Programme Specification for Graphic Arts BA (Hons)
|
Final award |
BA (Hons) |
|
Intermediate awards available |
Cert HE, Dip HE |
|
UCAS code |
|
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Art and Design Benchmark Subject Statement |
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Date specification last up-dated |
February 2011 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
The Graphic Arts underpinned by the traditions of printmaking and traditional photographic processes has maintained a mainstream parlance affecting both 'high' and commercial art practice because of the immergence of Digital technology. The Graphic Artist is a true multimedia-multi cultural artist of our times occupying that area between the philosopher/communicator and the super craftsperson; place where the democracy of communication is counterbalanced by the excellence of skilled creative practice. These skilled processors of, images have given Graphic Arts far reaching culture currency.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students are selected on their suitability for the programme by a portfolio interview. Applicants would normally have completed an Art and Design Foundation, GAD, or an appropriate BTEC, GNVQ or Access programme of at least one year's duration prior to joining the programme. Students with other relevant professional or life experience will also be considered.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Graphic Arts?
Graphic Arts are the utilization of a range of media in the pursuit of an independent creative research, where the media creates a safe matrix for experimentation and image manipulation. The Graphic Arts are routed in the history of communication and of creative printmaking. This programme offers students the opportunity to develop their own visual language and creative image making within a range of related media. These cover all the analogue printmaking processes and book arts but also the emerging potential represented by the Digital technologies. The programme is informed by visual research in the form of drawing and photography and by a cultural and historical underpinning.
Graphic Arts at UEL
The programme offers a broad interpretation of Graphic Arts as an expressive arts form. We are seeking to encourage students to value the relationship between traditional and new technologies situating their work appropriately within the context of contemporary practice. We see this arena as a fulcrum for the expansion of creative instincts into a fast developing technological world, yet routed in the principles of practice represented by print media processes.
Programme structure
The programme can be studied full-time for 3 years or in a part-time mode. It has a modular structure that enables students to study it as a Single, Major, Joint or Minor honours programme. This allows combinations to be built with its sister programmes in Digital Arts and Visual Communication and also other programmes in the School of Architecture and The Visual Arts and also the University as part of our Combined Honours menu.
Learning environment
The learning environment is centred on the individual, with Learning outcomes directly aligned with the assessment criteria, and following headings outline the components within the teaching and learning strategy.
Group Projects
Programme work where you work as part of a team with a group of your peers
Studio Project work
Studio based work undertaken by an individual or group of students in collaboration with project tutors. It includes an intro briefing, discussion on progress and development of ideas
Professional Practice
Students are encouraged to develop a strong ethos and understanding of professional practice; this can take the form of work placements, study visits, exhibitions, international exchanges, visiting artist talks, etc.
Self-Initiated work
These are structured projects based on your own written proposal, agreed and discussed with your programme or module tutor with agreed aims and outcomes.
Seminars
These are small mixed sessions (from one or more area, or year group), discussing a project or contextual issue and sharing views and experiences.
Lectures
Group teaching of your year or with other year groups at the same time, usually around a particular topic delivered by one or more tutors
Workshops
Practical demonstrations and hands on learning takes place, as well as facilitation of your own self-initiated projects. Introductory workshops are normally undertaken in relation to project work as part of the module. Later in the programme, project proposal forms identify your needs and these are agreed with your pathway staff and the technical demonstrators. These are available in keeping with access and entitlement as well as satisfying Health and Safety requirements.
Study visits
These are trips to external venues such as museums or relevant places often as part of a module or project but can be whole year groups with tutors identified as responsible for the visit.
Assessment
The programme has a mixed menu of 20 and 40 credit modules which vary in their assessment. Students will be required to present work for assessment in the form of exhibition, portfolio presentation, oral presentation or in the form of an evaluative learning journal or essay.
20 credit modules are assessed at the end of each semester and 40 credit modules are assessed at the end of each year, with the marks from year 2 and 3 used to formulate the final degree award.
Work experience/placement opportunities
The programme contains a mandatory professional practice module which enables students a variety of opportunities to undertake or engage in aspects of the professional arena. This includes visits from renowned professionals, work placements or exhibition opportunities and the chance to undertake a foreign study trip.
Project work
Most of the modules offered in Graphic Arts are project based, as a way of addressing fundamental issues relating to the subject. Titles like: ”Map a journey or a sequence”, “Traces and Evidence”, “Book Project” have been used in the past. As students progress through the programme, however, the emphasis move away from directed project work toward self-initiated projects. Some modules are structured to develop particular skills like group and collaborative work etc.
Added value
The programme is sited in a purpose built, new Architecture and Visual Arts building on our landmark Docklands Campus. This is in turn situated in the creative heartland of London, an area of exciting new media activity and also and area about to undergo dynamic regeneration and change as preparation for the 2012 Olympics. The campus is adjacent to Excel, Canary Wharf, Docklands airport and the new international rail terminus for Europe at Stratford. East London also represents the quintessential multicultural environment on the doorstep of 2000 years of cultural history.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- Drawing and mark-making
- Printmaking: Etching, Screen-printing, Lithography, Block-printing, Digital Printing
- Photography and photo-print processes
- Visual communication
- Media
- Comics
- Digital Media
- Publishing and editing
- Exhibiting
If you enjoy...
