Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
LE11 3TU
+44 (0)1509 222222

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

BA (Hons) Graphic Communication

Academic Year: 2015/16

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	Fri, 14 Aug 2015 15:53:19 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.