Course may be subject to change.
This course aims to enhance the expertise, creativity and dedication required to successfully establish a career within your chosen specialism in design.
You can focus on your preferred specialist discipline such as graphic design, web design, textile design, multimedia design, or interior design, or take a broad and inventive multi-disciplinary approach based on what you want to see in your portfolio.
There is opportunity for external work placement and freelance design work to enhance your portfolio, and ensure you are developing the skills required to be a confident practitioner.
Entry Criteria
Standard Entry criteria:
- You should hold a Level 5 qualification at course commencement (HND/FdA/international equivalent 120 ECTS Credits) in a design related discipline.
- All external applicants must be interviewed with an art and design based portfolio (international applicants via internet/email).
- Evidence of digital literacy within portfolio to meet the needs of Level 6.
- To have or be working towards Level 2 or equivalent in English Language (or a minimum 5.5 IELTS in each band for international applicants).
Non-standard entry criteria:
- Evidence of appropriate creative experience or employment within the creative industries.
- All applicants with non-standard criteria must be interviewed with an art and design based portfolio (international applicants via internet/email respectfully).
- Evidence of digital literacy within portfolio to meet the needs of Level 6.
- To have or be working towards Level 2 or equivalent in English Language (or a minimum 5.5 IELTS in each band for international applicants).
To gain entry to the programme, you must satisfy the standard or non-standard entry requirements to the course. If you fulfil the non-standard entry requirements, your application will be considered on the basis of relevant work experience and attainment of skills, which demonstrate an ability to study at this level.
Given the wide experience of potential applicants to this course, applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Accreditation of Experiential Learning (APEL) are welcomed in accordance with Academic Regulations. However, these must be discussed as part of the admissions process as once a student is registered to a programme RPL/APEL may not be considered for approval.
Additional Costs
Additional costs will include general art and design materials, access to a digital camera and personal computer (Mac or PC) with Adobe Creative software. There will also be expenses for a yearly London visit, optional international visit, and costs associated with the mandatory presentation of creative outcomes in the final degree show exhibition.
What are the next steps?
You will a present a portfolio of art and design work and also be asked standard questions.
You will find out more about the course, resources and opportunities for progression, plus you will be shown the facilities within the department and possibly have the chance to see other learners on campus.
Please bring with you a sample of your creative work in the form of a portfolio (this could be digital and/or a traditional portfolio).
Study Aims
- Encourage development of innovative and professional design-based outcomes in a supportive work-related learning environment where visual communication is key
- Engage in academic activities and negotiated design-based projects, underpinned by personalised learning and individual focus, developing the skills and knowledge to undertake effective research for brief-based outcomes
- Promote engagement in industry focused design-based work, supporting enhancement of professional skills relevant to employment or freelance opportunities in design-based disciplines within the creative industries
Modules Studied
The programme contains the following three modules:
- Professional Context - Synthesise professional design skills through creative activity centred on self-promotion and creative portfolio building to support progression into a design focused career or further study.
- Design Research Study - Self-initiated and creatively designed in-depth research study on a topic of your choice.
- Final Major Project - Set your own self-initiated final major project(s) focussed on enhancing your personal style, opportunity for freelance, live work and work placements.
Times of Delivery
- Monday - 9am - 12pm, 2pm - 3pm
- Wednesday - 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 4pm
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
A range of teaching, learning and assessment strategies are incorporated into the programme and are appropriate for those studying at Level 6.
Personal Tutor System A comprehensive personal tutor system is in place to make sure you have a direct personal contact with an individual member of the course team, to discuss academic and personal matters relevant to your learning. You will be allocated a personal tutor when first registering to the course.
Academic Support In addition to support from your personal tutor, you will receive academic support from your module tutors. Support is given via tutorials at set intervals during the academic year and there is likely to be opportunity within some studio sessions for additional support.
Industry Links
This programme places focus upon the opportunity for you to engage in, and gain credit for, the development of industry based work. You will be given the opportunity to contribute to live client briefs with local and national organisations.
Placement
You will be encouraged to engage in work experience activities to enhance your portfolio and develop work based skills needed for progression.
You will have the skills required to progress into employment within your chosen specialism.
