Illustration and Visual Communication

Year 1 serves as an introduction and diagnostic approach to visual communication though a programme that includes drawing and image making developed through varied media processes and visual technologies. All practical work is project-led providing a menu of initiatives that test your imagination and help you build knowledge and skills. You will gain understanding in visual culture and your views on many aspects of art and image-making will expand and become more informed through your learning and research. You will learn how to analyse and deconstruct images, especially in the media and advertising and you will be able to create your own work in a more informed and sophisticated way.

Subjects of study include:

• Introduction to contemporary Art and Visual Culture (theory)
• Introduction to Image Media (theory)
• Figure drawing. (course option practice – figure drawing from observation in the studio and on location)
• Visual Communication Technologies: workshops and classes in animation, print-making, digital media, photography and 3D.
• Visual Communication – Development and Production (project led practice in image-making)

Credit Level 4

You will now be expanding and deepening your understanding in visual culture and applied image-making through a menu of industry led and personally defined research initiatives, national and international student competitions and set projects. This year of study has the most flexibility where you can take elective or optional study modules in both semesters or undertake study abroad. This is a period of research, in-depth exploration of visual languages and methodologies in image-making and design. You will be beginning to tailor your own direction in the topics you choose and the media through which you develop your practice. In theoretical studies you will be examining visual culture in greater depth and scrutiny leading into choosing a topic for your dissertation.

You will be able to choose up to 2 Westminster elective modules or course optional modules.

Subjects of study include:

• Drawing Systems (course option practice – experimental drawing practice and research)
• Interdisciplinary Practice (course option practice - that develops image media for online production and distribution)
• Visual Communication: Contextualisation and Enterprise (project led practice that encourages image-making in context with the environment, society and contemporary culture. This module includes participation in national and international student competitions and external enterprise)
• Visual Communication: Research and Synthesis (theoretical studies that includes lectures in contemporary critical debate within visual culture and leads into research and preparing an essay question and bibliography for your dissertation)

Credit Level 5

You will now be preparing your portfolio for entering the workplace or to continue with your research and studies at post-graduate level. This final year is focused on the culmination of your learning and the encouragement to produce work that defines your own direction and approach.

The Major Project and Dissertation modules help you to professionalise your practice and provide a final period of in-depth study. The two elective modules are designed to reflect vocational professional development or academic research and a personal practice that is less market driven. At this point teaching is principally guidance and advice on personal and professional development. As part of this industry launch, the course offers an exhibition for your degree show in London Gallery West, and as part of D&AD New Blood exhibition in Truman Brewery.

Subjects of study include:

• Visual Communication: Dissertation (an 8 – 10,000 word essay on a topic chosen from topics studied earlier on the course and aligned to your practical work)
• Research Informed Practice (course option for students whose practice is not vocationally driven and require time for deeper research and visual inquiry. This would apply for students continuing with post-graduate study, whose practice is more within the remit of film or fine art or intend to enter teacher training courses)
• Professional Engagement and Enterprise (course option with a specific image-making and illustration industry focus for students who intend to work professionally in this sector of the creative industries)
• Visual Communication: Major Project (an intense and extended period in which to develop practical work)

Credit Level 6