Course summary

In today’s fast moving ever widening digital communications industry the complementary disciplines of graphic design, photography and animation work seamlessly to solve a multitude of design needs over a growing array of media channels and touchpoints. To mirror these changes and current creative industry practices, this course will offer you the opportunity to learn both traditional problem solving and design craft skills through digital graphic, animation and image making processes. Skills which will ultimately enhance your employability within a wide range of career and employment possibilities. As in industry, the course encourages interdisciplinary innovation through collaboration, and uniquely offers students the option to pursue their own specialist interests within Graphics, Animation or Photography through a substantial major project. Completing students will elect certification in either Graphics, Animation or Photography. You will regularly engage with leading UK design professionals through ‘live’ projects and talks, and benefit from our impressive track record for both gaining employment and winning national competitions. The course is an active member of British Design & Art Direction (D&AD) and the British Institute of Photographers and has forged strong industrial links with both local and national practitioners. At the end of the first year your work will be exhibited in public venues. Work experience opportunities will also be made available to you in the latter stages of the course. Course delivery is by practising, specialist Graphics, Animation and Photography lecturers (including visiting professionals), in well-equipped studios supported by one-to-one tutorials and group discussions and seminars to inform personal progress and aid assessment. The course consists of two assessment units which cover the development of core competencies for the workplace: contextual knowledge, ideas generation, design strategies, technical knowledge and skills, professional practice and communication and presentation skills. You will have the opportunity to work individually and collaboratively on assignments that explore: Branding and corporate identity Motion graphics Photographic techniques/lighting Advertising & digital campaigns 2D & 3D animation and modelling Image making and visual effects Typographic design and kinetic typography Storyboarding and narrative Editorial and information visualisation Website design, app Design and social media Digital media production You will be suited to this course if you have the ability and/or potential to: Work imaginatively within communications and visual media Generate and develop creative ideas in response to a wide range of briefs Articulate and communicate your creative intentions clearly Show a willingness to collaborate and discuss your work in group situations Reflect critically on your activities and learning, and demonstrate intellectual inquiry Embrace new ways of thinking and exploit the potential of new and emerging digital technologies. ATTENDANCE TIMES You will be required to attend college 12 hours (2 days per week), and to additionally supplement the course hours by working independently a minimum of 12 hours each week. (Days of attendance will be confirmed by Tutors).