Somerset College

Who is this course for?

This well respected programme enjoys an excellent reputation for producing highly employable students.  It gives you the opportunity to develop skills necessary to work professionally in the fast, excting and ever changing world of advertising.  During this year a series of briefs, (some live or competition) will give you the opportunity to put your creativity to the test and benchmark yourself against the expectations of the industry.

Description

The course will build on your previous graphic design education at either Foundation Degree (available at Somerset College) or HND level, and encourages you to generate the original ideas necessary to organise and promote a well planned campaign or product launch. You will be encouraged to deliver unconventional answers to conventional briefs and to push the boundaries of the design process to the limit. You will look at innovative ways to promote anything from well known food brands to charity campaigns, to radio station launches and public health campaigns.

During this year you will benefit from:

• Opportunities for work placement.
• Advice and guidance on your portfolio from members of our advisory panel.
• The chance to enter your work in a number of national and international design competitions.
• Exhibiting your final work in the Somerset College Degree Show.
• A visual culture programme which will help you place your design work in a professional context.

Personal Skills

We invite all our applicants to an interview with their portfolio of work.  This provides you with a valuable opportunity to express your personal skills and qualities.  We are looking for you to demonstrate the following personal qualities, although all will be further developed throughout your learning:

• Your interest in Graphic Design.  This should be very strong and come through, not only in the work you show in your portfolio, but also in the way you communicate about your work.
• Studio, group and team work skills, possibly gained through school/college projects or part-time employment
• Independent learning skills.  You will already have some of these skills, although  your transition to higher education is supported by your personal support tutor and student support services
• Individuality and creativity
• Written and oral communication skills as you will be required to attend lectures, seminars and tutorials; write essays and a thesis and give oral presentations
• IT skills. You will be offered the opportunity to work with CAD/CAM and you can gain qualifications in these areas during Year 1 and 2.  You will also have access to a range of IT facilities and the HE Study Centre where staff are available to give you advice and support.

Teaching and Assessment

Assessment is based 100% on your coursework and we undertake continuous modular assessment in accordance with the Art & Design Partnership at the University of Plymouth. Studio based assignments continue throughout the course, complemented by lectures, seminars and workshop presentations.

Career Opportunities

This course prepares you for a range of opportunities in the advertising industry. Previous graduates have progressed to employment with national and international agencies. Many of our students have gone on to set up their own agencies or progressed to postgraduate study.

Entry Requirements

Foundation Degree or HND in Graphic Design or similar or completion of the first two years of a relevant degree programme.

We also require students to have GCSE English at grade C (or equivalent).

Students whose first language is not English will be required to attain IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Level 6 with a score of 5 or more in the writing test.

Note: Mature students without formal entry requirements are welcome to apply.

Interviews last approximately 20 minutes. Normally there are two interviewers. This is a valuable opportunity for you to show and discuss your work and demonstrate your personal skills.

Your portfolio: Your portfolio should be well ordered and display a good range of skills, including photography, 3D work, graphics, drawing and personal sketchbooks etc. Your use of colour and different media will be considered together with clear evidence of design thinking and problem solving.

Costs

£3,360 for 2011/12 academic year

2012/13 fees to be confirmed shortly

Contact

Tel:  01823 366 331;  Email:  enquiries@somerset.ac.uk