What will I learn on this module?
Through a series of short, fast-paced briefs you will be introduced to the intellectual fundamentals and creative processes involved within the practice of Graphic Design.
You will gain an understanding of the essential methods and processes that underpin the subject. The module gives you an introduction to the intellectual and creative philosophy of Graphic Design and fosters an understanding of the cognitive processes of visual problem solving and conceptual thinking required to be a Graphic Designer. This will be accomplished by your introduction to the various methods and approaches that can be employed as part of the design process. It will give you a greater understanding of the fundamentals of Graphic Design, including, amongst other things, the importance of typography, semiotics, layout, image curation, narrative and storytelling. These are all taught as a means of communication and as essential component in the subject of Graphic Design.
How will I learn on this module?
Your module assignment(s) will be set to provide you with creative opportunities to explore many of the methodologies and processes employed by the conceptual Graphic Designer as an aid to positioning, benchmarking, conceptual thinking, ideation, visual problem solving and reflection.
You will learn through a blend of on-line and studio based contextualised lectures, demonstrations, practical workshops, small-group critiques and one-to-one tutorials. Tutor-led sessions will enable students to present their creative ideas in an intellectually stimulating environment allowing for development of presentation, communication and reflective skills. These are transferable skills that can be used throughout the course and beyond.
Technical staff will be available through a blend of on-line and workshop based support. This will provide you with on-going support throughout the module, as will the departmental and faculty technical resources needed for your project outcomes.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported academically primarily through a regular series of group and individual critique sessions with clear milestones and presentation points made explicit during the briefing at the beginning of the Module.
Outside of the scheduled critique sessions running throughout the module, you will have access to the Linked In Learning and Blackboard. You can also contact staff personally or by email for additional support if required.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
RESEARCH - Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrate your ability to conduct research using a variety of methods, analyse the information and present via development work. 2.
CONCEPTUAL THINKING - Intellectual/Professional Skills & Abilities
Show you understand the design process, recognise design issues or problems and identify appropriate solutions through your development work. 2
TECHNICAL ABILITY - Intellectual/Professional Skills & Abilities
Evidence ability to effectively use appropriate technical and craft skills in the realisation and presentation of Graphic Design solutions. 3
STUDENTSHIP - Personal Value Attributes
Demonstrate commitment to your studies as evidenced through the body of work submitted, attendance, your engagement with module staff and peer group. 1.
How will I be assessed?
A range of projects will be carried out and grades given at the submission of all projects. At the end of the module, grades will be collated to provide a final mark for the module, which is 100%.
The assessment and feedback strategy is;
a. Formative Assessment?
You will receive verbal formative feedback both individually and in groups throughout the module. This feedback will facilitate development of your two assignments. This feedback will allow you to reflect upon your own work and act upon feedback prior to final submission.
b. Summative assessment
The project brief/s driving the module will identify the assessment criteria and submission requirements (deliverables) appropriate to the topic of the project. This will enable you to demonstrate the process and technical skills developed throughout the module. A single grade will then be aligned to the submission based upon the deliverables.
c. Feedback strategy?Feedback will be delivered verbally at the point of each seminar, where discussion will clarify future direction. Upon receiving summative assessment you will receive a grade reflecting achievement against the learning outcomes of the module, along with feedback stating strengths and areas for improvement.
This module is exempt from the Anonymous Marking Policy. The nature of working closely and directly with the students in workshops makes anonymity unfeasible.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
BOOTCAMP 1: Think like a Graphic Designer
This module will help you gain an understanding of the essential methods and fundamental processes of Graphic Design. These essential skills will enable you to become an Independent learner and facilitate the transition through undergraduate study.
You will be taught research methods, how to reflect on your findings, generate ideas for your creative practice and understand how to progress these towards a final solution. The module is dynamic and fast-paced, taking you through a whole range of individual and group briefs and covering introductions to typography, photography, design research, ideas generation and copywriting.
Above all, you will start to ‘think like a graphic designer’. This ability to think creatively and be distinctive is one of the most important things you will learn on this programme and is valued and much sought after by employers in Graphic Design. Creative thinking, bold ideas and the confidence to apply them are therefore the focus of this module.
You will submit your work digitally for this module
Course info
UCAS Code W210
Credits 40
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria School of Design
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2024 or September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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