HE, three years, full-time, day-time
Higher Education
BA (Hons) Visual Communication
Course Validated by the Open University.
Course Contact
Graham Tansley / Christian Lloyd
Telephone
0113 202 8000
UCAS code
W211
About
Want to explore what visual communication can be and how to use it? This course lets you creatively apply your skills in meaningful and beneficial ways through a wide range of visual disciplines. It’s ideal for students looking to explore the overlaps between different disciplines, or who want to find their own specialist area. Since 1996 the course has supported an incredibly diverse range of student interests - from graphic designers to community artists, documentary filmmakers, illustrators, photographers and teachers. We are interested in students who want to question.
You’ll develop a personal and professional understanding of visual communication in a range of community and commercial contexts through live projects, collaborations, placements and work-related learning. You’ll become an autonomous learner, capable of applying your intellectual and practical skills to a chosen specialism (or higher study at master’s level) by benefiting from the space and resources you need to grow, test things out and find your own direction.
The philosophy is both idealistic and pragmatic; idealistic in that we encourage you to explore how visual communication can be used to make the world a better place, and pragmatic in that we want you to make your projects as real and relevant as possible for clients and potential audiences.
First year modules
Visual Exploration introduces you to some basic visual practices, skills and processes of visual communication such as photography, printmaking, fanzine making, moving image and working collaboratively.
Context of Practice 1 will establish the essential link between your academic understanding and the nature of your practice itself.
Personal & Professional Practice 1 offers the opportunity to evaluate and communicate your progress in relation to your personal learning journey and professional development.
Send & Receive explores how messages are sent and received and the role visual literacy plays in the communication process. You will also reflect on the impact of visual communications on the world.
Narratives considers how to construct stories through image-making, book design and storytelling. It will introduce typography, page layout, book-making and design as well as shooting and editing a short film.
The Self-directed Project develops the skills necessary to work autonomously.
Second year modules
Visual Literacy develops an understanding of the technical skills, processes and creative possibilities of specialist areas such as print-making, graphic design, typography, photography, the moving image, web design, animation and/or illustration. A selection of your work will be exhibited in a group show.
Context of Practice 2 continues to integrate your understanding of theoretical and practical contexts of your increasingly individual creative practices and concerns in preparation for year 3.
Personal & Professional Practice 2 builds on your experiences in the first year by further developing your understanding of your own personal and professional development.
The Responsive module offers you to the opportunity to work with other students on real projects or live briefs. Previously students have worked with Leeds Art Galleries, the Design Museum or local charities. Each year the projects differ.
The Live Project lets you work on a range of live, competition, self-initiated and/or community-focused briefs.
Third year modules
In Context of Practice 3, you will undertake a personal programme of in-depth critical research through both written and practical work.
Personal & Professional Practice 3 sees you develop relationships with the creative industries, cultural environments and communities of practice through your work and continued experiences such as work/ practice-based learning, conferences, exhibitions and other professional engagements and activities.
Extended Practice represents the culmination of knowledge, skills and understanding you’ve acquired throughout the course. You will undertake self-initiated or self-selected briefs, and at the end of the year there will be a group exhibition.
How the course works
The course focuses on your overall learning journey, through which you start to develop a better understanding of what kind of visual communicator you are and how to apply your skills in the world. The course’s approach to learning and teaching supports this journey through workshops, group tutorials and course events such as our annual Viscom Village Fete, in which we raise money for charity. We like to think that there are no ‘pretend’ projects on the course and consequently there is a strong emphasis on working with real people on real projects through live briefs, work-related learning and other community involvements. We are also keen that you learn from your fellow students across all levels of the course. All of the staff team work outside the college as artists, designers and visual communicators.
European links
This course participates in the College’s Erasmus student exchange scheme. Progression & career opportunities Former students have found careers in all areas of the creative industries, such as the media (including broadcast), graphic design, publishing and advertising, arts management, the voluntary sector, illustration and photography, digital and new media, community arts, and art therapy. Others are freelance or have set up their own businesses. Many of our students develop careers in arts education, including schools, youth work, and museum or gallery education. Some go on to postgraduate study in a range of disciplines. We maintain strong links with our former students, many of whom return to support our current students.
Assessment
Assessment is coursework-based.
Working with industry
Throughout the course there are many live briefs, working directly with clients, communities and audiences, plus opportunities to exhibit your work and enter competitions.
Work placements
Work placements take place at the end of the second year and into your third year. We will work closely with you to develop a portfolio and the professional skills you need to secure placements appropriate to your interests.
Resources
You will have access to Mac suites with industry-standard software, a photographic studio and darkrooms, print-making facilities, library and internet resources, and a visual-communication studio. The course also makes use of some online learning through a virtual learning environment.
Study visits
There is a national study trip for the first year and an international study trip for all years. In the second and third year there are optional specialised conference trips in fields such as film, photography and public arts.
Progression & career opportunities
Former students have found careers in all areas of the creative industries, such as the media (including broadcast), graphic design, publishing and advertising, arts management, the voluntary sector, illustration and photography, digital and new media, community arts, and art therapy. Others have become self-employed or established their own businesses. Many of our students develop careers in arts education, including schools, youth work, museum and gallery education. Other students have gone on to postgraduate study in a range of disciplines.
Mature students (21+)
We welcome applications from students who are returning to education. We offer many opportunities for adults even if you don’t have conventional entry qualifications. We’re interested in your motivation, your potential, and your ability to follow the course successfully.
Course fees & costs
See course fees page and find out if you qualify for any support. In addition, there are costs for optional trips, and other costs will be incurred throughout the course of your studies, dependent on your work. These are estimated at approximately £250 in year one, £350 in year two and £450 in year three.
Find out more
- Contact our Student Advice Team
- Visit the College at one of our open events
- Contact our Marketing department on 0113 202 8000
How to apply
UCAS code W211
The deadline for applications is Saturday 15 January 2012. Visit our how to apply section.
The College is currently unable to accept direct entry onto Year 2 of this course
Course guidance
