This module is designed for design students who wish to develop their digital skills in their practice. This module will enable students to acquire the skills and competencies to represent designs and ideas graphically using digital tools and software. Participants will develop a firm understanding of digital tools associated with their chosen design pathway. Learners will develop skills through a series of demonstrations, direct experience and focused reflection.

On completion, learners will have gained experience in navigating a range of industry standard digital tools with focused learning in their core pathways.

1. Identify professional practices and production processes for digital design

2. Recognise key theoretical principles, skills and technologies involved in the production of digital design

3. Transform analogue concepts into digital form

4. Prepare digital artwork, using a range of techniques and software, for both digital and print media

5. Apply key design principles, skills and technologiesin the production of digital designs

6. Produce a coherent body of design work using digital tools to a presentation standard

This module provides an overview of the role of design in contemporary society, and design methodologies to address the challenges faced by people and planet. Contemporary theories and principles of design including sustainable, universal and service design will be explored. Global strategies and reports pertaining to complex design problems will be referenced and innovative contemporary designers and their platforms will also be discussed.

1. Define a design problem in comprehensive terms and viewpoints.

2. Research, develop and evaluate alternative ideas and possible solutions to complex design problems

3. Write and present clearly articulated, factually supported, critical reflections on a topic from the lecture series employing academic methods of research and citation

4. Apply knowledge of design theory and principles to the analysis of case studies in both written and verbal presentations.

5. Interpret and critique the effectiveness of various design methodologies in addressing the issues that impactcontemporary society.

Visual Communications aims to develop student's ability to give visual form to information, ideas and emotions. The module will stress visual problem-solving and conceptual solutions in order to create meaningful communications. While exploring the creative communications process the student will engage with theoretical and practical principles of the discipline (type, image, layout, visual principles) in order to create effective visual communications. Students will learn how to position a project in respect of its target audience(s). Exploration and experimentation in making will be central to the activities. Students will explore critical and contextual aspects of their discipline with lectures on design theory and student seminars on current and historical practices and practitioners.

1. Follow an iterative design development process (research, define, ideate, prototype, test), working to a brief and in a timely manner.

2. Understand and apply the principles of graphic design (colour, image, type, layout, grid systems and material qualities) in written and visual practice.

3. Demonstrate the ability to develop, iterate and critically evaluate a concept based on self-evaluation, peer and lecturer feedback.

4. Describe and critique graphic design work, processes and technical issues using appropriate design vocabulary.

5. Demonstrate the ability to integrate learning from associated modules (Typography, Illustration, Digital Tools,etc.) into the briefs.

6. Position communicationsappropriate to a projects market and target audience.

The fundamentals of drawing, illustration, printing, composition, narrative and sequence are studied through iterative research and development. Students will explore a wide range of techniques and methods for creating image-based visual language. The module encourages students to develop their problem-solving and image-making skills to develop work that is both conceptually and aesthetically communicative. As illustrators, students will respond to brief and be tasked with visually communicating ideas relevant to the communications aims, content and target audience. This module will also look at the breadth of emerging opportunities for illustrators, current practices and practitioners.

1. Conceive and develop imagery that communicates a message.

2. Demonstrate exploratory research and develop ideas using a range of media and approaches.

3. Describeformal qualities of imageryusing discipline specific terminology.

4. Appraise the viability of their own design solutions and that of peers through participation in seminar discussion and group critiques.

5. Identify practitioners working in thefield.

This module gives students formal exposure to typography. The module covers typographic formalism, classifications, anatomy, hierarchy and typographic history. Students will examine basic typography as a compositional tool, grid systems as a compositional aid, the architecture of type from single letterforms to typesetting multipage documents. Projects will include opportunities for personal expression and experimentation typographically.

1. Develop functional and visually engaging compositions using type.

2. Use a variety of grid systems to develop compositions invisual designs.

3. Distinguish between denotative and connotative type designs.

4. Discuss typographic form usingindustry standard terminology.

5. Use type expressively to convey feeling /emotion.

6. Apply basic typesetting rules to a page of type.

Work Based Learners will participate in a seminar series which will develop their theoretical knowledge, writing and presentation skills, while offering them the opportunity to apply this to active learning situations.

There will be an emphasis on preparing for independent research with a focus on methodologies that can be applied towards an Extended Essay for level 7 or onwards to a level 8 dissertation if they choose to progress to the Higher level BA stage.

