Course Code(s): VC024H01UV Full-time 3 Years VC024H31UV Part-Time 6 Years

Course Specification Published Date: Produced By: Status: 15-Aug-2017 Haiden Novis Validated Core Information Awarding Body / Institution: School / Institute: University of Wolverhampton Wolverhampton School of Art Course Code(s): VC024H01UV Full-time 3 Years VC024H31UV Part-Time 6 Years Course Title: Hierarchy of Awards: Language of Study: Date of DAG approval: BA(Hons) Visual Communication (Graphic Design) Bachelor of Arts with Honours Visual Communication (Graphic Design) Bachelor of Arts Visual Communication Diploma of Higher Education Art and Design Certificate of Higher Education Art and Design University Statement of Credit University Statement of Credit English 19/May/2017 Last Review: 2013/4 Course Specification valid from: 2012/3 Course Specification valid to: 2019/2 Academic Staff Course Leader: Head of Department: Mr Marc Austin Dr Jane Webb

Course Information Location of Delivery: Category of Partnership: Teaching Institution: Open / Closed Course: University of Wolverhampton Not delivered in partnership University of Wolverhampton This course is open to all suitably qualified candidates. Entry Requirements: Entry requirements are subject to regular review. The entry requirements applicable to a particular academic year will be published on the University website (and externally as appropriate e.g. UCAS 2017 Entry CCC from A levels BTEC QCF Extended Diploma grade MMM, BTEC QCF Diploma grade DD Access to HE Diploma full award (Pass of 60 credits - of which a minimum of 45 credits must be at level 3 including 18 at Merit or Distinction) Successful completion of the foundation year of our BA (Hons) Art and Design with Foundation Year guarantees entry on to this course If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying. International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here Successful completion of the International Foundation Year in Arts guarantees entry on to this course Other Requirements Those meeting the entry requirements may be shortlisted for a Portfolio Review. Students must have studied a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, it is expected that some applicants will be mature students with work experience, who wish to further their career development. These applicants will be processed through standard procedures, which may involve an interview as part of the process. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information. Those who do not meet the entry requirements may be offered an alternative course Distinctive Features of the Course: We deliver a diverse and unique approach to the creative Industries; the staff team has vast experience of the profession, both nationally and internationally. You will have the opportunity to fully explore the potential of various approaches and specialisms within the industry. You will acquire the skills necessary to communicate and work with others within the creative industries from concept to production. Our range of professional visitors will give you first-hand information regarding current practice within the industry. Module assignments reflect industry practice. We are College members of both D&AD and the AOI. Our students have worked on a broad range of live projects for a number of years. StudyTrips both UK and abroad, allow you to gain a broader cultural understanding. Many students undertake work placements within the industry. The course actively encourages cross and interdisciplinary practice. Educational Aims of the Course:

In the increasingly fluid and fast-moving creative industries, practitioners need to be quick in their thinking and multi-disciplinary in their approach. With traditional boundaries constantly being eroded and re-formed, creative professionals must, as a result, be more agile and flexible in response. The Graphic Design course will equip you with the skills and confidence to work in this exciting and dynamic industry, encouraging you to become the designer you want to be. Emphasis is on developing creativity; digital and analogue design skills and strategic thinking. The learning experience encompasses lectures, workshops, tutorials and independent study. There are also talks from industry professionals, UK and international trips, competitions and live briefs. Whether you are intrigued by packaging or love editorial design. Excited by advertising and branding, or want to work with the web, social media, apps or viral marketing. Whatever direction you want to take, this course will bring out the best in you. Our intention is to produce independent, informed visual problem solvers who are able to perform effectively in a wide range of creative industries. The course actively encourages cross and interdisciplinary practice. Intakes: September Major Source of Funding: HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND (HEFCE) Tuition Fees: Tuition fees are reviewed on an annual basis. The fees applicable to a particular academic year will be published on the University website. Year Status Mode Amount 2017/8 H Full Time / Sandwich 9250.00 2017/8 EU Full Time / Sandwich 9250.00 2017/8 Overseas Full Time / Sandwich 11475.00 2017/8 H Part Time 2835.00 2017/8 EU Part Time 2835.00 2017/8 Overseas Part Time 5738.00 PSRB: None Course Structure: September (Full-Time) Full time and Sandwich Undergraduate Honours students normally study 120 credits per academic year; 60 credits semester 1 and 60 credits semester 2.

