Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
LE11 3TU
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

BA (Hons) Graphic Communication and Illustration

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:

  • 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
Final award BA /BA + DPS /BA + DIntS
Programme title Graphic Communication and Illustration
Programme code ACUB44/45
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. Part-time students may negotiate the order in which modules are completed. Students may transfer between full-time and part-time modes of study with the permission of the Head of Department in the School of the Arts.
UCAS code W900
Admissions criteria

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/departments/arts/graphiccommunicationandillustration/

Date at which the programme specification was published Wed, 03 Sep 2014 10:34:10 BST

1. Programme Aims

  • To develop flexible thought processes including critical, analytical, lateral and sequential thinking.
  • To identify, develop, and synthesize materials, processes and techniques, in relation to studio craft through a range of current and emergent analogue and digital media.
  • To initiate research leading to creative professional practice in Graphic Communication and Illustration.
  • To prioritize elements of the visual and verbal interface; including drawing, typography, sequential and narrative design and emergent media, through research, ideation, communication and elicitation.
  • To produce expressive, reflective and professional practitioners who understand audience needs.
  • To discuss and evaluate outcomes in relation to economic, vocational, ethical, sustainability and global contexts.

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/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Subject-benchmark-statement---Art-and-design-.aspx

 

The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/QualificationsExplained/DG_10039017

 

The QAA Policy Statement on a structured and supported process for personal development

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Personal-development-planning-guidance-for-institutional-policy-and-practice-in-higher-education.aspx

 

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • Integrate basic approaches to visual research.
  • Explain the functions of graphic communication and illustration.
  • Appreciate the functions of historical and critical studies in Art and Design. 
  • Synthesise the social, cultural and economic roles of visual communication.
  • Locate their work within relevant environments for audiences. 
  • Adopt and adapt appropriate practical solutions to design problems.
  • Apply visual communication within a global context.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • Process visual research with ideation, communication and elicitation.
  • Identify and critically discuss the definitions and functions of images, texts, practices and objects in Art and Design.
  • Demonstrate critical and creative skills.
  • Appraise problems to formulate methodologies for problem solving
  • Negotiate and pursue specialised areas of study.
  • Critically locate personal practice within the wider creative and global arena.

 

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • Experiment with materials, processes and technology.
  • Employ effective design strategies and methods to express ideas.
  • Evaluate and negotiate individual and group roles and functions within a range of interdisciplinary practice models.
  • Diagnose and solve a variety of visual problems relevant to current and emergent environments and audiences.
  • Identify design problems and develop and express appropriate practical design solutions.
  • Produce work that demonstrates critical, creative, technical and practical skills equating with professional and business practice within a global context. 
c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • Engage in critical discussion relevant to the discipline about the relationship between theory and practice.
  • Foster ambition, opinion, innovation and resourcefulness within individual and group working.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the role of social, cultural and economic factors in relation to their own and others’ work.
  • Organise, present and communicate ideas and arguments orally, visually and in written form.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate, manage and appraise projects with autonomy and initiative.
  • Understand the significance of international professional practice and apply an awareness of global perspectives and transcultural considerations.

4. Programme structure

4.1. Part A - Introductory Modules

 

Code

Title

Module Weight

Sem

status

SAA801

Visual Research in Practice

50

1

Compulsory

SAA500

Research, Analysis and Study Skills in Art and Design

30

1&2

Compulsory

SAA802

Visual Methods in Practice

40

2

Compulsory

 

 

4.2 Part B - Degree Modules

 

Code

Title

Module Weight

Sem

status

SAB803

Content and Context: Society, Culture and Economy

40

1

Compulsory

SAB804

Locating Practice: Interpreting Environments and Audiences

40

2

Compulsory

SAB554

Visual Culture: Histories and Theories

30

1&2

Optional

 

SAB553

Art Histories and Theories

30

1&2

Optional

 

SAB555

Design and Material Culture: Histories and Theories

20

1&2

Optional

 

SAB551

Professional and Enterprising Practice

10

2

Optional

 

SAB552

Professional and Business Practice

20

1&2

Optional

 

Students can choose SAB553 or SAB554 or SAB555.

  • If a student chooses SAB553 or SAB554, they must also take SAB551
  • If a student chooses SAB555, they must 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

SAC805

Directions in Graphic Communication and Illustration Practice

30

1

Compulsory

SAC806

Destinations in Graphic Communication and Illustration Practice

60

2

Compulsory

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B and from Part B to C 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: 

5.1.1 to progress from Part A to Part B, candidates must have accumulated 120 credits;

5.1.2 to progress from Part B to Part C, candidates must have accumulated 120 credits at part B;

5.1.3 to qualify for the award of a Degree, candidates must have accumulated 120 credits in part C. 

5.2 Reassessment

5.2.1 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of re-assessment. 

5.2.2 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 SAC806.

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 in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX.  The average weighted mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 20 and Part C 80 to determine the final percentage mark.

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