Graphic Communication (Top-up)

UCAS code: W214

Here's what Newcastle College University Centre says about its Graphic Communication (Top-up) course.

The BA(Hons) Graphic Communication Degree (top up) at Newcastle College is a fast moving, competitive and industry led course that is designed to allow Foundation Degree graduates to further their studies in order to obtain the Level 6 qualification of a BA(Hons) in Graphic Communication. Visiting speakers, collaborative projects and live industry briefs combine in this course to offer you an up to date and challenging programme that will equip you well for success. This course focuses on creativity and quality of ideas. Course content is continually evolving and developing with the introduction of new skills which are aligned to current industry advancements in digital technology and practice. This course is aimed at the self-motivated students and the onus is on you to take your studies in the direction that best suits your chosen path of progression. This course is ideal for those students who wish to enhance their skills acquired at Foundation degree level and work at a more professional, self-directed level in line with the demands of the modern design industry. Graphic Communication now spans across all medium including print, digital, moving image and web. We recognise that our graphic communication graduates need to be multi-disciplined in a number of media. Course content is continually evolving and developing with the introduction of new skills which are aligned to current industry advancements in digital technology and practice. Delivery of skills and academic theory on the course is directly responsive to the needs of industry and is delivered by qualified teaching and subject specialist staff. Employer input is continuously provided throughout the year by local, national and international companies and practitioners. This creative course is forward thinking and provides Graphic Communication graduates with the relevant skills to work in this sector. This top up course promotes professionalism. You will be expected to manage your own projects and workflow, develop presentation skills, communicate with clients, plan and execute projects to the level expected from industry. All aspects of delivering the projects will be covered with an emphasis on working at a professional level, both through technical delivery and the softer, transferable skills required to work within an agency or self-employment. The course is designed for Foundation Degree or HND graduates that already have a passion for creative arts and want to pursue a career within the sector. We are looking for highly motivated, interesting and informed applicants who embrace their subject and are willing to commit to a programme of study that will allow progression either in to employment or further study at level 7. The focus of the course is to allow you to direct your own work and progression, whether that be as a freelance designer, business owner or employed within the design industry. The emphasis is on you to drive your own projects within the module framework with tutors on hand to facilitate your studies. With professionalism being at the heart of the course, you will be offered the opportunity to enhance your skills and direct your studies in order to enter the workplace or progress onto a level 7 study programme. This may be an MA or teaching qualification such as a PGCE. By working on live briefs set by creative agencies, our students have gone on to secure placements, internships, commissions and employment at some of the leading design agencies in the country. Previous graduates have gone on to work as a Mac Operator/Entry Level Designer, Mid-Level Designer, Senior Designer, Art/Creative Director, Advertising/Marketing Designer, Print Publication Designer, Front End Web Developer.

Project Proposal, Project Development, Commercial Realisation, Reflective Practice.

You will learn in a variety of ways including via practical project-based learning and e-learning. You will develop relevant practical skills underpinned with theoretical knowledge in order to prepare you for a rapidly evolving industry across a variety of Graphic Communication settings. Learning takes place in classrooms, and digital CAD suite. You will also participate in practical sessions, group work and self-directed study. You will be given opportunities to present group work to your peers developing skills in presentation and increasing self-confidence. You will learn through a variety of teaching and learning methods including written practical assignments, presentations, peer work and independent study. You will put together a portfolio of work, evidencing the modules of the qualification, which is internally assessed and externally moderated as the course progresses.