Fine Art and Graphic Design BA (Hons)

Level 4 introduces students to

• The fundamental concepts, theories and principals associated with their individual subject area
• The broad critical, historical, contemporary contexts and future potential of their area of study and the significance of the work of other practitioners within their field of study
• A variety of approaches to research, within, through and about their area of study
• The basic skills and techniques required to produce outputs in response to set briefs
• The visual and verbal communication techniques appropriate to their subject area
• The tools, technologies and materials relevant to their subject area
• A range of approaches to problem solving 
• The importance of taking personal responsibility for their own learning

The aim of this module is to introduces the key aspects of a level 4 degree within Art or Design, including:

• foundational knowledge,
• problem-solving skills,
• effective communication,
• personal responsibility,
• subject specific skills and
• the development of important attributes required for employment within and beyond the creative and cultural industries

This module particularly focuses on the relationship between content and form inherent to studio practice production. Students will develop responses and outcomes to set projects and, expanding upon their level 4 experience, consider and implement strategies that question, dispel or confirm personal boundaries within Fine Art studio practice. Through studio experimentation and an ongoing reflective dialogue, students will consider the efficacy of a range of approaches to each set project reaching outcomes that are thus informed and considered.

An integrated theory element will provide further insights into some of the critical ideas, concepts and methodologies that have been employed in the interpretation and production of Fine Art. During a series of lectures and seminars students will examine the dynamic and varied processes of exchange and transformation in Fine Art disciplines occurring as a response to cultural, social, political and aesthetic changes. The relationship between practice and theory is made explicit in this module and serves to inform students' research and production.

• To generate ideas in response to set projects      
• To engender and develop a facility for the testing of simultaneous and related potential outcomes in visual form in pursuance of a final outcome utilising appropriate media    
• To engender and develop a facility for speculative making using appropriate media in the pursuance of final outcomes       
• To develop modes of operation that encompass critical debate as an informing tool      
• To expand a contextual research base that is relevant to individual studio activity      
• Develop a knowledge and understanding of key concepts and movements in modern art

In consultation with academic staff, students will devise an individual studio practice rationale that takes into account their previous experience alongside their existing and emerging artistic interests and concerns. Students will therefore be proposing an individual brief from which they will produce studio work subject to adaptation as a result of reflective and critical dialogue. The development of this brief, the relevance of sustained preparatory work, and the conceptual clarity of the outcome in a coherent body of work will be addressed within the module. Presentation and documentation will form part of the content as will methods of capitalising on outcomes in the development of further work, particularly in relation to level 6.

The main aim of this module is to support students in relation to their studio practice production as they move from a predominantly taught, brief led mode of operation to one which takes account of their increasing autonomy. In a supportive environment, students will consider their experience and aspirations for their practice, the interests and concerns central to that practice, and how that might develop. In the shorter term, such developments will be embodied in the proposal and execution of studio work for assessment at the end of level 5, and in the slightly longer term, how that development might be carried over into level 6.

This module will develop student’s awareness and understanding of the diverse range of career pathways available to creative graduates and enable them to confidently build a career development trajectory for their final year and after graduation. Students will be encouraged to identify the diverse career opportunities within the creative and cultural industries and to explore potential pathways as an independent practitioner and/or employment-based opportunities beyond graduation.

Through negotiated independent research students will critically analyse and evaluate their current skills, competencies and attitudes and devise an action plan to address gaps in subject specific and transferable skills.

Throughout the module students will build a portfolio of work experience activity which can include short employment placements, work shadowing, involvement in Department projects or external partner projects, self-initiated placements or volunteering. Work experience activities will provide the foundation for reflection and evaluation in the Career journal and an impetus for research activities in the taught sessions 

This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment, within the creative and cultural sector which will enable them to:-

• Individually reflect on immediate and future directions and career planning
• Develop a sophisticated and critical awareness of their development in relation to their future career aspirations
• Develop transferable employment skills through involvement in internal or external work experience and professional project opportunities.
• Analyse and articulate skills and attitudes introduced in their programme of study and their application to a specific role within the creative and cultural industries

This optional Level Five module will introduce students to theories of narrative and stylistics across media showing the necessity of these frameworks for reading and understanding stories in the Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Photography, Literature and Film.

The module will introduce students to media synergies and dissonances, relative to a range of concepts of narrative and style. As such, it will complement existing modules and pathways across disciplines. It will not overlap existing provision.

