Graphic Communication BA (Hons) - Study at Freshart College in Cyprus

Fresh College of Arts > Graphic Design > Graphic Communication BA (Hons)

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Course Title	Graphic Communication BA (Hons)
Length of Study	4 years / 5-6 years Part-Time
Award by	UON – Approved by CYQAA
Level	6
Start Date	September
Credits	120
Campus	City Centre
Tuition Fees	€7000 / per year
Study Grant	Up to €3417 *

*Study Grant may only provided by certain socioeconomic criteria are met according to the relevant legislation.

Graphic Communication BA (Hons) is all about creatively designing and sharing ideas. From typography and packaging to advertising, 2D and 3D digital design to illustration, you will learn a range of constructing techniques and software applications to respond perfectly to any relevant market requirements. You will be given design briefs by your tutors and from real industry professionals. You will also have the chance to work on competition briefs to realize industry regulations and needs.

Overview

The Graphic Communication course reinforces and provides you with all the technical, conceptual, promotional and design skills you will need to work in the creative industries, or progress onto a postgraduate course. You will understand the purpose of contemporary graphic design through studio practice, specialist media workshops, lectures and seminars in a professional environment. You will have open access to studios and get all the benefits of our excellent facilities for digital media, printmaking and photography. You will also have the opportunity to focus on typography and illustration paths. Besides design practice, you will gain in-depth knowledge of marketing and promotional skills.

In addition to classroom learning and practice, this course includes a selection of design briefs. Some will be set by your tutors, some you will decide yourself and others will be real-world competitions and design awards. There will be opportunities to work on live projects, attend design conferences and undertake work experience, as well as a range of international visits. We also host visiting professionals so you get hands-on teaching and advice.

Our Objective

Our main and absolute objective is to create competent graduates, able to respond perfectly to any relevant industry requirements, but mostly to provide them with the appropriate skills and knowledge to become leaders in the field by creating exceptional results through their “dare full” expressive and aesthetically developed style.

COURSE CONTENT

Graphic Communication course offers you a stimulating environment where we will encourage you to develop your own individual aesthetic signature. We will place an emphasis on technical and digital skills development, balanced by creative exploration and material investigation.

Over the first two years you will be introduced to the related industry requirements and practical techniques, you will acquire sound knowledge of the Graphic and Digital principles, technical and design skills, which will lead you to define your area of specialization. In the third year you will be able to define your own professional style and to produce outcomes for areal client’s brief, and get prepared for your final year to become a professional Graphic Designer presenting your own unique designs.

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

YEAR 4

STAGE 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The 1^st year of study is mostly investigational, experimental and research based, in order to start defining the perspectives of the fields of specialization. Technical workshops will take place so you will start developing the appropriate practical skills that will lead you to better understand the course specifications and values, and you will be introduced, technically and conceptually, to the course and to industry expectations.

When you successfully complete our 1^st year of study, you can proceed to the 2^ndyear of our Bachelor’s Degree.

MODULES STRUCTURE

Specialization Roles in the Industry and Design Development – Contextual Studies (60 credits)

Module Code: FA/AD01/01

Art & Design Techniques & Idea Processes (part set assignment) (60 credits)

Module Code: FA/AD01/02

STAGE 2

During the 2^ndyear of your studies the emphasis will be placed on developing practical skills in Graphic and Digital design utilizing the technology for your own creative work and practice. You will learn and develop a range of 2D and 3D skills in typography and packaging design, through digital, cut and print experimentations. You will develop knowledge of typographic and digital principles in the production by exploring typographic technologies and processes, product strategies and packaging prototypes supporting a given brief. You will produce and present a series of digital design suggestions, covering many areas of promoting the product by analyzing and producing work based on Graphic Design principles and regulations. By the end of the year you will create a full promotional package of a product, including alternative solutions from the starting point, to the final presentation.

When you successfully complete our 2^nd year of study, you can proceed to the 3^rd year of our Bachelor’s Degree, earning an HNC Diploma (Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Art and Design-Graphic Design) as well. The HNC Diploma gives you the opportunity (a) to cash it in and earn a Diploma, (b), to continue for one more year and earn an HND (Higher National Diploma), (c) to continue your studies for two more years and earn a Bachelor’s Degree (from UON, University of Northampton) at our College.

MODULES STRUCTURE

Visual and Material Culture 1 (20 Credits)

Module code: 2DD1003

The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to design history and theory. Inquiry ranges from early industrial society progressing through time to contemporary visual cultures and so doing establishes a historiographical study of design practice and theory.

Professional Studies 1 (20 Credits)

Module code: 2DD1006

The purpose of this module is to develop fundamental and critical understanding of how graphic communication functions in contemporary culture and the creative industries through exploring and developing the essential attributes needed by a creative practitioner.

Experimental Practice 1 (Graphic Communication) (40 Credits)

Module code: 2DD1028

This module enables students to experiment with a range of media and techniques through practice-based investigations that focus on the communication of ideas and messages in both literal and non-literal ways exploring the progressive boundaries without the constraints of clients audiences or other factors associated with a traditional brief.