Part time students study alongside full time students. However, they do not study more than 80 credits in each academic calendar year. Module Title Credits Period 4VC012 Studio Practice: Ideas, concepts and communication methods 20 SEM1 Core 4VC013 Studio Practice: Process 20 SEM1 Core 4VC014 Introducing Specialist Practice 20 SEM1 Core 4VC015 Studio Practice: Image 20 SEM2 Core 4VC016 Developing Specialist Practice 20 SEM2 Core 4AD010 Introduction to Art and Design in Context 20 SEM2 Core Type Group 07 Min Value: 20 Max Value: 20 5AD009 may only be studied once. 5VC017 Applied Graphic Design Practice 20 SEM1 Core 5AD009 Professional Experience 1 20 SEM1 Core 5VC012 Visual Narrative 20 SEM1 Core 5VC013 Personal Investigation 20 SEM1 Core Group 10 Min Value: 20 Max Value: 20 5AD009 may only be studied once. 5VC019 Advanced Graphic Design Practice 20 SEM2 Core 5AD009 Professional Experience 1 20 SEM2 Core 5AD008 Critical and Contextual Issues in Art and Design 20 SEM2 Core 5VC015 Individual Practice 20 SEM2 Core 6AD002 Dissertation 20 SEM1 Core 6VC015 Professional Practice: Graphic Design 20 SEM1 Core Group 15 Min Value: 20 Max Value: 20 6AD003 may only be studied once 6VC018 Independent Graphic Design Practice 20 SEM1 Core 6AD003 Professional Experience 2 20 SEM1 Core

6AD001 Employability in the Creative Industries 20 SEM2 Core 6VC012 Major Project: Visual Communication 20 SEM2 Core Group 18 Min Value: 1 Max Value: 1 6AD003 may only be studied once 6VC019 Independent Graphic Design Project 20 SEM2 Core 6AD003 Professional Experience 2 20 SEM2 Core Learning, Teaching and Assessment Academic Regulations Exemption: None Reference Points: QAA Benchmark Art & Design: Teaching, Learning and Assessment 5.1.3, 5.3.2 Generic Knowledge. Attributes and Skills 4.4 Standards and Achievement 6 Subject Specific Knowledge and Understanding. Attributes and Skills 6.3 4.3 Generate ideas, concepts, proposals, solutions or arguments independently and/or collaboratively in response to set briefs and/or as self-initiated activity 4.3 Develop ideas through to material outcomes, for example images, artefacts, products, systems and processes, or texts. http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/statements/drafts/adhaad.asp Equality Act 2010 Learning Outcomes: CertHE Course Learning Outcome 1 (CHECLO1) "Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with your area(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study" CertHE Course Learning Outcome 2 (CHECLO2)

"Demonstrate an ability to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of your subject(s) of study." CertHE Course Learning Outcome 3 (CHECLO3) Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to your area(s) of study and/or work CertHE Course Learning Outcome 4 (CHECLO4) "Communicate the results of your study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments" CertHE Course Learning Outcome 5 (CHECLO5) Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility DipHE Course Learning Outcome 1 (DHECLO1) "Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of your area(s) of study, and of the way in which those principles have developed with an understanding of the limits of your knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge." DipHE Course Learning Outcome 2 (DHECLO2) "Demonstrate the ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context" DipHE Course Learning Outcome 3 (DHECLO3) "Demonstrate knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in the subject(s) relevant to the named award, and ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in the field of study" DipHE Course Learning Outcome 4 (DHECLO4) "Use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis" DipHE Course Learning Outcome 5 (DHECLO5) "Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms to specialist and nonspecialist audiences, and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively" DipHE Course Learning Outcome 6 (DHECLO6) "Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making and undertake further training, developing existing skills and acquire new competences that will enable them to assume significant responsibility within organisations." Ordinary Degree Course Learning Outcome 1 (ORDCLO1) "Investigate, Understand and Employ Concepts"

