Graphic Design Communication – BA (Hons)

This module focuses on the fundamental principles of Graphic Design Communication. Through projects and skills-based assignments, students develop a range of conceptual, creative, critical, collaborative and practical skills. They learn to explore, experiment and make use of a variety of design processes, practices, tools and methodologies through areas such as advertising and editorial design.

The aim of this module is to demonstrate the significance of twentieth century design and the contexts from which it emerges, providing students with models of analytical evaluation of the design (and art) of the period. To develop students’ critical engagement with significant developments within their practice. To develop students’ ability to participate in debate and discussion in relation to concepts presented in the course, to question contexts in which art/design is created and meanings produced, applying different approaches in the evaluation ideas and artworks/artefacts relevant to a given topic.

This module builds on what was achieved in Semester 3 and will emphasise the importance of research, idea generation, analysis, reflection and collaboration within the process of creative problem-solving. Learners will be introduced to new and innovative strategies for thinking and ideation with emphasis on communication, while developing core competencies that underpin graphic design practice. Indicative projects in this module include brand identity and design for screen.

The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of graphic design communication practice in preparation for practice/placement/exchange in Year Three of the programme. Students will gain an understanding of the graphic design industry, a knowledge of key agencies/practitioners and become familiar with the broad and diverse range of roles a graphic designer can achieve.

The aim of this module is to demonstrate the significance of twentieth century and twenty-first century design and the contexts from which it emerges, providing students with models of analytical evaluation of the design of the period. To demonstrate a variety of methods of critical engagement with design, introducing the idea of an inter-disciplinary approach to the interpretation of design and visual culture from diverse periods. To assist students in situating their practice within appropriate contexts. To develop students’ ability to participate in debate and discussion in relation to concepts presented in the course, to question contexts in which design is created and meanings produced, applying different approaches in the evaluation of ideas and artefacts relevant to a given topic.

Students will work on challenging design projects and assignments and expanding their understanding of the design profession. Projects in areas such as design strategy and UX/UI will address a variety of issues across social, cultural and environmental contexts, where learners will experience how the designer can engage, interact with and respond to these contexts while critically reflecting how they can influence change.

In this module, students will produce a portfolio of work that articulates their practice within a range of professional contexts and will gain the knowledge, skills and ability to approach graphic design practitioners in order to secure placement opportunities or to engage in design practice or avail of the Erasmus Student Exchange programme.

The aim of this module is to facilitate debate and discussion in relation to concepts presented in the module. To develop the students’ ability to analyse and evaluate contexts in which art and design practices evolve and meaning are produced largely from the viewpoint of the practicing artist and designer.

In this module, students will gain advanced skills in the graphic design process, approaches and techniques and how they translate into design communication solutions in preparation for practice/placement/exchange.

This module can be achieved in a number of pathways:

Placement affords students an opportunity to gain experience of working in the design industry through placement within a graphic design agency or related design field.

Practice asks students to put their learning into action in the context of professional design practice by taking on an individual or collaborative project including but not limited to environmental, community or partner-led industry projects.

Exchange offers an opportunity for students to study in a foreign country and to experience a new learning environment with partner colleges, universities and academies across the European Erasmus Network.

This module will further the independent learning skills of the student. It will extend the students’ ability to generate and sustain critical debate in relation to a specified topic of personal interest. It will foster transferable skills in research, planning, analysis and communication. It allows students a testing ground for the formats for delivery available to them in year four before embarking on their final year project

This module builds on what has been achieved through Practice/Placement/Exchange in Year Three, where students are encouraged to explore and refine design knowledge, skills and techniques through a range of challenging briefs in order to develop their own design interests and future career aspirations.

The aim of this module is to devise a substantial, self-directed academic research project within the field of visual culture, allowing for the student to build on their core skills in research, writing and critical analysis. It allows for students to select a topic area of their choice and tease out a contributory line of inquiry within. Individual one-to-one tutorials support students in their learning and help them to synthesise their findings from a range of source material, which have been considered in depth. This module provides our students with transferable skills applicable across all LSAD undergraduate programmes.

As this is the final module, students are given the opportunity to define themselves as designers through the completion of a negotiated major project which will allow them to bring together their learning and experiences on the programme while focusing on future career paths.