Design Projects 1 (40 Credits)

Module code: 2DD1029

This module provides grounding in Graphic Design principles by exploring the creative design process from brief to final outcome through a series of projects and workshop tasks. The module focuses on creativity as a tool for problem solving introducing methods of research idea generation visualisation and presentation.

STAGE 3

Your studies will become more challenging in the third year as you craft your professional portfolio. You will already be familiar with specialized CAD software and applications, digital and graphic principles and you will have the opportunity to work on live briefs from external agencies in the professional studies module, and tutor-led competitions that will lead you to understand, get prepared and respond to any relevant national and international design industry. Alongside this work, you will begin to explore research-led experimental design as well as enhance your own style development.

During the 3^rd year of your studies, you will have the opportunity to choose some of your projects to do them at the University of Northampton (UON) for a certain period of time (this is optional).

When you successfully complete our 3^rd year of study, you can proceed to the 4^th and final year of our Bachelor’s Degree.

MODULES STRUCTURE

Design Projects 2 (40 Credits)

Module code: 2DD2004

The purpose of this module is to enable students to work across a broad range of commercial social and cultural briefs utilising traditional new and emerging technologies whilst addressing the relationships between designer client and audience through their technical skills and individual perspectives on visual language and creative problem solving.

Experimental Practice 2 (40 Credits)

Module code: 2DD2005

The purpose of this module is to develop a fundamental critical and contextual knowledge and understanding of the illustration industry whilst also gaining research and reflective skills necessary to define situate and articulate their own practice.

Visual and Material Culture 2 (20 Credits)

Module code: 2DD2008

The purpose of this module is to help students become familiar with a broad range of design and culture-led research methods and approaches through engagement with critical analytical models written responses student-led investigation and the production presentation-based ideas and information.

Professional Studies 2 (20 Credits)

Module code: 2DD2009

The purpose of this module is to enable students to evaluate and explore the professional role of the designer within the creative industries gaining understanding of professional project management and the processes involved in running freelance and live group projects whilst identifying and applying strategies to progress their career development.

STAGE 4

During your final year you will work on a mix of design briefs and undertake a major assignment or dissertation. You will have more authority of your work and you will be able to negotiate the content of your portfolio, however you will have tutorial and workshop supervision for your design dissertation. The year will culminate in an exhibition as part of the College Show, in which you will be involved with designing and planning. Guests from the industry will be invited to portfolio reviews and studio critiques to help you develop your professional work.

When you successfully complete the 4^th (final year), you will earn a BA (Hons) Graphic Communication. You will become a professional Graphic Designer and fully equipped to succeed in the related industries. You will be fully prepared to lead in the field since the main target of our course, is to create graduates capable of developing and exploring their own unique and exceptional style and ideas.

MODULES STRUCTURE

Graphic Communication: Final Major Study (80 Credits)

Module code: 2DD3002

The purpose of this module is to enable students to work within the contexts of `designer as problem solver? and `designer as author? producing work profiling a wide range of technical/creative skills creating industry standard outcomes that recognise established Graphic Communication conventions for graduate employment or postgraduate study.

Graphic Communication: Dissertation (40 Credits)

Module code: 2DD4002

The purpose of this module is to support students in the production of their dissertation; presenting their skills in written communication developing individual research and analysis skills exploring a range of knowledge bases and expanding their capacity to present ideas effectively whilst developing their theoretical and/or analytical approaches and interests.

METHOD OF TEACHING

We take a range of approaches to teaching, to help you learn in the best way for you. There will be tutors, live and competition design project briefs, tutor-led studio activities and independent study, group seminars and critiques, individual tutorial sessions, specialist workshops with industry partners and client presentations. You will get feedback throughout the year, orally, in writing and online.

Your schedule of study will be a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and technical demonstrations, usually for 8 -10 hours per week, depending on your level of study. In addition, we recommend that you spend around 10 hours per week in self-directed study time. You will have access to technical facilities and studios in your own time.

ASSESSMENTS

Our students will be assessed through a range of graphic design assignments, including:

• Practical work: project presentations, self-assessment and personal reflection are encouraged.

• Theory: Essay writing or dissertation.

Students who do not complete the Honors Degree will be eligible for an Ordinary Degree in the named subject upon successful completion of a minimum of 60 Level 6 credits. These can be from any Level 6 modules (final year of studies), whether identified as compulsory or designated.

THE DEGREE SHOW

Final year students display their work at the annual Degree Show at both our Freshart Campuses, in Limassol and Paphos, and some will be selected to participate in an external Art Graduate Show in a public art exhibition venue.

MATERIALS, COMPETITIONS, EVENTS AND VISITS

Materials for workshops, entering competitions associated with your programme of study and necessary visits for your course are all made available at no additional charge.

An additional budget will be needed for printing costs, approximately €50 per year (for laser and large format printing) and any specialist design materials that you may require during the year, will be approximately €50 (depending on materials).

There are optional trips, both in Cyprus and overseas:
• Cyprus visits and trips will cost approximately €50 per year
• Overseas trips or visits will cost approximately €500 – 600 per trip

Display materials for your end-of-year show will cost approximately €50.

