Illustration ba(hons)

Year 1

Year 1 introduces you to the basic concepts of visual communication in illustration. Through a series of studio-based projects and workshops in observational and life drawing, photography and book arts, you will begin to develop your own visual language.

• Introduction to Visual Communication: Orientation and Exploration

  This module provides an introduction to the key concepts and practices of visual communication.

  It's a dynamic and mobile subject that has been fundamental in shaping modern global culture and continues to profoundly influence the way we perceive, understand and navigate the world.

  You will be introduced to the history, practices and techniques that inform visual communication, exploring experimentation, creativity and design approaches you will be asked to critically reflect on your practice through guided and independent study.

• The Practice of Visual Communication: Investigation and Application

  Visual communication is a diverse and constantly reformulating practice that uses a wide range of technical processes to engage with audiences. This module introduces you to a range of working methods, practices and techniques.

  You will explore a range of technical skills and you will be encouraged to investigate new approaches, combine existing techniques and explore traditional methods to develop innovative outputs.

• The Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Media, Messages and Meaning

  In this module you will examine, define and apply concepts, practices and debates that inform visual communication.

  You will explore the theoretical concepts and contemporary and historical approaches that have been used to communicate messages and meaning and apply these into practice by experimenting with a range of media, contexts, techniques and processes.

  Through focused analysis you will critically reflect on the on-going debate and reformulation of visual communication as a subject area.

• Developing a Visual Language: Personal Project

  In this module you will explore visual communication and your relationship to it by constructing a self-directed project.

  Visual communication encourages diverse approaches to professional practice and the development of a personal visual language. As you begin to identify and locate your practice within a framework of critical debate and ethical considerations you will have the opportunity to experiment with concepts, define approaches and critically reflect on them with an analysis of contemporary practice.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through our applicant portal.