Art & Design N Diploma (Graphic Design)

Course details

UniCollege's dynamic programme in Graphic Design will prepare you for this exciting industry. You will learn skills in web, animiation and graphic design.

Students acquire a solid base by exploring and developing their ideas using both traditional skills and the latest digital media technologies. From developing a design concept through to the final product, generating images using different software applications, learners are encouraged to develop an inpidual approach.

Learners will gain practical skills and experience on Adobe Creative Suite which includes Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

Our amazing team of facilitators brings a wealth of industry expertise and knowledge to this unique offering.

About the programme

• This dynamic programme is designed to introduce students to the revolutionised Graphic Design industry. You will learn skills in web, animation and graphic design, and will get hands-on experience using the various Adobe creative products to prepare you to write the external Adobe examinations. The Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) certification allows you to demonstrate proficiency in Adobe digital communications tools.
• Students acquire a solid base by exploring and developing their ideas using both traditional skills and the latest digital media technologies. From developing a design concept through to the final product, generating images using different software applications, students are encouraged to develop an inpidual approach.
• Our aim is to provide excellent face-to-face tuition with experienced facilitators who bring a wealth of industry expertise and knowledge. If you want an exciting, challenging and dynamic career then Graphic Design is for you!

Subject outlines
YEAR 1
Desktop Publishing

• Develop software skills to produce effective digital work
• Develop skills using Adobe Creative Suite programmes
• Mounting to present projects of an excellent standard
• Referencing according to the Harvard Referencing System
• Adobe exams: Illustrator and Photoshop

Drawing I

• Drawing as a visual language and descriptive medium
• Communicate through the art of drawing
• Analyse the use of drawing media, materials and techniques
• Elements of art and design principles

Graphic Design I

• Intro to basic design
• Communicate ideas and concepts through visual communication techniques
• Current typographic practice and its application to print, digital and screen-based outcomes
• Plan a project using the design development cycle
• Plan and execute a design, using knowledge of reproduction processes

Web Design I

• User requirements for an interactive media product
• Design an interface for an interactive media
• Basics of CSS and HTML
• Assemble visual components for an online media
• Develop an interactive HTML based site
• Use 2D digital animation techniques for web
• Introduction to stop motion animation

Entrepreneurship & Business Management

• Creativity and idea generation
• Marketing, management & financial plans
• Presentation & evaluation of business plan
• Introduction to management
• Personal (self) management
• Ethics/social responsibility
• Operations management
• Strategy and competitive advantage
• Buying an existing business

YEAR 2

Adobe Creative Suite Practice

• Evaluate industry standard software packages for a specified brief
• Create and process digital images for specific purposes
• Manipulate digital images to meet requirements
• Adobe exams: InDesign and Dreamweaver

Drawing II

• Use colour as a device in describing concrete reality visually
• Spatial characteristics of line and texture to create the illusion of 3D
• Develop an original style and content of drawing
• Compiling a professional drawing portfolio

Graphic Design II

• Solving visual problems from initial concept through to design and artwork stages
• Communicate meanings, messages and information using images
• The relationship between corporate identity and graphic design
• Develop and present a professional portfolio in an appropriate format

Web Design II

• Design web pages using HTML code
• Enhance web pages using advanced HTML code
• Produce web pages using JavaScript and Java Applets
• Publish web pages on an intranet/internet

History of Art

• Critical and reasoning skills
• Knowledge of art terminology
• Art works of different eras, cultures and societies
• Main stylistic characteristics of the different art periods