BA (Hons) Illustration with Foundation

ADA001
Materials, Methods and Media 30 credits

This module will introduce students to various techniques, materials and mediums through practise-based experiments, play and problem solving. You will be introduced to different creative processes and methods of working that will help you to develop your ideas and engage in critical and reflective practice.

ADA002
Image, Type and Narrative 30 credits

Students will experiment with media, photography and typography to explore the relationship between image and word. This module enables students to gain knowledge within subject areas and explore the importance of developing an independent voice. Projects will become increasingly student driven as they develop their ability to propose ideas and solutions through self-directed inquiry, discovery and production.

ADA003
Risk and Resolution 30 credits

Students will consolidate their skills, knowledge and understanding in initiating, researching, developing and presenting a final project and exhibition. This module will also enable students to continue to research and develop their strengths as an independent art and design practitioner and prepare them for their next stage of study.

ADA004
Critical Themes in Art & Design 20 credits

This module introduces students to transformative phases within the historical and contemporary context of art, design, photography and media. Students will learn to ask critical questions and find answers through information gathering, reading and research. Through articulating responses, students will be introduced to academic conventions in preparation for progression to further Higher Education.

ILLUS405
Character 40 credits

You visually explore character creation via a broad range of traditional and digital media and formats whilst being introduced to some of the design processes utilised within illustration practice. Practical character development, narrative, creative writing and debate on the ethics of representation are featured. Critical reflection underpins practical work and help you to identify strengths and weaknesses.

ILLUS406
Gaining Confidence In... 80 credits

You explore a range of conceptual, theoretical and practical projects and challenges concentrating upon the fundamentals of contemporary and future Illustrative practice. Areas include narrative sequence, interactivity, semiotics, metaphor, ideas generation, drawing, printmaking, critical and analytical reflection and writing, allowing you to gain confidence in a range of practical and conceptual skills. Potential for collaborative practice.

ILLUS502
Thematic 40 credits

Working on a shared theme you explore a range of design processes highlighting the potential strand exit awards. The resulting diverse array of outcomes developed from one central topic helps you to consider the impact audience and context have upon communications. You identify a context within illustration practice and in consultation with tutors write an individual proposal which reflects personally identified objectives. A visual research journal evidences research into the breadth of Illustrative practices culminating in a written report.

ILLUS504
Interpreting Information 40 credits

Choosing from a selection of information from a variety of sources aligned to UN Sustainability Goals, you initially engage in group activity and then negotiate a personal project brief that allows you to interpret that information for a specific illustration context. This negotiated learning helps you to question and, where appropriate, reinforce your ambitions. Competition briefs and/or work-based learning through placements or studio visits may be undertaken as part of this module (subject to negotiation).

ILLUS505
Common Challenge: Technique and Approach 2 20 credits

Working on a Faculty set theme, individual or group research identifies, analyses and communicates an investigation into the theme. Lectures and research run throughout the module, to support the writing of an essay on the work of an individual or a group of practitioners in illustration or an allied area whose practice reflects the theme. Preparation for dissertation is undertaken. Drawing skills develop along with knowledge of the value of drawing within illustrative practice within a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment.

ILLUS506
Research and Practice

Drawing skills are defined and explored as a test bed for ideas and a reflective tool-kit for discovery. You engage with theories of and approaches to representation within global, historical, contemporary and cultural landscapes extending your visual research skills and awareness of the value of drawing within illustration and associated media.The opportunity to gain primary research via field trips is a feature.

ADA600
Common Dissertation: Critical Practices 20 credits

The module engages students in situating practice through research, contextualisation and critical reflection, in relation to their final stage study and post University aspirations. Programmes can offer: a traditional dissertation; preparation for an extended dissertation; situating existing practice; or the construction of a new body of work as practice-based research.

ILLUS601
Negotiated 1 20 credits

A number of broad themes are presented. After reflection and evaluation of previous conclusions and future ambitions, you select one theme and submit a typed brief associated with the selection to satisfy your personally identified goals. Upon acceptance of your brief, you undertake an in-depth study of the chosen theme (or the identified aspect of the theme) and produce a body of work that responds to your written brief, demonstrating a full engagement with the task defined within the brief. Competition or live briefs may be undertaken as part of this module provided they fit within the agreed proposal and cover the Learning Outcomes. At the end of this module you may opt (subject to negotiation) to focus your studies towards one of the specific exit award titles.

ILLUS622
Negotiated 2 40 credits

This module is designed to consolidate the learning achieved throughout and prepare you for your professional ambitions. After an initial period of preparation, research and consultation, you submit a written brief identifying aims and objectives reflecting your practice and professional aspirations. Following approval of the proposal you undertake an extensive period of self-directed, negotiated study leading to the production of a substantial body of work. The work is presented either via report or verbally and visually. Competition or live briefs may be undertaken as part of this module provided they fit within the agreed proposal and cover the Learning Outcomes.

ILLUS641
Professional Practice 1 20 credits

After an initial period of preparation, research, consultation and proposed project work, you submit a portfolio / showreel evidencing your practice to date and a short type-written summary reflecting upon your practice and professional aspirations, identifying your aims and learning objectives for the year ahead. You start to build links within the professional world you have ambitions within. Competitions, live briefs or work-based learning may be undertaken as part of this module.

ILLUS634
Extended Dissertation: Conclusion 20 credits

You build upon the work undertaken within ADA600 Option 1 to further develop your chosen topic and existing research and reflection, assimilating this into a final output of a dissertation of critical writing (between 10,000 and 12,000 words). You are allocated a tutor for the module. Field study trips to gain first hand research may be undertaken.

ILLUS642
Professional Practice 2 20 credits

You locate your studio-based practice within a context of your chosen area of professional specialism and articulate this understanding through production of a report and associated promotional items, thereby equipping yourself for entry into professional practice or post-graduate study. You gain a deeper understanding of the business and professional dimensions of the subject of illustration. Field study trips to gain first hand research may be undertaken.