What will I learn on this module?
This module introduces you to the professional context and how to place yourself and promote yourself within it.
It will give you the opportunity to undertake the following:
Design report preparation
You will complete a 500-word written assignment and attend supporting seminars which are designed to equip you with the ability to review what subject areas are important to your developing professional interests and identity as a Graphic Designer. This proposal will become the framework for the Design Report a 6000-word independent research project that you will complete in your final year.
This will enable you to develop a professional attitude to emerging contexts, enhancing your opportunities for placement and employment.
Experience lectures by professional practice speakers
Professional speakers from related industries will help develop your critical awareness of the design related industries, an understanding of responsible design and/or professional practice, as well as developing your awareness of employment context within the design profession. This module will also reinforce the various opportunities that professional studios offer to graduates as well as an awareness of the professional and ethical responsibilities of the designer/illustrator.
Portfolio preparation
You will learn how to design a finished portfolio, prepared and presented to a high standard. This process gives the you an opportunity to reflect upon what you have achieved so far on the programme, assess your development, and gain confidence in presenting your work critically, visually and verbally, building on your strengths and addressing your weaknesses.
You will be asked to consider your aspirations as Graphic Designers, research the professional environment and design pieces that which will showcase you and your work to an identified and relevant audience in a convincing and compelling way.
How will I learn on this module?
Reflection
Staff will support you in reflecting on your learning journey so far on the programme, helping you to establish was aspects of the subject your find personally valuable alongside which professional and ethical developments you would wish to contribute to.
Critical Reflection
Personal reflection and insights into what motivates you will be used to start to formulate approaches on how to curate and present your work in a contextually appropriate way.
You will confidently develop your portfolio alongside your written Design Report proposal, which together will help you develop an awareness of your individual identity as a Graphic Designer.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Support and feedback will be provided by a variety of methods throughout the module, starting at the briefing and concluding upon submission of your assignment. Support includes:
Staff Contact
• Module tutors who provide academic support.
• Informal staff-student seminars.
• Formal group seminars, which enable staff to interact with students and encourage peer learning and support.
• Project briefs are normally introduced via a briefing session, where the brief is fully explained and explored by both staff and students.
• The eLearning Portal will be used to communicate all relevant module information and offer on-line content and delivery.
Studio Contact Time
Modules are delivered through a blend of on-line and studio based lectures, formal group seminars, informal one to one studio seminars, practical demonstrations, studio teaching and guided and independent learning.
• Studio Culture is an important aspect of the student’s development. It also mirrors industry practice. Continual feedback takes place to facilitate students’ development as Graphic Designers it allows for formative feedback and the identification of examples of good practice and development areas to be considered.
• Independent study hours will be utilised to continue the development and progression of studio-based practice.
Peer and Independent Support
• Students are encouraged and expected to maintain a personal development plan (PDP) and are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning.
• Studio-based activity also supports the development of appreciation and evaluation of peers work.
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?
Knowledge & Understanding
1) Demonstrate your ability to critically analyse, reflect and evaluate your research as evidenced through your development work. 2
Intellectual/Professional Skills & Abilities
2) Show evidence of critical thinking by conceiving, progressing, evaluating and communicating potential creative solutions to Graphic Design outcomes through your development work and final design project. 2.
3) Evidence ability to proficiently use technical and craft skills in the realisation and presentation of Graphic Design solutions to high standards. 3
Personal Value Attributes
4) Demonstrate an ability to evaluate your own progress and exercise an enhanced level of self-criticism whilst showing a professional approach to your studies via your engagement with module staff and peer interactivity. 1, 2, 3
How will I be assessed?
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 portfolio and the Design Report proposal. 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. The assessable elements will consist of a project portfolio, which will comprise the portfolio and 500-word Design Report proposal. This will enable you to demonstrate the process and critical, reflective and ethical 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 students will receive a grade reflecting achievement against the learning outcomes of the module, along with feedback stating strengths and areas for improvement.
Assessment
Portfolio: KU 2, IPSA 2, 3, PVA 1, 2, 3
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
What makes you, you!
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression!” (Attributed to Oscar Wilde)
This module introduces you to the professional context and how orientate and position yourself and your interests within it.
Supporting your emerging practice, you will have the opportunity to develop a portfolio and 500-word Design report proposal, attend lectures given by visiting graphic designers and reflect on your developing identity as a designer. You will be required to think about self-promotion and identify your audience, in a convincing and compelling way. It will equip you with lifelong transferable skills, which will enable you to reflect on your progress as a Graphic Designer and curate and present your work and interests in the most appropriate way.
Course info
UCAS Code W210
Credits 20
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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