POSTGRADUATE PROSPECTUS - MA Graphic Communication LEGISLATION 1. Aims The continuous growth, expansion, and extensive use of visual communication, requires the provision of appropriate postgraduate studies. The postgraduate degree in Graphic Communication aims in educating professionals in design and graphics with an in-depth knowledge, creativity, skills, aesthetics and preparation, in order to meet the increased working or research demands as well as effectively manage their related professions. The learning objectives of this postgraduate degree not only meet the requirements of the modern industry, but also satisfy the peculiar learning needs and expectations of the professionals and the potential students seeking clear focus and elaboration of both their theoretical knowledge and the practical skills. 2. Rationale for this program This program provides students with a comprehensive theoretical and practical training as well as with opportunities to explore the theoretical, creative, design and technical skills required in graphic communication. Emphasis is placed on cognitive development, research and analysis, creativity and aesthetics, as well as the development of independent critical thinking and collaboration, in order to achieve specialized and individualized creative work in a wide range of content, context and applications. 3. Entrance Criteria Students wishing to enroll in the program must possess the following qualifications: A degree in a related field with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 6.5/10, or equivalent, from a recognized and accredited university. Excellent knowledge of English. Graduates from a non-english speaking University may be required to produce evidence to prove their proficiency in English Language. As part of the application procedure candidates need to submit an application, a CV, official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, a personal statement about their goals and interests, and two letters of recommendations. Applications are assessed by the Graduate Program Committee of the Department. Applicants may be invited for an interview as part of the admissions procedure. Applicants
whose undergraduate degree was not directly related to the topic of the Master may be required to attend and pass specific undergraduate offered by the Department in order to be eligible to enroll in the post-graduate program. 4. Course Structure Postgraduate studies in Graphic Communication are consistent with the needs of working professionals. The program is aimed at students who wish to develop the necessary theoretical, research, analytical and practical skills needed for a successful career in the broad field of Graphic Communication, to the upper hierarchical level of the professions concerned. Table 1: Term 1 Code Title Compulsory/ Elective Prerequisite ECTS MGA541 Research methods Compulsory None MGA501 Modern History of Graphics and Design Compulsory None MGA502 Graphic Communication and Project Management Compulsory None Free elective course Elective None Table 2: Term 2 Code Title Compulsory/ Elective Prerequisite ECTS MGA503 Typography and Information Design Compulsory Term 1 MGA504 Advertising and Graphic Communication MGA505 Semiotics and Graphic Communication MGA506 Digital Applications of Graphic Communication Compulsory Term 1 Compulsory Term 1 Compulsory Term 1 Table 3: Term 3 Code Title Compulsory/ Elective Prerequisite ECTS MGA 580 Thesis Compulsory Terms 1 and 2 30
5. Course descriptions PILLAR 1: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS Research Methods ( ECTS) In order to work effectively both in the academic and workplace environment, students must be able to communicate appropriately and perform research in a rational and accountable manner. This requires both an understanding of the frameworks within which we communicate and gain knowledge and their legal and ethical dimensions, as well as the particular skills and techniques that make that possible. It also requires an active understanding of a range of professional issues. As a general graduate introduction to research methods, this course is designed to offer knowledge and cultivate skills necessary for designing and implementing common research projects. The course includes review of the basic components of the scientific method with emphasis on the process of conceptualizationoperationalization as well as on the most widely used measurement methods. Elementary to intermediate quantitative and qualitative data analysis are also included. Modern History of Graphics and Design ( ECTS) This course introduces the history of graphics and design ever since the second half of the 19th century until today. It also includes the terminology and analysis of the principles that enhance understanding of visual language through a historical overview of modern and postmodern graphic design. Attention is given to developments in engraving, typography, design books, animation as well as the social, cultural, historical and political contexts. Graphic Communication and Project Management ( ECTS) This course aims to develop an integrated proposal for a postgraduate project, and promote research and draft proposals that reflect the four different areas covered by the of the second pillar. This course provides the basis for further development in relation to the applied of pillar 2. At the same time, it promotes the knowledge related to the design process through various stages, including research, feasibility study, preliminary design, production planning, management and final production. Elective course from the other two postgraduate programs of the Department ( ECTS)
PILLAR 2: APPLICATIONS Typography and Information Design ( ECTS) This course explores the typography and design of complex problems in information graphics communication to prepare postgraduate students to develop and evolve their conceptual and creative skills, for the preparing and designing of signage systems, data visualization and mapping. This course will be relevant to the topic chosen and the proposal developed by students during the course "Graphic Design and Project Proposal." Advertising and Graphic Communication ( ECTS) The course aims to the enhancement of effective communication through the design of advertising in the context of contemporary visual culture through the development of creative thinking. Students develop the necessary research skills related to the approach, the promotion, the market and the target audience, resulting in the practical application of the creative process and organization design advertising. Semiotics and Graphic Communication ( ECTS) This course explores the visualization of speech in graphic communication, using theories of visual and applied Semiotics. Through various activities and individual research proposals students develop, formulate and explore their conceptual abilities in relation to the image, the text / typography, the materials and the context in which to transmit messages. Digital Applications of Graphic Communication ( ECTS) Students examine the use of digital technology in graphic design and its creative role as a means of communication in society and in contemporary arts. In addition, at this course students are invited to explore, to experiment, to study digital applications in modern graphic design focusing on effective communication with the desired audience / user to be able to identify innovative needs, emerging demands in the modern society, the market and contemporary arts. PILLAR 3: COMPLETION Thesis (30 ECTS)
