Graphic Design

Students are expected to attend a wide range of workshops (including CAD and website skills, research skills, printmaking, photography, illustration and life-drawing), access the libraries on both campuses and attend taught sessions by module leaders. At other times students will also participate in work experience, enrichment activities and group activities - to get the most out of the course full engagement is essential. A part-time route is available.

The course provides the opportunity for students to develop individual questioning attitudes. These attitudes are developed through the execution of practical design assignments in the four key areas of typography, photography, illustration and computer aided design.

In Design Projects students use problem solving techniques to reach clear objective design decisions - using analysis, conceptual development and graphic applications using elements such as photography, multimedia and typographic design.

In Visual Studies students investigate a variety of media - including drawing, photography, printmaking and concept drawing skills. These underpin the visualising skills crucial to designers.

In the work-based learning modules students cover essential concepts of creative management and problem-solving techniques. Design and the production and distribution processes are covered in order to develop designers who can realise their creative ideas and successfully liaise with printing and publishing professionals.

In Contextual Studies, students expand their ideas through the assimilation and research of historical and cultural topics across a broad educational spectrum, with integrated linkages to project work in other key areas.

These areas concurrently promote the development the individual as a self aware and responsible person, with the ability to work directly in the creative industry/extend their studies to higher levels.

• Staff with industry experience
• Good facilities - including a designated Mac suite with use of industry standard equipment and software and well equipped studios
• Small course numbers therefore good attention from teaching and facilitating team
• Strong ethos on employability skills alongside academic enquiry
• Excellent links with The University of Northampton's Graphics team and University facilities

Stage one

• Visual and Material Culture 1
• Design Projects 1
• Work-based Learning in the Arts
• Visual Studies

Stage two

• Visual and Material Culture 2
• Design Projects 2
• Work-based Professional Practice in the Arts
• Visual Studies 2

Newark , Q. (2007) what is Graphic Design? Rotovision

Heller, S. Ilic, M. (2001) Icons of Graphic Design. Thames and Hudson

Hyland, A. The Picture Book: Contemporary Illustration. Laurence King Publishing

Ogilvy, D. (2007) Ogilvy on Advertising Prion Books Ltd

Berger, W. (2003) Advertising Today. Phaidon Press Ltd.

Millman, D. (2008) How to Think Like a Great Designer. Allworth Press

McCandless, D.(2010) Information is Beautiful. Collins

Taylor, F. (2010) How to Create a Portfolio and Get Hired. Laurence King

Conway , H. (1987) Design History, a Students' Handbook. Routledge

Journals: Eye, Creative Review, Wired, Dot Dot Dot, Baseline, Design Week, Blueprint, Varoom

Websites: www.diesignobserver.com, www.welovetypography.com, www. notcot.org, www.illustrationweb.com, www.mocoloco.com, www.baselinmagazine.com

Students are assessed for four elements: Creative, Technical, Professional and Contextual skills.

All assignments are assessed at regular intervals. Deadlines are given and students are expected to meet them. Work is also externally assessed by The University of Northampton and also by an external examiner at the end of each academic year. Employers/practitioners in the industry are also invited in for critical feedback.

At the end of the second year, students exhibit their work in the end of year 'Creative Show' which is open to the public, prospective employers and local media.

Studios with individual and group workspaces, Mac suites and access to wide range of practical studios. Learning and research resources including Virtual Learning Environment linked to the library resource centres.

• Projects and assignments - staff initiated/external including competitions and live briefs
  
• Self-initiated projects
• Seminars, critiques, discussion as part of studio learning within media teaching as well as extending theoretical applications
• Lectures, whole group teaching, practical activity, small group practical skill workshops and demonstrations
• Enrichment activities - trips and visiting speakers
• Group and individual tutorial

Third year 'top-up' to BA Graphic Communication at The University of Northampton . Employment in graphic design, photography, multimedia, publishing, fashion design, website design, product design, packaging design, animation, games development and design, TV graphics or freelance graphic design.

The college has links to employers in the industry for work experience opportunities. Many of the assignments are linked 'live-project' work - creating design work for businesses, charities, organisations and also include 'in-house' marketing materials.

Residential trips as part of enrichment are included in the course.