By studying examples from across different media, including folk tales, fiction, film, comics, photography, music and videogames, the module will demonstrate the widening reach and current application of theories of narrative and stylistics, well beyond their historic roots in linguistics. Moreover, by having student learners from different art and design disciplines involved, the module will encourage peer learning and build student confidence through its multidisciplinary nature. 

1. To exchange knowledge of a wide range of concepts of narrative and style in different media and across media.
2. To develop knowledge of a wide range of methods of story identification and analysis, and stylistic identification and analysis, in different media and across media.
3. To enable students to develop a range of skills in identifying and analysing stories and styles, relevant to their own practice and the wider context of their specific subject disciplines.
4. To enable students to engage critically with concepts of narrative and stylistics across a range of media.

Part A:      

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the university of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

• The multiple facets of Global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication

Theories, models and strategies of learning

• Theories and models Intercultural competence
• Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism

• Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
• Experiential learning models
• Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

• Enhanced independence
• Improved command of multicultural behaviour
• Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development
• Team building and team work

Part B:            Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 

The purpose of this module is to enhance students’ prospects of completing an overseas placement to the best of their ability consequently it aims to:

• To equip participants with appropriate knowledge and skills to study or work in a different cultural, linguistic and/or social environment; enhancing ethical, cultural and intercultural awareness.
• To enhance students understanding of the ethical issues related to living and working abroad.
• To increase students Global Citizenship skills
• To provide an opportunity for students to reflect critically on their experience of living and learning within an unfamiliar culture, to their 'home' culture or ethnic group.

To challenge students to learn about themselves as global citizens in terms of life skills, career choices and academic development outside the classroom.

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
• Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

• Critical thinking skills, experiential learning       and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

• Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.

1. To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
2. To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
3. To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
4. To further develop independent learning techniques.
5. To foster critical evaluation.

This module is seen as the culmination of a programme of sustained visual research and studio practice where it is possible to realise the full potential of personal creative development and ambition. The emphasis will be on artistic production and requires evidence of an intensive practical engagement with appropriate media. Programmes of study will be individually designed according to student's particular artistic intentions and monitored through individual tutorials with suitable feedback. Group seminars and discussion will be undertaken in order that students are able to actively engage with contemporary issues and participate in some of the wider debates emanating from studio practice. Visual Research will be sustained within this module providing the opportunity to give additional focus to developing ideas and expand the scope of visual sources and practical expertise. In addition, students will undertake Contextual Research to support personal enquiries and an engagement with the relationships between practice and broader historical, cultural and artistic contexts.

The aims of this module will be to promote a professional level of studio practice through the realisation of a coherent body of work which will include:·        

• A practical competence in the use of a chosen media / mediums.        
• The visual articulation and realisation of artistic intentions.        
• The effective application of visual and contextual research strategies within the context of artistic production.  
• The promotion of an understanding of the functional relationship between theory and practice through continuous reference to a relevant artistic, cultural and critical context
• A promotion of an ability to manage time and resources effectively, to administer a personal workload and meet deadlines

This module encourages students who have demonstrated an interest in specific artistic or aesthetic concerns to pursue personal interests that may have emanated from their theoretical studies and / or their Fine Art practice. Core lectures will supplement such emerging interest in the early stages of the module. Students will be provided with materials on research methodology in Fine Art and asked to compare and contrast differing modes of expression. They will be expected to undertake in-depth independent research in their chosen field, as well as negotiating the expression of content in conjunction with their tutors.

The aims of this module will be to:·        

• Provide the opportunity to carry out a piece of focused research on an area of specific artistic / aesthetic concern to the student.        
• Develop confidence to explore critical, and / or aesthetic issues and to be speculative in positing ideas 
• Provide the opportunity to articulate thoughts and ideas relevant to a personal position in relation to contemporary artistic practice, and to argue a case in an academic format

Bringing together students and staff from across Art & Design programme disciplines, this module will provide students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of graduate and professional development in Art & Design. 

Following the module introduction, a series of guest lectures by recent graduates and early, mid-career and high-level Art and Design professionals, will introduce students to practitioner-oriented career pathways within the creative and cultural industries. Guest lectures will reflect the interests, concerns and dynamic of the student body within the module providing both programme specific information and exemplars alongside content applicable to all Art & Design undergraduates.  

Module content will in particular focus on enabling students to critically identify the context of their practice/design work and how it might be developed within a graduate, professional environment. This could include the development of a portfolio practice, specific art and design employment opportunities, or those facilitated by transferable skills. Documentation and reflection on module content will be used to develop an individual position, refine a portfolio and a career pathway plan that will assist student journeys from undergraduate study to graduation and employability.

