BA (Hons) Graphic Communication
01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2029
| Course Leader | Stephen Leadbetter |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Emma Marshman, Rachel Grainger, Sarah Down, Ryan Preece |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Full Time, Full Time Sandwich |
Document Version
| Version | 5 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2023 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2029 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
Encourage students in their development of an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the interdisciplinary roles of Graphic Communication and specialist areas for practice and employability within the creative industries.
Develop a critical awareness of current social, economic, technological, political, and cultural issues and recognise the active role that Graphic Design contributes to providing creative, technological solutions to real-world challenges through industry-adopted research methods, creativity, design thinking processes and exploration of emerging technologies.
The ability to develop a sense of good moral and ethical practice through research methods that develop and encourage a human-centric understanding of an audiences needs and requirements.
The ability to recognise 21st century creative practice, innovation and produce industry-facing solutions that demonstrate a defensive knowledge of design principles and production techniques relative and standard to commercial sectors.
Employ creative confidence, flexibility, resilience and appreciation for the uncertainty and experimental expectations associated with the practice of the design thinking processes.
Provide opportunities to develop professional skills relative to project management related to working independently, collaboratively and within teams.
The ability to evidence graduate-level knowledge in the presentation, writing and publication of documentation that discusses, debates, frames, theorises, reviews and critiques Graphic Design artifacts and associated relative topics.
Encourage a critical self-reflective mindset towards the progression of one’s own professional development and enable the showcasing of command of design specialisms within a student’s portfolio and self-marketing material.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | A1 Employ materials, media, techniques, methods, technologies, and tools associated with Graphic Communication, studied with skill and imagination while observing sound and ethical working practices, and professional/legal responsibilities relating to the subject |
| A2 | Articulate, synthesise, and generate knowledge and understanding, attributes and skills in effective ways in the contexts of creative practice |
| A3 | A3 Demonstrate an understanding of the role and impact of concepts, proposals, intellectual property (IP), innovative solutions and design strategies within Art and Design subjects in relation to challenges. |
| A4 | Apply and extend learning in different contexts and situations, audience both within and beyond the field of Art and Design. |
| B1 | Develop creative ideas, strategies, and concepts in response to design challenges based on relevant design research methodologies |
| B2 | Research, analyse, debate, and critically evaluate theoretical and practical approaches to the discipline |
| B3 | Explore, evaluate, and critically reflect on technical production methods and techniques for outcomes in response to professional practice (Industry and specialist standards). |
| B4 | Reflect and critique personal and professional project developments, identifying learning objectives and implementing plans to meet realistic time limits |
| C1 | Produce original concepts / outputs in a clear, ethical, and appropriate format, satisfying specified professional (industry or academic) requirements, standards, and expectations, utilising appropriate, theories, principles, methodologies, techniques and, technologies, and for communication. |
| C2 | Independently employ critical self-reflection methods towards progression and identify opportunities for the development of current and emerging specialisms aligned with professional practice objectives. |
| C3 | Work in a professionally engaged and organised manner, individually, within a team or through collaboration whilst demonstrating a professional understanding of project management, roles, and responsibilities. |
| C4 | Engage confidently and professionally with clients, the public, and colleagues to deliver comprehensive information in visual, oral, and written formats to pitch, present and communicate ideas, strategies and conceptual solutions to audiences and their specific needs / requirements. |
Course Structure
Level 4 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DG1S001 | MOD013198 | Graphic Design Principles | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG1S002 | MOD013199 | Design Thinking | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG1S003 | MOD013200 | Design Revolutions | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG1S004 | MOD013202 | Infographics | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG1S005 | MOD013201 | Social Design | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG1S006 | MOD013203 | Typography | Running | 20 | specified |
Level 5 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DG2S001 | MOD013204 | Branding | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG2S002 | MOD013205 | Motion Graphics | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG2S003 | MOD013206 | Professional Practice and Entrepreneurship | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG2S004 | MOD013207 | Design Research Methods | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG2S005 | MOD013208 | User Experience Design | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG2S006 | MOD013209 | Digital Design in Practice | Running | 20 | specified |