The Seminar Series will commence with workshops delivered that respond to current trends in design theory, practice and research.

Learners may present topics based on their experiential learning while completing their professional practice and projects module.

Delivery will be fully online to accommodate remote placement of learners throughout the year.

1. Demonstrate ability to source and critically reviewpublished literatureon design theory and case studies,themes and issues in contemporary design.

2. Synthesise a review of literature with their own critical thinkingin awritten essayfully supported with academic referencing and illustrations

3. Deliver a Seminar Presentation of their researchto peers using current online presentation tools.Actively engage peers in discussion and participate and contribute todialogue during peer seminar presentations

4. Bring previous knowledge of design history and theoryto the analysis of the consequences and impact of historic practices oncontemporary design solutions

5. Source innovative international case studies of contemporary design that exemplify current theories and best practice

6. Contributeto group discourse in the online space in which the seminar series is delivered and present both written and presentation content in an e-portfolio along with other modules from level 7.

This module is designed for design students who wish to deepen their digital skills in the context of their practice. The module builds on the competencies learned Digital Tools 1, and prepares students for implementing modern digital skills in the workplace. This module will enable students to develop the skills and competencies to represent designs and ideas graphically using digital tools and software. Participants will develop a deep understanding of digital tools associated with their chosen design discipline. Learners will develop skills through a series of demonstrations, tutorials, direct experience and focused reflection.

On completion learners will have strengthened their competency in using a range of industry standard digital tools with focused learning in their core pathways.

Product Design – This module develops the learner's use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems and their application for the realisation of 2 and 3 dimensional images of design concepts. It employs currently used industry-standard software and stresses the value of computer based visual data to professional designers, particularly in respect to the speed of producing or updating visualisations, drawings, models and to their communication.

1. Recognise the relationships between design technology,production,the individual, society and the environmentwithin contemporary design practices.

2. Select appropriate techniques and software to transpose design ideas into digital form and environments.

3. Express solutions in response to scenarios through problem solving, experimentation and testing ideas within the digital environment.

4. Apply the features of design software to implement geometric concepts and principles.

5. Generate enhanced visualisations ofdesign conceptsusing industry-standardsoftware.

6. Prepare technical drawings and specifications in accordance with relevant standards.

7. Compose multimedia presentations which clearly express design information and embody design intentions.

This module normally involves a year long professional practice and/or project a design company, department or other organisation involved in design. Learners combine experience in the day-to-day operations of the organisation with projects selected to enhance the learners skills and provide benefits to the organisation. Some learners may be based on campus while carrying out their professional practice work. Learners can complete 26 weeks focused on an industry project or professional placement, or can complete a semester long project and a semester long professional practice.

1. Work as productive member of a team in a design company, department or other organisation involved in design.
2. Apply learning, working as a professional in the design sector
3. Analyse and solve real-world problems
4. Develop professional practice in project work – quality, deadlines, budgets etc.

This module involves a semester-long professional project (or projects) in a design discipline to be undertaken on campus. The project will provide learners with practical, hands-on experience with projects selected to enhance the learner's skills and problem-solving abilities to address real challenges and produce tangible outcomes. Undertaking professional projects on campus aims to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application by immersing students in a simulated professional design project setting.

1. Work independently or collaboratively towards the completion of project objectives.
2. Apply theoretical learning to practical problems in a design discipline.
3. Analyse and solve real-world problems.
4. Develop professional practice in project work i.e. communication, quality, deadlines, budgets.

This module involves a semester-long professional practice in a design company, department or other organisation involved in design. Learners combine experience in the day-to-day operations of the organisation with projects selected to enhance the learner's skills and provide benefits to the organisation. In addition to using practical skills in a real-world environment, students will develop valuable soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Undertaking professional practice for industry provides learners with invaluable real-world experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application.

1. Work as a productive member of a team in a design company, department or other organisation involved in design.
2. Apply theoretical learning to practical problems in a design discipline.
3. Analyse and solve real-world problems.
4. Develop professional practice in project work i.e. communication, quality, deadlines, budgets.

This module engages learners in in-depth understanding of project management processes, methods and activities. Through the practical application of project management theories learners will engage in a team-based project to prepare, organise and carry out a project in response to a given design brief. The learners will negotiate their position within a multidisciplinary design team to design, develop and create a collaborative body of work to meet industry and sustainability standards.

1. Evaluate and apply project management concepts, techniques and standards in design projects,todesign and create/produce/manufacture projectsto a professional standard.

