Professional Development 15 Credits

This module aims to allow students an insight into the world of graphic design via a reflective journal that explores the individuals 'state of learning' and also through a study of a number of leading design practices. A self-authored journal addresses several professionally related themes and encourages students to reflect on their developing thoughts, opinions, beliefs and professional aspirations as emerging designers.

Graphic Design Live Projects 30 Credits

This module provides a crucial opportunity to put into practice all the skills, understanding and knowledge acquired this far on the programme. Key activities will be focused on one or more practical design briefs drawn from various clients, to provide students with the opportunity to work on a brief set by a professional external client. These projects are designed to significantly raise the students’ working efforts and standards in preparation for producing professional an competition standard work.

Graphic Design Advanced Practice 1 30 Credits

This first module at Level 6 aims to provide the learning and skills required to allow students to confidently compete against students from other institutions, as well as young professionals via various leading national and international design competitions. These include Design & Art Direction (D&AD), Kancil Awards, etc.

Graphic Design Degree Essay 30 Credits

This module will enable students to conduct an in−depth enquiry of an aspect of design culture with an emphasis on the analysis of appropriate social, cultural, economic, technical, historical and aesthetic issues germane to the students' chosen topic and their studio work.

Graphic Design Advanced Practice 2 60 Credits

This final module on the programme is also the largest. It contains a number of different project briefs of varying scale and complexity, and as such it demands high levels of energy, commitment, passion, time and project management skills. Students will complete a Final Major Project alongside at least two other projects, one of which will be a piece of comprehensive self-promotion.

Within the range of briefs there is scope and potential for students to select projects that give a particular shape and direction to their portfolio. Staff work closely with students to push their ideas, design development and execution to the highest possible levels. Work produced within this module will form the bulk of a student’s final graduating portfolio, and as such staff are committed to high levels of support. In turn, students are expected to push themselves and their work to new professional standards.