Art and Design (Graphics)

Course summary

Graphic Communication may be defined as the process by which ideas are communicated through the use of symbols, drawings, photographs and typography to convey concepts and/or emotions. This option encompasses a wide and developing area of study, incorporating a variety of related disciplines and utilising traditional skills, such as hand-formed lettering, alongside cutting-edge digital technologies. The boundaries between related graphic processes are becoming increasingly blurred but aspects, such as advertising, illustration and typography indicate what might be covered within the option. Possible areas of study include illustration, typography, advertising and branding, book covers and record covers. Our approach is to support and encourage the development of analytical and expressive skills in appropriate, structured projects. We introduce a range of two-dimensional media: everything from printmaking to painting and electronic media. You will learn how to develop your ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding. You will explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, and review and refine your ideas as your work develops. You will record your ideas, observations and insights relevant to your intentions, reflecting critically on your work and progress. As a student in the heart of London, you will have access to some of the world’s best museums, galleries and exhibitions. This will result in a personal and meaningful response which, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements. In the second year, you will develop your skills and understanding to a higher standard. You will continue to be given close technical instruction and supervision, but you will be required to adopt a much more independent and student-led approach. You will be working on your investigation, which is the first of the two components of your final assessment. This component consists firstly of a major, in-depth, practical, critical and theoretical investigative project or theme-based portfolio and outcomes. It is accompanied by an integrated and extended written piece of critical and contextual analysis (1000 words minimum).