COMMUNICATE COMPLEX INFORMATION CLEARLY AND EFFECTIVELY TO SPECIFIED AUDIENCES.

Communication


APPLY SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE GAINED FROM RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVE SELF-DIRECTED AND SPECIALIST SOLUTIONS.

Application


CRITICALY EVALUATE SELF-DIRECTED AND SPECIALIST SOLUTIONS MAINTAINING A CLEAR SENSE OF VISUAL LITERACY AND EXPERTISE.

Analysis / Visual Analysis


EXERCISE CRITICAL JUDGMENT ABOUT YOUR WORK AND THE WORK OF OTHERS IN DEVELOPING SELF-DIRECTED AND SPECIALIST SOLUTIONS.

Problem Solving


WORK INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLABORATIVELY IN A TEAM TO SHOWCASE, EXHIBIT, OR DISPLAY SELF-DIRECTED AND SPECIALIST OUTCOMES.

Working with Others


EVALUATE AND REFLECT UPON SPECIALIST SOLUTIONS USING BOTH WRITTEN AND ORAL MEANS.

Reflection

You will present for assessment a body of work as outlined in the module information pack; this is likely to include:

PORTFOLIO & PROJECT REPORT (2500 or equivalent) evidencing the research and development of professionally produced body of specialist work. Weighted 80%. (LO1-6)

DISPLAY & PRESENTATION (8-10) communicating the context and function of the specialist project/s. Weighted 20%. (LO4-6)



The portfolio should contain:

Undertake research that demonstrates analysis and exploration of themes, concepts, target audiences, and proposed solutions, along with an investigation and understanding of specialist industry practices and contexts.

Show design development that illustrates the successful integration and application of advanced technical skills and specialist approaches.

Reflect and analyze in a way that records a personal approach and specialist decision-making.

Demonstrate an innovative and creative response, taking risks in the production of project solutions.



The project report should contain:

Documentation of development processes, decision-making, and project management

Presentation of project outcomes and design solutions in professional formats appropriate to the subject matter and chosen specialism.

Evaluation of the project in the context of current industry approaches and practices

Justification of project themes and reflection on them, within the context of current debates and ideas in the specialist area

2,500 words (indicative)





The display and presentation should contain:


Preparation of specialist design outcomes to an appropriate professional and exhibition standard

Selection and curation of specialist design outcomes for display and/or exhibition

Oral presentation communicating the context and function of the specialist outcomes –¿students will ‘pitch’ ideas and respond to questions from both lecturers and peers, further enhancing their skills in real-world scenarios.



KEY INFORMATION SETS
100% coursework

The CONSOLIDATE module is an extension of the research and themes developed in Studio Innovations 01. The main aim of this module is to facilitate the transition of students from theoretical learning to the practical stages of production and implementation, allowing them to focus on their self-directed and specialist projects.


The structure of this module will guide students in refining their research, leading them through the stages of their projects. The process will start with idea generation, progress to prototyping, and end with the project's final execution.

Students need to manage a comprehensive design program and dive deeply into their individual projects, showcasing their critical thinking prowess. The final output should be rooted in past experiences and confirmed facts, steering clear of assumptions. This calls for regular reading, research, and critical analysis of specific findings, guiding the development of their specialist project outcomes, and completion of the supporting project report documentation.


The module will incorporate frequent 'production meetings', during which students will present work for group discussion and review. These meetings serve as vital checkpoints, furnishing students with interim goals to navigate key project milestones safely. They provide indispensable feedback, guiding students and offering valuable insights into their progress. Production meetings are constructive sessions where students collaborate to discuss, support, and guide each other as colleagues.


At the end of the module, students will present design solutions for their projects, and prepare a graduate showcase. Students are urged to be bold and inventive in their working approaches, while respecting the boundaries of time, space, resources, and institutional rules. A creative and professional project strategy will shape their portfolio and final exhibition, aligning their practice with career or personal goals.



Students pursuing the Animation specialist route; will receive additional instruction and guidance within their technical field, enabling them to delve deeper into the core topics of this module.


In this module, students will have the opportunity to apply research and analysis to practical animation projects, transitioning from theoretical study and planning to practical outcomes and productions. They will adhere to professional project strategies and prepare a graduate showcase and final exhibition. Throughout the module, they'll receive regular feedback and specialist guidance in the field of animation.


Visiting Speakers & Industry Guests: scheduled throughout the year, guest lectures will share professional insights and case studies, providing valuable perspectives on freelance opportunities and work within the creative industries.

Studio Innovation 02: builds on the earlier ‘explore’ project stages. In this module students refine their research, generate ideas, prototype, and execute final projects. Regular 'production meetings' provide feedback and guide progress. The module culminates in a graduate showcase, with students presenting design solutions and aligning their practice with career or personal goals.

This studio module encourages students' specialised practice growth. It links theoretical research with personal and industry-focused projects. This approach enables students to undertake highly personalised projects that align with their expertise and future career paths.

You will be required to participate in:

Introduction to module

Introductory lectures

Project Development workshops – sessions where students can work under the supervision of specialist lecturers, with immediate feedback and guidance, helping students align their work with career goals and the module's requirements.

Specialist workshops and guidance –¿focussed on honing students expert skills. This can include technical skills in digital technologies or soft skills like project management and creative problem-solving.

Formative assessment –¿group review meetings, and mid-module presentations

Peer Review Sessions –¿students present their project concepts to their peers. This activity can stimulate discussions, offer diverse perspectives, and foster a collaborative learning environment.

Individual tutorials and specialist guidance

Action planning and target setting

Independent study in support of your practical work



KEY INFORMATION SETS
24% scheduled Learning & Teaching activities
76% guided independent learning

In collaboration with specialist staff, students will develop a personal reading list and acquire professional texts related to their chosen specialist route (graphic design, illustration, photography, or animation). They are expected to utilise the library facilities within the University, ensuring they keep abreast of current trends and developments through relevant design, communication, illustration and animation-related industry periodicals.

Key texts to support overarching research:

Aiello, G. and Parry, K. (2019) Visual Communication: Understanding Images in Media Culture. London: SAGE Publications.

Hughes, J. (2012) SAGE visual methods. London: SAGE.

Janis Teruggi Page, P. and Margaret Duffy, D. (2021) Visual Communication Insights and Strategies. Wiley-Blackwell.

Lucienne Roberts, R. and Jonathan Baldwin, B. (2019) Visual communication: from theory to practice. Bloomsbury.

Male, A. (2019) The Power and Influence of Illustration: Achieving impact and lasting significance through visual communication. 1st edn. London: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

McGrath, H. and Ma, M. (2010) The Influence of Art Concepts on Visual Communication in Games APTF.

Digital Suites

Specialist teaching spaces and resources; including studios, photographic studio, motion capture, Etc.
Lecture theatre and teaching rooms
Design collection
Library
IT facilities and digital suites.


The canvas virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.


Additional resources may be shared by the teaching team through the following digital platforms; MS Teams, Notion, OneDrive or Padlet