2. Use project management systems to structureaproject,job tasks, estimate costs, schedule and manage execution.

3. Analysethe complexities of team-based management.

The Dissertation module is designed to provide learners with the support and tuition to pursue independent research and writing leading to specialist knowledge on a selected topic within their design discipline. Learners are encouraged to select a research topic directly related to their current studio practice and utilise the UN Sustainable development goals to inform their research topic further. Learners are required to undertake research on an approved topic using appropriate research methodology. The dissertation will be undertaken throughout the duration of the academic year with key staged deadlines and ongoing formative feedback. A series of seminars will take place in the first semester and there will be a student led seminar presentations on their research to develop their presentation skills and discursive ability. In the second semester, the emphasis will be on individual tutorial supervision towards completion of the written work which should be approximately 8,000 words (not including bibliography, footnotes, appendix, and cover sheet).

1. Determine a topic for investigation engaging with relevant design theories, principles and examples.

2. Demonstrate research skills and systematic methodology in the location and accessing of appropriate information through libraries, electronic databases and other resources.

3. Synthesise analytical and critical skills in the evaluation of examples of objects of craft and design, with integrated supporting references to published texts.

4. Generate a considered argument, logically structuring relevant evidence in support of the case being made applying standard methods of citation and bibliography.

5. Exhibit writing skills that articulate a clear expression of ideas, insights and conclusions.

The final year is concerned with developing a body of work for the students' portfolio. Students undertake a student-led major project which consolidates certain emergent skill sets along with design theory and critical and contextual studies. Attention will be drawn to research methods for designers and evaluating graphic design exhibitions and graduate work. Students will explore a number of existing and self-initiated briefs and develop a Major Project by end of year. The project is developed through cycles of planning, research, ideation, design development and iteration, testing and implementation. Students are supported by peers and supervisors in the development of work for exhibition.

1. Define, research and present a suitableproposal for MajorProject.

2. Identify and research target audience(s) relevant to theproposed project.

3. Design and apply a relevant research methodology.

4. Show evidence of self-evaluation, peer evaluation and responding to lecturer feedback as part of iterative project development.

5. Conceive, design and implement a visual communications project for exhibition (either online or in person).

6. Synthesise the skills and knowledge accrued during the programme.

This module explores the role of interactive and time-based media within graphic design. The module is aimed at graphic design students so that they can realise design concepts in an interactive or motion graphic form. This module gives the graphic design student the opportunity to consider the implications and possibilities of emerging media technology upon graphic design. Comprehension of design methodologies and practice will be demonstrated through the creation of an interactive or motion design product.

1. Recognise how principles of user experience / motion designmay be applied to contemporary practices in the creation of design for screen.

2. Express solutions in response to scenarios through problem solving, experimentation and testing ideas within the digital environment.

3. Apply research strategies and a design process to the development of professional digital design solutions.

4. Select appropriate technical skills to address project problems in the realisation of a digital design solution.

5. Produce original visual communication intended specifically for an interactive and screen-based interface.

This module explores the book beyond its conventional place as a carrier of text. It aims to consider the book as an object in its own right and as a means of presenting ideas through briefed and self-directed projects. Learners will be introduced to traditional non-adhesive and adhesive binding techniques through detailed practical demonstrations. Learners will also be introduced to the principles of self-publishing using analog and digital printing methods. Detailed presentations on how the book format is utilised in contemporary design practice will also be examined and discussed.

1. Display a specialised knowledge of traditional and contemporary bookbinding techniques.

2. Explore how the book format iscontextually and conceptually applied to design practice and exhibit an expanded awareness of contemporary practitioners.

3. Show an ability to conceive, plan and complete a project, incorporating various components and elements of book design into a coherent unit.

4. Engage in intensive focused research and development strategies.

This module will encourage students to use their personal career ambitions to position their practice within a professional context. Students will engage with a series of lectures, seminars and workshops related to possible pathways in design practice and industry. The module will address pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and business start-up, including topics such as internship opportunities and competing in design competitions. The module will provide students with multiple opportunities to research and meaningfully engage with external agencies to explore and identify professional context including progression to employment, self-employment, or postgraduate study.

1. Integrate entrepreneurship, business and competitive considerations towards the development their professional practice.

2. Exploreprofessionalenvironmentsand apply strategic thinking to their own career pathway development in the design/creative sector.

3. Produce effective self-promotional materialto developa creativepractice in a professional and ethical manner.