Modules aims are to:

• Explore and develop a functional knowledge of professional contexts in relation to employability and independent practice within the creative and cultural industries
• Identify and enhance subject specific and transferable skills in the context of individual professional aspirations and trajectories
• Gain insight and experience in promotional strategies, marketing, communication and dissemination of information as it relates to personal creative practice
• Recognise and understand the importance of key ethical and moral issues in relation to professional practice in Art and Design
• Engage with collaborative opportunities to enhance understanding of professional practice networks and structures

This module will afford students an opportunity to respond to a studio practice project brief, negotiating and implementing a resolved and proficient outcome. An initial period of visual research and visual experimentation will test the efficacy of responses to the set brief; such responses will be prepared, presented and formatively assessed mid-way through the module. Feedback and negotiated tutorial positions will then propose a direction through which resolved pieces will be developed for summative assessment.  The module in terms of its structure and the manner in which it is managed will draw on the structure of commissioned projects that operate in the public realm. Module content will therefore address some of the issues inherent to responses to public briefs in relation to exhibition call–outs or the commissioning process, time management and the appropriate deployment of process, medium and technologies. Methods of presentation, both at formative and summative level will be discussed.

The aims of this module will be:

• To expose students to the requirements and structures of a project brief similar to those operating in the public realm  
• To promote appropriate and considered responses to given problems based on the synthesis of experience and research  
• To provide a platform for the presentation of ideas, concerns, interests and visual responses within a formal presentation setting  
• To produce exhibition quality artefacts in response to challenges set, delivered within a prescribed timescale

Generic content will cover the time management, structure, organisation, referencing and writing style required for a dissertation. Content will also cover research methods - appropriate for each student's individual research. This may include content analysis, discourse analysis, semiotic analysis, secondary and primary research, qualitative and quantitative research, and others as and when relevant. The dissertation is an independent research project in negotiation, with and supported by, a supervisor. The content of meetings will be driven by the student's individual research topic, progress and response to feedback.

The module aims to:

• Develop extensive and sophisticated specialist knowledge articulated to a very high standard in academic written work.
• Successfully manage research study and writing process to meet interim and final deadlines.
• Produce research and analysis which reflects an interpretative and critically reflective study.
• Develop a rigorous understanding of appropriate research methods.
• Develop the ability to negotiate a topic for independent research and justify the viability of that research.
• Assist in development of a topic based on a research question or other appropriate context of research.
• Accurately record, present and reference material from a range of different sources.

This module introduces the fundamental principles of the theories, contexts and practices of Graphic Design using an integrated approach to delivery. Encouraging a spirit of curiosity in the exploration of the key elements of graphic communication, the effective selection and arrangement of visual and verbal elements, text and image.

Graphic Design is routed in every aspect of our lives, social, cultural, economic and political and this module will explore the impact of graphic design in these areas, past, present and future.

Practical projects investigate and will be linked to the dominant design theories and influential design styles of the 20th and 21st century.  Projects will encourage risk taking, the exploration of media, materials and varied application, print, screen and environment.

Projects will encourage the development of work through a five-stage design process culminating in the submission of:

• A journal of enquiry – incorporating: research, exploration, idea generation, experimentation, design development, presentations, mock ups and peer reviews; analysis, critical reflection and evaluation, reflection on personal development, discussion of design influences and evidence of an understanding of where the student’s work sits within the context of both contemporary and historic graphic design.
• A range of final artefacts/products presented with a rationale outlining the reasoning behind design decisions, that evidence good time management, appropriate choice and use of tools and technology, the development of professional standards and attention to detail.

• Introduce students to the key critical and historical concepts, contexts, protocols and processes of Graphic Design.
• Introduce students to the role visual culture has played, through the graphic communication of text and image, in presenting, representing and informing society and its relevance to contemporary graphic design practice.
• Introduce general working methods used to explore and resolve design problems research/investigation; visual enquiry/research/idea generation, proposals; communicating an argument; time management; and the production of material artefacts.
• Introduce students to relevant design software, digital protocols and practices and their potential in the resolution of design problems and the impact of technology on graphic design.
• Develop critical thinking skills relevant to graphic design in order to understand, explain and analyse own and others design work.
• Develop visual and verbal communication skills appropriate for academic and professional situations.