- Being creative
- using your imagination,
- problem solving,
- a challenge,
- working in groups,
- field work,
- developing your independence and social skills
- Processes
If you want...
To investigate both the traditional and new technologies with an aim to better understand these relationships gaining knowledge of how to develop conceptual and practical possibilities of the publishing and edition of your own creative expression. Students are able to investigate their ideas with an emphasis on Graphic Arts or with combined honours in pathways such as Illustration, Moving Image or Animation.
Your future career
Graduates are able to pursue careers in media and image-related industries: publishing, teaching, setting up your own studio, freelance self employment, collaborating with other artists, print related industries, digital print media & communication, TV/Film & stage design, comics, animation, archive/documentation, research, post graduate, artist or designer etc. to name but a few.
How we support you
UEL provides a comprehensive range of support services for students which includes: residential/student finance advice/careers advice/study skills development/IT/learning resources. The programme provides strong personal tutor guidance and professional advice related to the practice. Visiting artists, designers and other professional practitioners regularly visit the programme and study trips to working environments are an important component.
Bonus factors
East London environment offering unrivalled access to the most important creative resources, as well as good transport links and cheapest accommodation in London. There are regular visits from important professionals who live and work locally.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- provide practical, historical and theoretical understanding of Graphic Arts.
- provide a platform for students to access their imagination and develop their creative identity.
- establish key transferable and employability skills.
- develop a trans-media approach to professional practices.
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- Historical, theoretical and ethical positions.
- Develop an understanding of the power of the medium.
- Understanding the creative potential of the medium
- Understanding the relation to developing technologies.
Thinking skills
- Self reflection/analysis and critical awareness
- Creative thinking and invention.
- Visual research skills.
Subject-Based Practical skills
- Production and studio practice
- Technical aptitude
- Health and safety awareness
- Format and presentation
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Time management (participation, working to deadlines etc.)
- Working within groups (collaborative, work experience)
- Interpersonal skills (Client awareness, etc.)
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.
Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is 3 years when attended in full-time mode or 6 years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in September and ends in June, but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February. A student, normally registering for 6 modules in one year (3 modules in each Semester) would do so in a full-time attendance mode of study and a student registering for up to 4 modules in one year (2 modules in each Semester) would do so in part-time attendance mode of study.
What you will study when
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:
- Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
- Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
- Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
- Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three
Modules are defined as:
- Core - Must be taken
- Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
- University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and major pathways for this programme
|
LEVEL |
TITLE |
CREDITS |
STATUS |
STATUS |
STATUS |
STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Graphic Arts 1 |
40 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
1 |
Skills for Academic Learning |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
|
1 |
Printmaking |
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
1 |
Discourse |
20 |
Core |
Core |
|
|
|
1 |
Book Project |
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
Graphic Arts 2 |
40 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
|
2 |
Professional Practice |
40 |
Core |
|
|
Core |
|
2 |
Option from the Visual Theories menu |
20 |
Core |
Core |
|
|
|
2 |
Option from the Visual theories menu |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
Graphic Arts 3 |
40 |
Core |
Core |
*Option |
Core |
|
3 |
Exhibition/Presentation and Production |
40 |
Core |
|
*Option |
|
|
3 |
Thesis |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
|
3 |
Advanced Professional Practice |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
*Option:
Students studying a Joint Honours combination entirely within the Digital Arts and Visual Communication subject field will be required to take the Exhibition, Presentation and Production module in level 3 instead of two subject specific modules.
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.
In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
(A foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree.)
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
× |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
× |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Workshops and demonstrations
- Tutorials and seminars
- Professional practice talks
- Exhibitions and Gallery visits
Thinking skills are developed through
- Tutorials and seminars
- Independent, creative practice
- Project work
Practical skills are developed through
- Workshop introductions
- Projects based on genres
- Professional practice talks
- Study visits
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- Professional practice talks
- Work placements
- Group projects
- Study visits
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- Oral presentation of ideas during seminars, tutorials and at the end of each module.
- Portfolio and research folder presentation at the end of each module.
- Breadth and Depth of research work
Thinking skills are assessed by
- Oral presentation of ideas during seminars, tutorials and at the end of each module.
- Portfolio and research folder presentation at the end of each module.
- Innovation and lateral thinking displayed in realisation of work in relation to research material
Practical skills are assessed by
- Continuous monitoring of workshop progress
- Presentation of portfolio at the end of each module
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- Participation in workshops, seminars , tutorials and meetings
- Time management in relation to meeting project deadlines etc.
- Engagement in professional practice components of the programme, placements, group activities etc.
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before this programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations and feedback questionnaires
- Student representation on programme committees (meeting 3 times year)
- Year group meetings (up to 4 per semester)
- Module and Group seminars
- Tutorials
- Personal Project proformas
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- circulating the minutes of the programme committee
- providing details on the programme notice board
- Group meetings
- Web CT publication
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- Questionnaires to former students
- Industrial liaison committee
- Placements Officer
- Discourse with visiting practitioners
- Feedback from exhibitions etc.
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- www.uel.ac.uk
- The student handbook: Digital Arts and Visual Communication: Graphic Arts
- Module study guides: Digital Arts and Visual Communication: Graphic Arts
- UEL Manual of General Regulations and Policies http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- UEL Pathway catalogue for the Academic Framework The School web page is http://www.uel.ac.uk/ava/index.htm
