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Program Overview

The MA Graphic Design program at AUB fosters critical thinking and experimentation in graphic design. Students explore diverse topics, engage in self-directed research, and collaborate interdisciplinarily. The program prepares graduates for careers in various creative industries, including graphic design, art direction, and user experience design. It emphasizes the development of innovative and impactful design interventions that inspire understanding and positive action.

Program Outline

MA Graphic Design: Detailed Analysis

Degree Overview:

A. Overview:

• The MA Graphic Design program at AUB encourages exploration of new ways to develop understanding between co-communicators.
• Students can study full- or part-time, with full-time studies commencing in September and January.
• The program emphasizes self-initiated research and experimentation, encouraging students to engage with the world and discover insights that generate understanding and guide positive action.

Program Objectives:

• To critically interrogate students' existing practice and understanding of graphic design.
• To guide students in finding insights that inspire understanding and positive action.
• To equip students with the ability to conduct self-directed research and experimentation.
• To foster interdisciplinary collaboration through engagement with courses from other disciplines.

Outline: Program Content:

• Students explore all forms of graphic design as triggers for thinking and feeling.
• The program utilizes a cognitive approach to understanding and interrogating students' practice.
• Students engage in self-directed research and experimentation to generate understanding and positive action.
• The program covers diverse topics, including communication, design intervention, and professional ethics.

Course Structure:

Full-time:

• Program duration: 2 years
• Intake: September

Part-time:

• Program duration: 3 years
• Intake: September

C. Course Schedule:

• The program details indicate the frequency and duration of scheduled sessions.
However, specific scheduling information is not provided.

D. Individual Modules:

• Unit 1: Strategies for Practice: Materials, Methods, Contexts
• Critically reviews and reflects on underlying assumptions and understanding of graphic design practice.
• Introduces cognitive theories and applies them to practice through assignments.
• Encourages students to re-engage with the fundamental elements and language of graphic design.
• Unit 2: The Master's Project 1: Investigate, Propose, Experiment
• Shifts towards a supervisory mode of study.
• Students engage in experimentation and primary/secondary research around a self-defined focus of study.
• Culminates in the development of a Study Plan for the final unit.
• Unit 3: Master's Project 2: Resolution, Presentation, and Evaluation
• Further refines the project developed in Unit 2.
• Students present their work to peers and staff.
• Creates a Contextual Journal to document career aspirations and practice.

Assessment: Assessment Methods:

• Coursework assignments
• Presentations
• Master's Project (Units 2 and 3)
• Contextual Journal

Assessment Criteria:

• Understanding of cognitive theories and their application to graphic design.
• Ability to conduct self-directed research and experimentation.
• Quality of design interventions and communication outputs.
• Articulation of ideas and concepts.
• Critical reflection on practice and learning.

Teaching: Teaching Methods:

• Individual supervision
• Group discussions and critique sessions
• Workshops and masterclasses
• Independent research and experimentation

Faculty:

• Experienced and qualified faculty with expertise in graphic design, cognitive science, and other relevant fields.
• Guest lecturers and industry professionals may contribute to the program.

C. Unique Approaches:

• Interdisciplinary collaboration with other AUB programs.
• Emphasis on self-directed learning and research.
• Focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Encouragement of experimental and innovative approaches to design.

V. Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Graphic designer
• Art director
• Creative director
• User experience (UX) designer
• Brand designer
• Illustrator
• Typography specialist
• Educator
• Researcher

Career Opportunities:

• Design agencies
• Advertising and marketing firms
• Branding and communications companies
• In-house design teams
• Educational institutions
• Research organizations

C. Career Outcomes:

• Graduates are well-prepared for diverse careers in the creative industries.
• Many alumni work in leading design agencies and companies around the world.
• The program empowers graduates to pursue further studies or start their own design ventures.

Other:

• The program seeks students from diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from those with non-traditional qualifications.
• The program is highly responsive to the evolving needs of the graphic design industry.
• AUB offers a supportive and stimulating environment for students to develop their creative potential.
## Conclusion This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the MA Graphic Design program at AUB, covering its objectives, content, structure, assessment, teaching, career prospects, and other relevant details. The program offers a rich and engaging learning experience for students seeking to advance their understanding and practice of graphic design.