Graphic Design: Visual Communications

Course content - 2017 entry

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

In the first year, you'll be introduced to the University and the technical workshops and facilities available to you. On the course you’ll learn the technical and conceptual skills that will give you a solid foundation from which to explore your areas of specialist activity.

• View the programme specification for 2016 entry
• View the summary specification for 2017 entry

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.

Course modules

• Introduction to Visual Communication

  You explore how Graphic Design shapes form and content across the spectrum of media, from the printed page to the Internet, and will work to articulate your own personal voice as a designer and artist, while fashioning messages that communicate to various communities and are relevant to contemporary culture.

• Design Fundamentals 1: Image, Type, Print

  You'll be introduced to how different meanings can be constructed through a variety of type and image constellations. You will also learn how these are applied to and affected by different print mediums and formats.

• Design Fundamentals 2: Motion, Narrative, Screen

  Introduces narrative, sequence and interactivity as thematic concepts that can be applied to a screen based design outcome. You will be will be asked to consider how visual language, such as words, images, materials, format and structure can support narrative.

• Visual Theory: Message, Medium, Meaning

  Through the exploration of examples from historical and contemporary practice and analysis of your studio work, a range of topics will be examined. These will include basic concepts in semiotics, the relationship between word and image, the construction of narrative, photographic language, function and expression, culture connotation and myth, subversion and propaganda.

The second year focus is on finding your own specialist way of working and you’ll be encouraged and supported to start working more independently. During this year you may also have the opportunity to complete an industry work placement or even study abroad.

• View the programme specification for 2016 entry
• View the summary specification for 2017 entry

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.

Course modules

• Social and Cultural Contexts

  Encourages you to examine and explore your personal ethics, values and motivation through the production of work for others.

• The Editorial Process

  Consolidates and develops further your creative, graphic, typographic and technical skills.

• Developing Your Practice

  Graphic designers today don't just respond to design problems identified by others, but often instigate themselves visual/design/cultural changes. This unit prepares you for this future role.

• Spatial Practices

  You'll learn how to manipulate spaces to create identities, multi-sensory experiences, and innovative events/exhibitions in a sustainable and environmentally conscious context.

• Study Abroad (optional)

  This optional unit is designed to broaden your educational experience and deepen your understanding of cultural diversity. It will enable you to study within a different cultural context and gain fresh perspectives.

The third year will see you achieve a greater level of independence with self-managed research, study and practice, resulting in a final major project and a written dissertation.

We also offer Year 3 as a top-up year through the internal progression arrangement for students from the Barking & Dagenham Foundation Degree course. It's also open to students from other courses and circumstances, as long as you meet the entry requirements. Please contact us for further details.

• View the programme specification for 2016 entry
• View the summary specification for 2017 entry

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.

Course modules

• Professional practice

  Professional practices equips you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to present yourself to potential employers and/or clients in the best possible way. You'll develop a practical project with an emphasis placed upon acquiring key practical skills required for the launch of your professional career.

• Major Project

  You'll research, develop and realise a major self-initiated project of your own choosing.The unit culminates in a presentation of work that provides you with the opportunity to collaborate with others to present work in a form appropriate to purpose and context.

• Option 1: Dissertation

  A substantial period of self-directed research on a subject that's related to the historical, theoretical or critical concerns of your discipline or professional area.

• Option 2: Combined Dissertion / Critical Reflection

  Two periods of sustained, individually negotiated research on subjects which are likely to be related to the contextual and/or theoretical concerns of your chosen areas of practice, towards the provision of structured argument. In the first, you'll undertake a dissertation, by engaging with research appropriate to your chosen subject area. In the second, you'll undertake an individually negotiated project of critical research and reflection that provides a contextual framework for, and analysis of, your own practice and/or visual interests.

• View the programme specification for 2016 entry
• View the summary specification for 2017 entry

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.

Course modules