Graphic Product Innovation

Content

You will be introduced to materials and relevant technology as well as the theoretical and professional contexts which inform the subject and in which you will operate as practitioner, art director, commentator or critic.

You can expect to study in a culturally diverse and forward thinking educational environment, enjoying a wide range of teaching and learning experiences including practical workshops, seminars, lectures, events, exhibitions and live projects.

You will be taught by active and enthusiastic professionals from a wide range of disciplines in art, design, communication design management and cultural theory, creating a climate of debate, analysis and innovation.

What sort of designer will you be?

You will not be constrained as a designer to any one medium or philosophy but may be designing a service or producing environmental design (for instance typography in the landscape or systems to improve communication or architecture combining interaction, digital or sculptural components).

You may re-evaluate existing objects and situations in order to add value or change their audience.

You will be user centred and engage with sustainability and futorology.

Structure

Year 1

Year 1 begins with an induction programme designed to orientate you to the course and School, its facilities, staff, philosophy and ethos as well as raising your awareness of a range of design principles and media associated with the subject, both practically and theoretically. These include research methodology, semiology, and developmental and presentation skills. The first year will not only orientate you to the course but will also give you a set of practical and intellectual skills which you may call on to assist you in realising given or self initiated problems.

It is the intention of the course to produce designers capable of diversity in conceptualising and problem solving. Students will not be confined to narrow definitions but should feel free to explore a range of media and skills. You will find yourself, at the end of the course, able to function confidently in 2D, 3D and virtual and physical environments.

Besides studio-based activity you will also be introduced to relevant aspects of IT and workshop facilities including health and safety aspects of each resource.

Studio, Visual Culture and Theory and Personal and Professional Development units all relate to each other and give you a broad context in which to place your work.

Throughout the year, and the course, you will have tutorial support which can address academic and pastoral problems. Additionally the College offers a network of support for study or personal problems. If English is not your first language you will have access to the College and University language centre.

Year 2

Year 2 encourages exploration and application of the skills and principles introduced in the first year as well as introducing you to additional concepts and practice in preparation for your final year.

You will be able to access relevant facilities and resources introduced in the first year. You will have experience of working independently and collaboratively in the studio as well as VCT and PPD units.

During the year you will also undertake a cross-College or cross-School elective.

Towards the end of the year you will be introduced to and prepare for the third year of the course when you will be required to generate your own proposals for the dissertation and self initiated project.

Year 3

Year 3 is the culmination of your studies and focuses on the synthesis of teaching and learning, innovation, methodology and philosophy in the realisation of personal goals and the solving of individually identified problems in relation to the subject. You will be expected to manage your learning (with appropriate support) and to initiate projects.

There are a variety of activities and events in the course of the year which will enable you to explore your individual visual language and approach to the subject and also to place your work in a professional context.

You will be expected to be a versatile and independent learner who is confident, competent and visually and theoretically articulate whose experience gives you a clear view of postgraduate or professional outcomes.

Assessment

Coursework, practical design projects, essays, presentation and dissertation.