6. Faculty Evripides Zantides (Assistant Professor Program coordinator) Evripides Zantides is Assistant Professor in the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts. He has a Master's degree in Graphic Fine Arts supported by a University scholarship from the University of Kent (UK), a BA(Hons) degree in Graphic Communication from the University of Wolverhampton (UK) and a diploma in Electrical Engineering from the Higher Technical Institute of Cyprus. He has presented papers in a number of international refereed conferences on Graphic Design Education, Typography and Visual Communication. He has been involved, with distinguished work, in refereed Art and Design Biennales and other international exhibitions. He taught for twelve years in tertiary education in Cyprus. He has been a member in international Graphic Design and Art refereed committees and he is the country delegate of Cyprus for ATypI, the International Typographic Association. His research interests are based on the importance of Semiology in audiovisualizing verbal language using image, text and sound. Nikos Souleles (Assistant Professor) He has a PhD in Instructional Technology with the focus on Art and Design, from the University of Lancaster (England). In addition, he has a Graduate certificate in Tertiary Education (Teaching qualification for Higher Education) from KvB Institute of Technology (Sydney, Australia), a Master of Design from the University of Western Sydney (Australia), and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), combined Political Science and History, University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia). His research interests can be encompassed in the following words and terms: interactivity, multimedia, e-learning in Art and Design and constructivist learning. Aspasia Papadima (Assistant Professor) Aspasia Papadima is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts. She has a Master s degree in Graphic Fine Arts from the University of Kent (UK), and a BA degree in Graphic Design from T.E.I. of Athens (Greece). She taught for ten years in tertiary education in Cyprus. In the past, she worked as a graphic designer in creative and advertising agencies in Greece and as an art director in the field of advertising in Cyprus. She has been practicing graphic design as a consultant in major design assignments. Her research work has been presented and published in international conferences and her graphic and fine art work has been exhibited locally and abroad. Her research interests include typographic design, typographic rendering of the Cypriot dialect, visual language and technology, ephemeral design and vernacular typography, and urban graphic language. Theseas Mouzouropoulos (Special Teaching Staff) Theseas Mouzouropoulos is currently working as a Special Teaching Staff at the Multimedia & Graphic Arts Department of the Cyprus University of Technology. He holds a Master's degree from the Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design in London (Graphic Communication in Interactive Design), a Barchelor degree from the University of the West of England (Graphic Communication in Motion Graphics) and a diploma in Graphic and
Advertising Design from the Frederick Institute of Technology (Cyprus). He participated in various international exhibitions and biennials, his work has been published both locally and internationally as well as he participated in international judging committees on professional Graphic & Advertising Design. He taught Graphic and Advertising Design for eight years in tertiary education in Cyprus and since 2003 and he is consulting on Graphic & Multimedia Design projects within the market. His current research and practice focuses on alternative ways of visualising information and generally in Graphic Arts as a tool in communicating political and social issues relating to both the local and the international community. His work has been recently awarder by the Greek Graphic Design and Illustration Awards (EVGE) in the category of Information Design. Angelos Panayides (Special Teaching Staff) Angelos Panayides studied Graphic and Advertising design at Frederick Institute of Technology on a full scholarship. He continued his studies at the University of the West of England, obtaining a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design and an MA in Interactve Media-Video and Sound Arts. He has participated in 2008 in the Southbank Bristol Arts Trail with an interactive experience in a collaboration of Universitiy of the West of England and Mediascape, Hewllet and Packard. He has worked as a freelance graphic designer, full time for Production and Post-Production for video and motion graphics and sound. Moreover he worked as full time Special Teaching Staff at the Department of Applied Arts in tertiary education in Cyprus. He is consulting on Graphic, Illustration & Multimedia Design projects within the market. In June 2011, he participated in the 5th United Designs, International Biennial Design Exhibition, for which he has designed the official visual identity. He has recently been invited as a juror at the 2012 ADC*E awards in Barcelona in the Digital category. 7. Candidates selection process Each year, the Department proclaims an announcement on its website at least two (2) months before the closing date for applications, related to the Graduate Program, whose launch is scheduled for the next academic year or semester. The selection criteria are rigorous, mainly focusing on the students qualifications; an interview is regularly conducted to ascertain the competence of the students. The selection process is watertight. Application Form Curriculum Vitae (CV). Copies of university degrees or a statement of expected graduation in the month preceding enrolment in the postgraduate program. Transcript/s as appropriate. A short statement (maximum two pages) of the student's research goals and interests.
Three signed letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes. The criteria for the evaluation of the candidates are his/her academic and research background, the recommendation letters, and any additional qualifications he/she specifies in the application. Familiarity with the English language is strongly recommended. The selection of candidates for MA is performed in two phases: (a) Phase 1 (default): evaluating the documents submitted by the candidates. (b) The second phase (interview): candidates who have been selected from the first stage are invited to interview 8. Requirements for obtaining the Master Degree For successful completion of the Master program in Graphic Communication students must complete 90 ECTS, including a dissertation, which is equivalent to 30 ECTS. Students must attend a total of eight (8) from all three strands of study and in addition for successfully completing the degree, students must also successfully undertake the Master's Dissertation. The program is offered on a full or part-time basis and students must attend a minimum of three and a maximum of five semesters. The Master's dissertation can be undertaken only after the successful completion of the taught part of the program or after the approval of the Department.