The traditional academic programme structure is not applicable in relation to this work placement-based experiential learning module. The experiential content is freely structured and determined by negotiation between the student, UoC placement supervisor and host organisation placement supervisor. It is informed by the module’s overarching aims and learning outcomes and by the objective of optimising added value for both the host organisation and the student experience (including graduate outcomes).

A mid-placement workshop, usually held in Chester in February, will enable peer to peer sharing of experiential learning feedback and allow an analysis of the range of skills and benefits derived from the placement. The workshop will also support students’ development of their learning portfolio, and provide an opportunity to access an overview of final year module options ahead of L6 module selection. In-person and online participation in the mid-placement workshop will be enabled.

All students will engage in the drawing up of a learning agreement on acceptance of the placement that will cover a contact plan and agreed learning outcomes with their designated academic tutor and placement supervisor.

This module introduces students to the working environment enabling them to put into practice the theories and skills developed in the first two years of the programme. Its aims are:

1. To provide an opportunity for students to apply and enrich their previous theoretical knowledge and understanding of course content through observation of and insights derived from working in an organisation and professional environment.
2. To enable students to develop their practical and transferable skills in an industry environment and to experience a broad range of tasks and responsibilities within their field of interest
3. To enable students to pursue professional and personal development in an applied environment
4. To enable students to recognise the nature of tasks, workloads, problem solving, and individual and team-based working methods in a professional environment.

In this module students will explore a range of motion media which may include digital and non digital projects for animation, film and sound design. Fundamental design issues that are fore-grounded by these digital and non digital environments as well as those creative opportunities unique to them will be explored. This will provide a basis to enable further and higher level study on the programme.

The list of topics is illustrative of what may be covered:

• Key concepts and ‘practice’ within motion media, animation, sound design and its impact on design
• Introduction of the fundamental concepts of motion design; the additional dimensions offered by animation and its impact on design (for example, sound design; multiple media; technical constraints and possibilities)
• Introduction of the fundamental concepts of animation including narrative, storyboarding, sound design, approaches, and applications
• Introduction to specialist software skills using relevant software programmes
• Overview of key supporting and specialist information provision websites

• To explore key concepts in developing motion media artefacts
• To introduce digital and non digital motion media methods of resolving motion design challenges
• To develop an awareness of the possibilities and limitations of motion media in a graphic design context
• To explore non digital motion design and animation concepts and skills
• To develop basic skills in exploiting contemporary motion media tools and systems
• To produce creative motion media solutions in response to challenges set

Communication is at the heart of Graphic Design practice.

This module will investigate communication methodologies, the influence of the communicated message and the social and cultural impact it produces.

This module builds on the knowledge and understanding introduced in Level 4 of the programme by developing research, analytical, cognitive, transferable and practical skills required for the interaction between theory and professional practice.

Through a series of practical projects this module will explore issues relating to graphic design practice and will examine a variety of approaches and strategies to engage an array of different audiences by constructing meaning through appropriate use of signs and codes.

The impact of traditional, new and emerging technologies will be evaluated and tested via the construction and communication of messages from client to audience and audience to client.

Project briefs will allow for skills development via the exploration of a variety of possible solutions across a range of media.   Indicative areas of study during this module are:

• Knowledge and understanding of critical contemporary issues, contexts and concepts relevant to Graphic Design.
• Knowledge of more complex and challenging contexts enabling students to exhibit greater independent ability both conceptually and in their own practice.

This module aims to introduce students to communication theory and to afford them the opportunity to exercise some personal responsibility and decision-making in the development of outcomes to multiple briefs that that explore a range of media and medium and integrate theory, context and practice, taking into consideration the needs of the intended audience. Including:

• To develop a critical understanding of contemporary issues, context and concepts relevant to design industries
• To investigate and evaluate a variety of approaches to research that will inform project intentions
• To identify personal strengths and needs and acquire new skills necessary for the successful resolution of communication problems
• To articulate research findings and ideas in visual and written forms, informed by the work of other graphic design practitioners.
• To apply graphic design concepts and principals to solve varied communication problems aimed at diverse audiences

This module will develop student’s awareness and understanding of the diverse range of career pathways available to creative graduates and enable them to confidently build a career development trajectory for their final year and after graduation. Students will be encouraged to identify the diverse career opportunities within the creative and cultural industries and to explore potential pathways as an independent practitioner and/or employment-based opportunities beyond graduation.

Through negotiated independent research students will critically analyse and evaluate their current skills, competencies and attitudes and devise an action plan to address gaps in subject specific and transferable skills.

