Brief Description of Core Units

1. Computer Applications in Art & Design

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the creative potential of the computer in the context of 2D design. It will provide the opportunity to explore software and its relevance to the area of study. It aims to provide an overview of a variety of painting, drawing, typographic and desktop publishing software. Students are encouraged to learn combinations of traditional and digital design practices that lead to innovative presentations.

2. Historical and Contextual Referencing

This unit introduces students to the cultural history which informs current thought and debate in design. Emphasis is on research and study skills and learners must acquire source material and knowledge. Presentation skills will also be applied in a practical context.

3. Ideas Generation

This unit introduces a number of idea-generating techniques to demonstrate that creative thinking is a skill that can be continually developed. Students will originate ideas which fulfil graphic communication objectives and will also be required to use mark-making techniques to express their ideas on paper. Students will be able to identify cultural contexts in which their ideas can be most effective.

4. Drawing Techniques and Approaches

In this unit, students will be encouraged to develop visual thinking and creativity as fundamental to all design work. It will enable students to experiment with drawing approaches and techniques in order to broaden their experience and understanding of visual language. Students will need to use materials and media which are specific to design, as well as unusual materials and media which will extend their visual language and creativity.

5. Critical Study

This unit provides students with knowledge, understanding and skills to define and research a historical context and relate it to the present. It also provides an opportunity for students to evaluate these references within the context of their chosen specialism. The aim of the unit is for the student to develop an independent view of one area of design context that relates closely to their own work.

6. Ideas in Context

This unit extends and develops ideas generation. Students are required to generate ideas to fulfil complex graphic communication objectives involving commercial constraints. Students will adapt ideas to suit a range of different applications, and work with others in generating and developing ideas. Students must also prepare ideas for professional presentation.

7. Professional Studies

This unit is intended to help students relate practical studies in design to a professional context. It deals with legislation affecting designers and develops understanding of professional ethics and responsibilities. The unit requires students to examine business organisations and to compare job roles of designers working in different kinds of organisations. Students are also expected to investigate the ethics and responsibilities of designers in relation to society and the environment.