BA (Hons) Visual Communication

نظرة عامة على البرنامج

---

BA (Hons) Visual Communication

Overview

Our BA (Hons) Visual Communication degree at UCA Canterbury combines the best of graphic design, illustration, animation, photography, and moving image to help you develop a broad range of vital skills for a career in communication media.

Course Entry Options

• BA (Hons)
• BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year
• BA (Hons) with Professional Practice Year
• BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year and Professional Practice Year

Standard Entry Requirements

• 112 UCAS tariff points
• Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
• Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma / BTEC National Extended Diploma
• Merit at UAL Extended Diploma
• 112 UCAS tariff points from an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma in appropriate subject
• 27-30 total points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma with at least 15 IB points at Higher level
• Four GCSE passes at grade 9-4/A*-C including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2)

Foundation Year Requirements

• 32 UCAS tariff points
• Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
• Pass, Pass, Pass at BTEC Extended Diploma / BTEC National Extended Diploma
• Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
• 32 UCAS tariff points from an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma in appropriate subject
• 24 points from the International Baccalaureate
• Four GCSE passes at grade 9-4/A*-C including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2)

Tuition Fees

• UK/EU: £9,535 (BA course), £9,535 (Integrated Foundation Year)
• International: £16,950 (BA course), £17,500 (Integrated Foundation Year)

Facilities and Equipment

• Dedicated studios with space for both personal and group working
• Digital media suites with Macs running industry design software
• Photography studios and processing and printing darkrooms
• Printmaking studios with access to lithography, screen-printing, etching, and relief printing

Career Opportunities

• Advertising and branding manager
• Visual communications and creative co-ordinator
• Graphic designer
• Specialist project manager
• Visual designer
• Design artists

Entry Requirements by Country

• Please refer to the provided list of countries and their respective entry requirements

English Language Requirements

• Please refer to the provided list of countries and their respective English language requirements

Staff

• Hugh Harwood, Programme Director Visual Communication
• John Dargan, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication
• Keith Sargent, Lecturer in Visual Communication
• Molly Okell, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication
• Rob McDonald, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication
• Dr Sara Andersdotter, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication, and Contextual & Theoretical Studies Lead
• Dr Lucy Howarth, Lecturer in Visual Communication (Contextual Studies)

مخطط البرنامج

---

Degree Overview

---

Course Aims

• think strategically and critically
• successful careers in the creative industries

---

Program Description

The program emphasizes fostering a holistic understanding of visual communication, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various disciplines and their roles within projects. The program also provides:

• Dedicated studio space for individual and collaborative work.
• Digital media suites equipped with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite and Autodesk Maya.
• Photography studios and darkrooms for film-based photography processing and printing.
• Printmaking studios offering access to lithography, screen-printing, etching, and relief printing techniques.

---

Outline

---

Program Structure

The program consists of three years of full-time study.

---

Students can also choose to extend their studies by one year through an optional Professional Practice Year where they gain valuable industry experience through a placement.

---

The program can be studied with or without an Integrated Foundation Year, which provides a foundation in creative practice and helps students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their degree.

---

The program emphasizes a hands-on, project-based approach to learning.

---

Students undertake various projects throughout their studies, culminating in a major self-directed final project in their final year.

---

Individual Modules

The program consists of several modules, each focusing on different aspects of visual communication. Some of the key modules include:

• Launch: Introduces the program and explores the importance of visual communication in contemporary society.
• What is Visual Communication?
• : Encourages experimentation and exploration of visual communication principles.
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion 1: Examines the importance of diversity and inclusion in creative practices and its impact on visual communication.
• Defining your practice: Enables students to explore and develop their own unique artistic voice and approach to visual communication.
• Opportunity: Provides opportunities for students to engage with visual communication in various settings through field visits and external explorations.
• Practice-based fundamentals: Focuses on developing technical skills in different visual communication mediums and exploring their application across various formats.
• Preparing for professional practice: Introduces students to professional working environments and helps them prepare for careers in the creative industries.
• Individual reflection and progression: Provides a platform for students to reflect on their learning, create a portfolio, and confirm their chosen sphere of practice.
The actual modules and their content may vary depending on the academic year.)

---

Assessment

---

Assessment Methods

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Essays and written assignments
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Practical projects
• Examinations
Generally, assessment criteria will focus on:
• Technical skills and knowledge
• Conceptual understanding and critical thinking
• Creativity and originality
• Professional presentation and communication skills

---

Teaching

---

Teaching Methods

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Independent study
The specific teaching methods used may vary depending on the individual module.

---

Faculty

The program is taught by a team of experienced and passionate academics and industry professionals. The faculty boasts expertise in various areas of visual communication, including:

• Graphic design
• Illustration
• Animation
• Photography
• Film and moving image
• Creative technology

---

Unique Approaches

The program offers a unique approach to teaching and learning through:

• A focus on project-based learning: Students engage in real-world projects that challenge them to apply their skills and knowledge creatively.
• A flexible structure: The program allows students to specialize in their chosen area of interest and tailor their learning experience to their individual goals.
• A focus on developing critical thinking skills: Students are encouraged to think critically about the role of visual communication in society and explore its ethical implications.

---

Careers

---

Potential Career Paths

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in various roles within the creative industries, including:

• Advertising and branding manager
• Visual communications and creative co-ordinator
• Graphic designer
• Specialist project manager
• Visual designer
• Design artist

---

Career Opportunities

The program provides students with a strong foundation for successful careers in the creative industries. Graduates have gone on to work for leading companies such as:

• Barnbrook
• Boeing
• Channel 4
• Dalton Maag
• Design Bridge
• Design Museum
• The Designers Republic
• Fabrica
• Fitch
• FutureBrand
• Holmes & Marchant
• Landor Associates
• Naked
• MetaDesign
• Mother
• Preloaded
• SEA
• Sky (television)
• The Stool Pigeon
• VCCP

---

Further Study

Graduates may also consider further study at the postgraduate level.

---

Other

---

Key Program Features

• Flexible program structure with optional Professional Practice Year
• Dedicated studio and IT facilities
• Industry connections and opportunities
• Experienced and passionate faculty
• Focus on project-based learning
• Development of critical thinking skills
• Preparation for successful careers in the creative industries
• The program offers a range of scholarships and fee discounts.
• Students can access financial support from UCA and external sources.
• The program encourages students to engage with the local and international creative communities through field visits, exhibitions, and conferences.
• Students can benefit from UCA's extensive network of alumni and industry partners.

---

UK

Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 BA course: £9,250 If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,850. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.

---

EU

Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated International Foundation Year: £9,250 (see fee discount information) BA course: £9,250 (see fee discount information) If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,850. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.

---

International

Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated International Foundation Year: £16,950 BA course: £17,500 If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £3,390. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.