Starting a Bachelor’s Degree is a big step and we try our best to provide everything you will need from day one.

FACILITIES AND SPECIAL FEATURES

• The Graphic Design area has dedicated studios and a range of high quality workshops to enable the production of 2D and 3D work
• PC and Mac computer aided design suites as well as video editing suites
• Professional photography studios with day and controlled lighting
• Printmaking, wood and metal workshop facilities
• Strong links with industry, guest speakers and live project learning experiences
• Opportunities for work experience and internships are embedded within the curriculum
• Optional international study visits
• Modules to be optionally completed at the University of Northampton (UON) are part of the curriculum
• Emphasis is placed on students’ creative development whilst recognizing the importance of marketing and management skills

PROGRESSION COURSES

At Freshart College (FA) or at the University of Northampton in the UK (UON)
• MA in Fine Art at UON
• PGCE QTS Primary Education School Direct Route at UON

You could also continue along the academic route with a focused MA in any area of Graphic Communication.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Graphic Communication BA (Hons) opens the door to a range of creative careers. Our graduates can find employment as graphic designers, photographers, illustrators and web designers in studios, worldwide. You can establish your own design company and/or continue along the academic route with a focused MA in any area of Design.

Other job roles directly linked to this degree are:
• Advertising art director
• Layout Artist
• Brand Identity Designer
• Logo Designer
• Desktop Publisher
• Animator
• Creative director
• Printmaker
• Multimedia Designer

WORK EXPERIENCE

During the first 3 years of your studies, you may have the opportunity to participate in the College Final Show, presenting some of your work and help with the exhibition preparation. During your third year you might want to choose to combine a work placement though there will be other opportunities for placements throughout your course. We encourage you to make the most of these opportunities.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Year 1 entry:

To enter year 1 of Graphic Communication course (of a 4-year course) applicants are expected to send an online portfolio and to have:

2 GCE A’ Levels at a minimum grade C, one must be from the Art & Design field.

School Leaving Certificate (Apolytirion) overall grade 16 or above.

We also value professional experience and alternative qualifications accordingly, where necessary.

Online Portfolio Guidance

Year 2 or 3 entry:

Students with a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FAD) or a relevant HND with a suitable profile of achievement may be admitted into year two or three, accordingly.

A committee of specialist staff will review applications and might invite you for an interview (international students may be interviewed over Skype). A member of our academic team will discuss about your portfolio with you, your specialized skills, course details and your own expectations, and will also be ready to answer any questions you may have.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

How to apply

Depending on what and how you would like to study, you can fill in an online application form.

If you would like to apply for a full-time or a part-time study, distance or online learning, for undergraduate study, BA, HND, HNC, Foundation, please apply directly to the College.

Supporting documents for undergraduate courses

Please include the following documents with your completed application form:

Details of your English Language competence, for example, GCSE, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests or equivalent.
Certified copies of your school certificates and any other relevant qualifications. A certified copy is a photocopy that has an original, official stamp of your school, college or university on it.
At least one reference.

You can apply for any course at any time before the course starts. The normal closing date for applications is 15^th of May. Late applications are accepted but are not guaranteed the same level of consideration as applications made before 15^th of May.

Application Review and Decision

We will normally provide applicants with a decision within 30 days of the closing date. In case this should take longer, you will be notified.

If your application is successful and you are not required to attend an interview, you will receive a formal offer letter and further information about your course.

Changing my course once I have applied

You can change your course if you would like to, as long as you meet the entry requirements for the new course and there are places available. If the new course requires an interview you will need to attend this before being offered a place. You will have to submit your request to change your course in writing and send it by email to the admissions office.

APPLYING FOR DIRECT ENTRY INTO THE SECOND OR THIRD YEAR OF A COURSE

If you have completed academic studies that are equivalent to the first or second year of the course you are applying for, it may be possible to enter the course at the second or third year. You will need to provide a transcript or list of modules including how many credits they are worth. The Admissions Tutor will then consider the application.

PART-TIME STUDY

A lot of our courses can be completed part-time. Therefore, you can fit your studies around your life and we will make sure we shape your schedule based on your time availability. The majority of part-time courses start in October. Please apply as soon as possible to ensure we have your details before your course starts.

Entry requirements

When considering applications for part-time study, we assess personal, professional and educational experience, preferably relevant, to ensure that the course is a good match for you. Entry requirements vary, so please check individual courses for details.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

We encourage applications from all sections of the community, regardless of sex, marital status, age, responsibility for dependents, socio-economic status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation or disability.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

As a college, we work hard to ensure that students with disabilities are able to study successfully with us. If you have additional needs, we advise that you contact the administration office or course tutor as early as possible, so that you can discuss your needs.

MATURE STUDENTS

We care about equal opportunity in education, so mature students will be highly considered on equitable terms. We realize that life might have directed you to other specialized paths. Let’s fix it!

IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

We welcome applications from everyone and we know that relevant experience is just as valuable as qualifications. Whether experience is from your work, voluntary activities or independent study we still want to hear from you.

So, if you don’t meet all of the entry requirements for the course you would like to study, contact our Admissions team at the admissions email and let them know what other relevant experience you have.