Ordinary Degree Course Learning Outcome 2 (ORDCLO2) "Experiment, Explore and Demonstrate Methods of Production" Ordinary Degree Course Learning Outcome 3 (ORDCLO3) "Explore, Understand and Synthesise Conceptual and Contextual Principles" Ordinary Degree Course Learning Outcome 4 (ORDCLO4) "Question, Challenge and Initiate Potential Solutions" Ordinary Degree Course Learning Outcome 5 (ORDCLO5) "Explore, Investigate and Understand your Specialist Practice" Ordinary Degree Course Learning Outcome 6 (ORDCLO6) "Understand, Demonstrate and Position your Individual Practice" Honours Degree Course Learning Outcome 1 (DEGCLO1) "Investigate, Understand and Employ Concepts" Honours Degree Course Learning Outcome 2 (DEGCLO2) "Experiment, Explore and Demonstrate Methods of Production" Honours Degree Course Learning Outcome 3 (DEGCLO3) "Explore, Understand and Synthesise Conceptual and Contextual Principles" Honours Degree Course Learning Outcome 4 (DEGCLO4) "Question, Challenge and Initiate Potential Solutions" Honours Degree Course Learning Outcome 5 (DEGCLO5) "Explore, Investigate and Understand your Specialist Practice" Honours Degree Course Learning Outcome 6 (DEGCLO6) "Understand, Demonstrate and Position your Individual Practice" Overview of Assessment:

Module Title Course Learning Outcomes 4AD010 Introduction to Art and Design in Context CHECLO2, CHECLO3 4VC012 Studio Practice: Ideas, concepts and communication methods CHECLO1, CHECLO4 4VC013 Studio Practice: Process CHECLO2, CHECLO3 4VC014 Introducing Specialist Practice CHECLO1, CHECLO5 4VC015 Studio Practice: Image CHECLO1, CHECLO2 4VC016 Developing Specialist Practice CHECLO3, CHECLO5 5AD008 Critical and Contextual Issues in Art and Design DHECLO1, DHECLO6 5AD009 Professional Experience 1 DHECLO2, DHECLO5, DHECLO6 5VC012 Visual Narrative DHECLO4, DHECLO5 5VC013 Personal Investigation DHECLO1, DHECLO5 5VC015 Individual Practice DHECLO3, DHECLO6 5VC017 Applied Graphic Design Practice DHECLO2, DHECLO4 5VC019 Advanced Graphic Design Practice DHECLO1, DHECLO3 6AD001 Employability in the Creative Industries DEGCLO5, DEGCLO6, ORDCLO5, ORDCLO6 6AD002 Dissertation DEGCLO4, DEGCLO5, ORDCLO4, ORDCLO5 6AD003 Professional Experience 2 DEGCLO1, DEGCLO2, DEGCLO5, DEGCLO6, ORDCLO1, ORDCLO2, ORDCLO5, ORDCLO6 6VC012 Major Project: Visual Communication DEGCLO2, DEGCLO3, DEGCLO4, ORDCLO2, ORDCLO3, ORDCLO4 6VC015 Professional Practice: Graphic Design DEGCLO2, DEGCLO5, ORDCLO2, ORDCLO5 6VC018 Independent Graphic Design Practice DEGCLO2, DEGCLO3, DEGCLO4, ORDCLO2, ORDCLO3, ORDCLO4 6VC019 Independent Graphic Design Project DEGCLO1, DEGCLO6, ORDCLO1, ORDCLO6 Teaching, Learning and Assessment: The broad-spectrum nature of the industry coupled with the wide reach of this course dictates that initially your learning activities will be similarly broad and varied in nature. Skills and media workshops, seminars, lectures and group tutorials will introduce you to a range of image and idea generating systems, as you progress through the course your approach will become more specialized and as you explore a more personal approach to your chosen specialism then the learning activities will reflect this transition with more individual tuition, you will receive continuous feedback on your work throughout your time with us. All learning activities are delivered in specialist studios (mac lab, print and drawing studios) and the Visual Communication studios and lecture theatre. A series of visiting practitioners will enhance your understanding of the subject and will also have the opportunity to engage with live and competition work. Study trips, both nationally and internationally are offered and will enhance your cultural and contextual understanding. Learning and Teaching Methods:

This data indicates the proportion of time in each year of study that students can expect to engage in the following activities (expressed as a percentage for each level). Level Teaching Independent 4 24 76 0 5 24 76 0 6 21 79 0 Placement Assessment Methods: This data indicates the proportion of summative assessment in each year of study that will derive from the following: (expressed as a percentage for each level). Level Written Exams Practical Exams 4 0 0 100 5 0 8 92 6 0 12 88 Coursework Student Support: University provided support: As well as providing general counselling support the University Counselling Service provides short courses on topics such as "Self Confidence", "Stress Management and Relaxation" and "Life Skills". They also provide study skills and academic support, providing short courses such as provide help in areas such as "Writing and Assignment Skills", "Exam Techniques", "Enhancing Professional Skills", "Personal Development Planning" and "Making Choices for the Future. University Learning Centres provide general academic skills support to all students. You can make an appointment with a study skills advisor for advice on areas such as academic writing, assignment planning, exam preparation, and time management. In addition, there is a regular timetable of drop-in and bookable workshops covering information and digital literacy skills, including academic referencing. Wolverhampton School of Art students are supported by a designated subject librarian who is available to support research and project work. You can expect to receive support and guidance in the area of Personal Development Planning, so that you: can understand better your learning process, have the skills and understanding to act on the feedback, so as to become more effective and successful, collect evidence on your achievement to enhance your employability. http://www.wlv.ac.uk/default.aspx?page=18450 Wolverhampton School of Art support: Study support is available through the Personal Academic Tutorial system with course tutors who are familiar with your area of study. At the start of each year of your course you will be assigned a Personal Tutor who will guide you through the induction process and provide support and academic counselling throughout the year on an appointment basis. They should be able to offer you advice and guidance to help you liaise with other staff and support facilities in the School and University. You should meet your Personal Tutor regularly, which must include meetings that you are invited to at critical points in your course. Staff can be contacted through the University email or by booking an appointment through SAMS. Additional support can be sought through Wolverhampton School of Art. Your Personal Tutor provides academic counselling and will be accessible on an appointment basis to discuss requests for extensions, requests for extenuating circumstances, general concerns about study and student

life and general programme planning. Your Personal Tutor will act as a first point of contact in relation to leave of absence (including returning after leave), withdrawal, transferring to another course (internal and external) and changes to mode of attendance. Your Course Leader will be available thereafter for meetings by appointment to discuss leave of absence, withdrawal, transferring to another course (internal and external), changes to mode of attendance, returning after leave of absence and direct entrants. Subject support: Tutorials, workshops, seminars and meetings - provide the primary opportunities for students to interact with staff on topics relating to modules. All modules provide at least one of these forms of face-to-face support. Feedback - tutors provide personalised written feedback all summative assessments. The mechanism for feedback from purely formative tasks varies between assessments, but will always be provided in some form. On occasions tutors may provide generalised verbal feedback to the whole group on points relating to an assessment. Employability in the Curriculum: The Wolverhampton School of Art has its own Creative Employability Studio which promotes student enterprise and enhances their employability. The studio assists you in securing work placements, undertaking live briefs, engaging directly with employers and developing key employability skills. The Faculty is committed to raising student awareness of the opportunities that exist post graduation, and the Workplace has become recognised as the interface between education and industry within the region. This course with its specialist routes is intended to provide you with all the necessary skills to enable you to thrive in the exciting and fast-moving creative industries. Typical employment for our alumni includes work in Publishing (book design, covers), Editorial (newspapers and magazines), Children s Books, Branding, Advertising, Packaging and Multi-Media. Some of our students produce work for Film and Animation while others exhibit regularly, many will choose to work as freelance practitioners. A number of our undergraduate students work on live /professional projects during their time with us, giving them invaluable professional experience and the opportunity to earn during study. Many of our students opt for further study either at Masters level or study for a PGCE if their ambition is to enter the teaching profession.