Level 6 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DG3S001 | MOD013210 | Bootcamp for Creative Industries | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG3S002 | MOD013211 | Design Futures | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG3S003 | MOD013212 | Design Competitions | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG3S004 | MOD013213 | Final Research Project | Running | 20 | specified |
| DG3D001 | MOD013214 | Final Major Project | Running | 40 | specified |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
Visiting Speakers
Industry professionals deliver presentations about commercial practice / portfolio demonstration / project showcases
Industry professionals deliver key presentations regarding specialisms – Branding Agency to support Branding Module
Alumni contribute to symposiums, example: seeking employment
Volunteering
Industry professionals volunteer to contribute to and support modules
PGCe volunteers seeking experience in teaching
Fieldwork
Students can experience short briefs during fieldtrips, example: Design Museum, Pitt Rivers, Royal Mint
Fieldtrips
Students visit design agencies for tours
Students may visit specific exhibitions
Work Placements
Work placements are proposed through university services
Live brief opportunities are common on this course
Agencies can (might) set competitions awarding placements and internships
Work-based Learning
Assessment briefs can / may be set by external stakeholder
Tasks / Workshops can be delivered by Industry Professionals
Local industries can / may run design events
Sandwich Years
Students can / may choose this mode of study
Teaching Team and Careers Team support placements
Industry feedback required for assessment from the stakeholder
Employer Forums
LinkedIn Networks are currently being piloted to provide a platform for digital forums.
The course aspires to arrange an industry symposium within the professional practice modules.
Other
Student Exhibitions, Public Showcase, Exhibition Website
Design Futures module: Portfolio Surgery
Design Futures module: Mock Interview
Design Futures module: Professional Development Plan
Course Exclusive Design Competitions
Means of Assessment
Portfolio Creative Designs/Art Oral Assessment Essay Poster Project Output Visual Journal; Presentation Research Plan/proposal/project/log Professional Development Planning Practical Course Work
Learning Support
Induction
All students are inducted at each level, provided with detailed expectations of study, contextualised learning level challenges and changes.
students are provided with Induction tasks / field trips aligned to the curriculum learning level
Personal Academic Coach1
All students are assigned a Pastoral Academic Coach
Learner Analytics
Detailed assessment is used to develop student progression
Professional practice modules encourage self-reflective analysis.
Office hours
The teaching team provide office hours
Tutorials
Students receive tutorials respective to the module and teaching programme
Seminars
Seminars are arranged during the course
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is embedded in many modules
Progress meetings
Typically discussed in Personal Academic Coaching appointments
Research Supervision
Research is supervised through tutorials
Online Resources
Learners are provided with Unilearn for official accessibility to course files and material
Learners are provided to online content for inspiration and support
Advice Zone
Students are made aware of the Advice Zone during induction and the information is duplicated in much of the course material, signposting students to support
Disability
The teaching team are active in signposting disability services for students. Encouraging testing / support where and when difficulties / barriers are evident
IT/Library
Students have access to an excellent Library of resources
Students are independent in their engagement with IT issues but may seek staff support in this engagement if needed
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Higher Education | 240 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 5 or above, 120 credits at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 credits at Level 3. | Exit |
| Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) | 360 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 6 or above, 120 at Level 5 or above, 120 at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3. | Final |
| Certificate of Higher Education | 120 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3. | Exit |
Progression Route
MA Graphic Communication
MA Design Innovation
MA Strategical & Digital Marketing
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
Applicants will require: A Levels: Minimum of 3 (non-specific subject) A Levels awarded to the applicant.
BCC minimum grade acceptance level. A Levels + Welsh Bac: Minimum of 2 (non-specific subject) A Levels awarded to the applicant. BC+C@WB minimum grade acceptance level.
BTEC: Minimum acceptance level: MMM, Preferential level: DMMGCSE Requirements: Minimum of 5 GCSEs at C or aboveEnglish Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent
Clearing:• A Level: Minimum of 3 (non-specific subject) A Levels awarded to the applicant. BCC minimum grade acceptance level.• A Levels + Welsh Bac: Minimum of 2 (non-specific subject) A Levels awarded to the applicant. BC+C@WB minimum grade acceptance level.• BTEC: Minimum acceptance level: MMM, Preferential level: DMM• English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
N/A
Quality Of Standards Indicators
N/A