Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

1. To develop intellectually stimulating learning through the study and practice of graphic communication.
2. To encourage flexible thought processes including lateral and sequential thinking.
3. To acquire and develop skills and processes including studiocraft, multi media skills, market awareness and relevant contextual theoretical knowledge.
4. To test individual ideas and solutions in a contemporary global arena.
5. To understand the significance of the international professional practice of graphic communication, including an awareness of global perspectives and cross cultural considerations.
6. To enable students to manage their studies by devising their own learning strategy through tutorial consultation.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• The Benchmark Statement for Art and Design:           http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/honours/
• The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
• The QAA Policy Statement on a structured and supported process for personal development

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• Analyse a clients communication and design requirements.
• Identify and resolve design and communication problems through an appropriate and considered visual evidence system.
• Sort, organise and process information through qualities of critical judgement, discrimination and imagination.
• Developing a personal design language or working process, which demonstrates a balance between objectivity and subjectivity.
• Acquire specialist knowledge and experience within an area of graphic communication in a global context.
• Utilise creative professional business elements of graphic communication, including marketing, pitching and presenting in a global context.
• Integrate professional subject expectations including project management, communication and relevant delivery methods.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of the programme students should be able to:

• Analyse the problems set out in the project brief(s) in relation to areas of theory and practice through an appropriate research methodology.
• Produce effective design solutions by making appropriate choices supported by appropriate visual evidence.
• Apply critical judgment to graphic communication projects and understand the audience for which the work is intended.
• Develop their individual career direction having  researched opportunities and current practices of graphic communication from an international perspective.
• Evolve a folio of work that encompasses a knowledge of the graphic design industry and their ambitions within it and that accurately reflects them as individuals.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

• Experiment, test and evaluate media, processes and environment to contextualise their ideas.
• Communicate ideas and solutions to design problems using appropriate media.
• Develop their use of specialist typographic and layout skills.
• Develop their use and understanding of the synergy between textual and image-based material.
• Use key software related to the project briefs.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

• Lead or play an active part in a creative team.
• Communicate effectively to tutors, peer group and external agencies where appropriate.
• Display competency in the use of information technology.
• Integrate support elements of creative practice, including marketing, presentation and project development.
• Appreciate the value of diversity of language and culture.

4. Programme structure

4.1       Part A - Introductory Modules

4.2       Part B - Degree Modules

Students can choose SAB553 or SAB554 or SAB555.

• If you choose SAB553 or SAB554, you have to also take SAB551
• If you choose SAB555, you have to also take SAB552

4.3          Part I – Year Out (Four year Programme only)

Students choose one of the above options

4.4       Part C - Degree Modules

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, from C to D (if applicable) and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also:

-  In order to progress from Part A to Part B, candidates must have accumulated 120 credits.

-  In order to progress from Part B to Part C, candidates must have accumulated 120 credits at part B

-  In order to qualify for the award of a Degree, candidates must have accumulated 120 credits in part C

Part-time students may negotiate the order in which modules are completed, subject to the following restrictions:

All part A modules must be passed before the start of part B of the programme.

All part B modules must be passed before the start of part C of the programme.

Students may transfer between full-time and part-time modes of study with the permission of the  Head of School.

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of re-assessment.

Reassessment will not be allowed in the Special Assessment Period (SAP) if;

• candidates have accumulated fewer than 60 credits in any part of the programme
• candidates have gained a mark of less than 30 in SAC432

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C.  The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 20 and Part C 80 to determine the final mark.