Programme Specification
BA (Hons) Graphic Communication
Academic Year: 2014/15
This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.
This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.
This specification should be read in conjunction with:
- Reg. XX (Undergraduate Awards) (see University Regulations)
- Module Specifications
- Summary
- Aims
- Learning outcomes
- Structure
- Progression & weighting
Programme summary
Awarding body/institution | Loughborough University |
Teaching institution (if different) | |
Owning school/department | School of the Arts - pre 2017 |
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body | n/a |
Final award | BA (Hons), DPS/DIntS |
Programme title | Graphic Communication |
Programme code | ACUB41 |
Length of programme | The duration of the Programme is six or eight semesters. Candidates following the four year sandwich programme are required to spend the third academic year undertaking professional training leading to the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) or undertaking a year’s study abroad leading to the Diploma in International Studies (DIntS), in accordance with Senate Regulation XI. The third academic year (Part I) occurs between part B and part C Alternatively, students may complete the programme on a part-time basis over not more than eight years. |
UCAS code | E210 |
Admissions criteria | n/a |
Date at which the programme specification was published | Wed, 03 Sep 2014 10:30:41 BST |
1. Programme Aims
- To develop intellectually stimulating learning through the study and practice of graphic communication.
- To encourage flexible thought processes including lateral and sequential thinking.
- To acquire and develop skills and processes including studiocraft, multi media skills, market awareness and relevant contextual theoretical knowledge.
- To test individual ideas and solutions in a contemporary global arena.
- To understand the significance of the international professional practice of graphic communication, including an awareness of global perspectives and cross cultural considerations.
- To enable students to manage their studies by devising their own learning strategy through tutorial consultation.
2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:
- The Benchmark Statement for Art and Design: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/honours/
- The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
- The QAA Policy Statement on a structured and supported process for personal development
3. Programme Learning Outcomes
3.1 Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:
- Analyse a clients communication and design requirements.
- Identify and resolve design and communication problems through an appropriate and considered visual evidence system.
- Sort, organise and process information through qualities of critical judgement, discrimination and imagination.
- Developing a personal design language or working process, which demonstrates a balance between objectivity and subjectivity.
- Acquire specialist knowledge and experience within an area of graphic communication in a global context.
- Utilise creative professional business elements of graphic communication, including marketing, pitching and presenting in a global context.
- Integrate professional subject expectations including project management, communication and relevant delivery methods.
3.2 Skills and other attributes
a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:
On successful completion of the programme students should be able to:
- Analyse the problems set out in the project brief(s) in relation to areas of theory and practice through an appropriate research methodology.
- Produce effective design solutions by making appropriate choices supported by appropriate visual evidence.
- Apply critical judgment to graphic communication projects and understand the audience for which the work is intended.
- Develop their individual career direction having researched opportunities and current practices of graphic communication from an international perspective.
- Evolve a folio of work that encompasses a knowledge of the graphic design industry and their ambitions within it and that accurately reflects them as individuals.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:
On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:
- Experiment, test and evaluate media, processes and environment to contextualise their ideas.
- Communicate ideas and solutions to design problems using appropriate media.
- Develop their use of specialist typographic and layout skills.
- Develop their use and understanding of the synergy between textual and image-based material.
- Use key software related to the project briefs.
c. Key transferable skills:
On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:
- Lead or play an active part in a creative team.
- Communicate effectively to tutors, peer group and external agencies where appropriate.
- Display competency in the use of information technology.
- Integrate support elements of creative practice, including marketing, presentation and project development.
- Appreciate the value of diversity of language and culture.
4. Programme structure
4.1 Part A - Introductory Modules
Code |
Title |
Module Weight |
Sem |
status |
SAA420 |
Introduction to Graphic Design |
50 |
1 |
Compulsory |
SAA500 |
Research, Analysis and Study Skills in Art and Design |
30 |
1&2 |
Compulsory |
SAA421 |
Developing Processes of Graphic Design |
40 |
2 |
Compulsory |
4.2 Part B - Degree Modules
Code |
Title |
Module Weight |
Sem |
status |
SAB424 |
Graphic Design for Society |
40 |
1 |
Compulsory |
SAB427 |
Applied Graphic Design |
40 |
2 |
Compulsory |
SAB551 |
Professional and Enterprising Practice |
10 |
2 |
Option |
SAB552 |
Professional and Business Practice |
20 |
1&2 |
Option |
SAB553 |
Art Histories and Theories |
30 |
1&2 |
Option |
SAB554 |
Visual Culture: Histories and Theories |
30 |
1&2 |
Option |
SAB555 |
Design and Material Culture: Histories and Theories |
20 |
1&2 |
Option |
Students can choose SAB553 or SAB554 or SAB555.
- If you choose SAB553 or SAB554, you have to also take SAB551
- If you choose SAB555, you have to also take SAB552
4.3 Part I – Year Out (Four year Programme only)
Code |
Title |
Module Weight |
Sem |
status |
SAI001 |
Industrial Training Placement |
120 |
1 & 2 |
Optional |
SAI002 |
International University Placement |
120 |
1 & 2 |
Optional |
Students choose one of the above options
4.4 Part C - Degree Modules
Code |
Title |
Module Weight |
Sem |
status |
SAC500 |
Art and Design Dissertation |
30 |
1 & 2 |
Compulsory |
SAC431 |
Graphic Communication Contexts (1) |
30 |
1 |
Compulsory |
SAC432 |
Graphic Communication Contexts (2) |
60 |
2 |
Compulsory |
5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award
In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, from C to D (if applicable) and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also:
- In order to progress from Part A to Part B, candidates must have accumulated 120 credits.
- In order to progress from Part B to Part C, candidates must have accumulated 120 credits at part B
- In order to qualify for the award of a Degree, candidates must have accumulated 120 credits in part C
Part-time students may negotiate the order in which modules are completed, subject to the following restrictions:
All part A modules must be passed before the start of part B of the programme.
All part B modules must be passed before the start of part C of the programme.
Students may transfer between full-time and part-time modes of study with the permission of the Head of School.
Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of re-assessment.
Reassessment will not be allowed in the Special Assessment Period (SAP) if;
- candidates have accumulated fewer than 60 credits in any part of the programme
- candidates have gained a mark of less than 30 in SAC432
6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification
Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 20 and Part C 80 to determine the final mark.