Throughout the module students will build a portfolio of work experience activity which can include short employment placements, work shadowing, involvement in Department projects or external partner projects, self-initiated placements or volunteering. Work experience activities will provide the foundation for reflection and evaluation in the Career journal and an impetus for research activities in the taught sessions 

This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment, within the creative and cultural sector which will enable them to:-

• Individually reflect on immediate and future directions and career planning
• Develop a sophisticated and critical awareness of their development in relation to their future career aspirations
• Develop transferable employment skills through involvement in internal or external work experience and professional project opportunities.
• Analyse and articulate skills and attitudes introduced in their programme of study and their application to a specific role within the creative and cultural industries

This optional Level Five module will introduce students to theories of narrative and stylistics across media showing the necessity of these frameworks for reading and understanding stories in the Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Photography, Literature and Film.

The module will introduce students to media synergies and dissonances, relative to a range of concepts of narrative and style. As such, it will complement existing modules and pathways across disciplines. It will not overlap existing provision.

By studying examples from across different media, including folk tales, fiction, film, comics, photography, music and videogames, the module will demonstrate the widening reach and current application of theories of narrative and stylistics, well beyond their historic roots in linguistics. Moreover, by having student learners from different art and design disciplines involved, the module will encourage peer learning and build student confidence through its multidisciplinary nature. 

1. To exchange knowledge of a wide range of concepts of narrative and style in different media and across media.
2. To develop knowledge of a wide range of methods of story identification and analysis, and stylistic identification and analysis, in different media and across media.
3. To enable students to develop a range of skills in identifying and analysing stories and styles, relevant to their own practice and the wider context of their specific subject disciplines.
4. To enable students to engage critically with concepts of narrative and stylistics across a range of media.

Part A:      

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the university of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

• The multiple facets of Global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication

Theories, models and strategies of learning

• Theories and models Intercultural competence
• Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism

• Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
• Experiential learning models
• Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

• Enhanced independence
• Improved command of multicultural behaviour
• Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development
• Team building and team work

Part B:            Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 

The purpose of this module is to enhance students’ prospects of completing an overseas placement to the best of their ability consequently it aims to:

• To equip participants with appropriate knowledge and skills to study or work in a different cultural, linguistic and/or social environment; enhancing ethical, cultural and intercultural awareness.
• To enhance students understanding of the ethical issues related to living and working abroad.
• To increase students Global Citizenship skills
• To provide an opportunity for students to reflect critically on their experience of living and learning within an unfamiliar culture, to their 'home' culture or ethnic group.

To challenge students to learn about themselves as global citizens in terms of life skills, career choices and academic development outside the classroom.

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
• Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

• Critical thinking skills, experiential learning       and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

• Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.

1. To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
2. To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
3. To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
4. To further develop independent learning techniques.
5. To foster critical evaluation.

Bringing together students and staff from across Art & Design programme disciplines, this module will provide students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of graduate and professional development in Art & Design. 

Following the module introduction, a series of guest lectures by recent graduates and early, mid-career and high-level Art and Design professionals, will introduce students to practitioner-oriented career pathways within the creative and cultural industries. Guest lectures will reflect the interests, concerns and dynamic of the student body within the module providing both programme specific information and exemplars alongside content applicable to all Art & Design undergraduates.  

Module content will in particular focus on enabling students to critically identify the context of their practice/design work and how it might be developed within a graduate, professional environment. This could include the development of a portfolio practice, specific art and design employment opportunities, or those facilitated by transferable skills. Documentation and reflection on module content will be used to develop an individual position, refine a portfolio and a career pathway plan that will assist student journeys from undergraduate study to graduation and employability.

Modules aims are to:

• Explore and develop a functional knowledge of professional contexts in relation to employability and independent practice within the creative and cultural industries
• Identify and enhance subject specific and transferable skills in the context of individual professional aspirations and trajectories
• Gain insight and experience in promotional strategies, marketing, communication and dissemination of information as it relates to personal creative practice
• Recognise and understand the importance of key ethical and moral issues in relation to professional practice in Art and Design
• Engage with collaborative opportunities to enhance understanding of professional practice networks and structures

This module gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to undertake advanced study of a design issue. The chosen research topic will reflect the interrelated nature of their theoretical and practical studies in design practice.

In this module students will research and investigate a chosen subject related to their personal practice and write an extended design study. This module will consist of:·        

• Seminars and lectures on research skills and methods in relation to academic writing which stimulate a critical analysis of the key themes and debates which inform design practice.
• Self-directed research evidenced in the development of a Learning Agreement to guide the research project and a Contextual Journal to collate research findings, neither assessed.

• Identify and independently pursue a specific research topic evidencing links to personal design practice.
• Develop the skills and confidence necessary to independently research their subject in order to inform professional practice within a range of design related areas.
• Apply the appropriate methods and skills of academic writing which evidence an advanced understanding of the links between practice and theory.

Graphic Design as a practice is multifaceted and encompasses many disciplines. Students graduating from a degree in graphic design are moving into a competitive market where the necessity to stand out from the crowd is essential. Combined Honours students have the benefit of knowledge and expertise in two areas of creative practice that offers a unique perspective on the creative process. By harnessing and highlighting the convergence of two distinct area of practice, this module allows students to develop and celebrate the interconnection between their two disciplines. Working with their tutors, students will negotiate a path that will allow for the exploration of the integration of their two subjects. Students will identify areas within their creative practices where an interdisciplinary approach would be appropriate and will develop solutions to problems identified through research, engaging with the theoretical, contextual and practical aspects of both areas of their study.

To facilitate the development of a professional level of interdisciplinary practice, through the exploration and realisation of negotiated self directed brief/s that demonstrates the ability to manage time and resources effectively, administer a personal workload and meet appropriate deadlines.

Including:

• The analysis and review of existing skills, knowledge and understanding, with the intention of identifying uncertainty, ambiguity and limits, in relation to the integration of multiple disciplines.
• The development of a negotiated project, that addresses recognised needs while consolidating existing skills, knowledge and understanding, which will clearly position the individual within an identified area of interdisciplinary practice.
• The application of design thinking in the form of research for, through and about design in order to identify, define and solve problems relevant to individual interdisciplinary practice.
• The investigation of relevant ideas, tools and techniques in order to acquire and apply knowledge, that challenges, or is informed by interdisciplinary practice and/or thinking at the boundaries of the discipline.
• The visual articulation and realisation of design intentions that evidence contextual relevance, critical analysis, reflection and individual authorial confidence.

There are a diverse number of disciplines within the graphic creative industries. Designers may work as freelancers, as part of a permanent design group or may form project specific groups for various projects or clients. While the diverse range of activities cannot be predicted or accounted for there are a set of core skills and principles that will apply to all design practitioners. This module seeks to address those skill sets and requirements in order to prepare the students for the key principles of business and production management, presentation, client handling and design practice. 

During this module students will be required to demonstrate entrepreneurial skills, team working and work flow management via professional presentations and print production. Students will be required to present ideas and concepts regularly to peers and to respond to and offer peer feedback. This module is comprised of two sections; the first involves the investigation of business concepts and entrepreneurial opportunities. Student teams will present a business plan evidencing concepts of marketing, basic financial management, production and distribution. 

The second part of this module is comprised of dealing with a live client brief. Under the supervision of an industry professional who will be acting as a creative director / studio manager, students will investigate and respond to an external client brief. They will research and investigate the requirements for the client. Students will produce ideas and designs in response to the brief and demonstrate their design concepts and artifacts via professional presentation to the client.

Enable students to develop an understanding of the business requirements for Graphic Design, through team-work, negotiated skills and understanding of professional requirements and judgments for presentation, printing and production.

The following is an indication of subjects that may be covered during this module:

• Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills, understand and respond to changes in the brief and unpredictability during a client project.
• Manage and guide a ‘project pipline’ in a professional manner from concept through to production.
• Professionally present and pitch their ideas and creative concepts to a client audience.
• Critically reflect and make judgements on their own working practices and that of their peers during team scenarios.

Generic content will cover the time management, structure, organisation, referencing and writing style required for a dissertation. Content will also cover research methods - appropriate for each student's individual research. This may include content analysis, discourse analysis, semiotic analysis, secondary and primary research, qualitative and quantitative research, and others as and when relevant. The dissertation is an independent research project in negotiation, with and supported by, a supervisor. The content of meetings will be driven by the student's individual research topic, progress and response to feedback.

The module aims to:

• Develop extensive and sophisticated specialist knowledge articulated to a very high standard in academic written work.
• Successfully manage research study and writing process to meet interim and final deadlines.
• Produce research and analysis which reflects an interpretative and critically reflective study.
• Develop a rigorous understanding of appropriate research methods.
• Develop the ability to negotiate a topic for independent research and justify the viability of that research.
• Assist in development of a topic based on a research question or other appropriate context of research.
• Accurately record, present and reference material from a range of different sources.