Advanced Diploma In Visual Communication

The Graphic Design course will enable students to know and understand as to how images, symbols, words and letters are used as means of communication, the influencing factors like culture and economics, what is it that needs to be communicated and how to create the most appropriate design that can communicate most effectively.

The course will prepare students who are looking for careers in publishing, advertising and packaging. The course will involve classroom lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions by students.

Year 1

Drawing for Designers

This module will introduce students to a range of rendering/drawing techniques, and help them to develop these skills as a means of communicating ideas and thoughts effectively.

Creativity & Problem Solving

This module will show the student different creativity techniques and their use and applications in solving various design problems. Students will gain a familiarization with "concept", "creative process", "time management", "observation & analysis", group & individual "research" and the importance of a problem "statement".

Design Principles

This module gives the student an insight into the principles and elements of design, their use and applications in the goal of solving various design problems. The students will study different graphic elements - lines, form, texture, etc. They will learn to see, feel and interpret, thus developing necessary skills in the field of Visual Communication.

Page Layout

This module will help student develop basic principles that guide the form and function of the printed page; symmetry and asymmetry, order and disorder, tension and balance, contrast of value and scale, method of dividing space from the Golden Mean of Greece to the contemporary Swiss grid system. Students will also be shown how various elements combine to make a successful layout, using words and images to communicate ideas effectively.

Color for Designers

This module provides an understanding and importance use of color for design. It covers topics on color theory, research and effective combinations that are essential to apply color for effective visual communication.

The subject of digital colors will be introduced at a later part of the module, it will allow students to explore the basic principles and techniques for generating colors on the computer.

Typography 1

This module will provide designers with the theoretical knowledge, history and practical experience through a process of discovery and experimentation in the fundamental aspects of typography.

Digital & Applied Illustration

This module introduces students to the techniques for creating digital illustrations through the application of two dimensional vector images. Students are trained to use Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop software to produce digital images which may be required for book covers, magazines covers, film posters, album covers, packaging, advertising, editorials and digital painting etc.

Graphic Design & Culture

Graphic Design & Culture is a foundation module that will discuss and analyse the roles and purpose of graphic design in society and influences of history.

Image Processing

This module will introduce the techniques of image editing and photo-retouching using Adobe Photoshop as a design tool.

Digital Photography

The module is designed for both graphic designers and multimedia designers. The module is dedicated to understanding photography as a medium of expression and communication.

Advanced Layout & Production

This module will enable students to further their skill in layout, conceptualization and production techniques - from prepress planning to final finishing of publication.

Graphic Production

In this module students will develop the skills and vocabulary necessary to prepare a project for print production. The focus for this module is production-based and is an advanced technical subject.

Identity System

This module introduces students to the understanding of identity systems from its origins to its development as a modern marketing communications tool. Students learn to investigate different business scenarios that may affect a brand from a graphic designer’s point of view. This module introduces students to strategic brand development.

Year 2

Packaging Design

Packaging designers need to develop marketable ideas and translate design concepts into three-dimensional packages of different kinds. Packaging Design will introduce students to materials and processes related to forms for packaging.

Advertising Design

In this module students are trained in design which is used for advertising; these are in the print media, outdoor media and the web. Students will learn how to create designs with the target audience in mind, to whom the advertising is directed.

Typography 2

In this course students will be encouraged to deal with advanced typographic briefs where higher emphasis is given to experimentation. A higher level of sophistication and maturity in dealing with type is required.

Web Design Principles

This module will enable them students to create unique web solutions by analyzing different project requirements and needs. Students will also gain practical skills to enable them to create web pages by designing and programming with hypertext mark-up languages and graphical web building tools.

Publication Design

This module covers the subject of design for professional publications which includes magazines, with an emphasis placed on developing innovative modern concepts for defined target audiences. Students will also learn how to assemble and work as a full-functioning publication team. Students will apply the principles they learned in page layout, advanced layout & production and graphic production by using dynamic grid systems, professional binding techniques, choosing appropriate paper stocks and working with special printing effects and finishes.

Independent Research

This module is designed to train the students to do research and to develop an individual project (linked to the research project) from conception to finished artwork with professional presentation. Students will be responsible for initiating their ideas, in-depth research, analysis, project planning, concept development, implementation and presentation.

Portfolio 1

This module aims to assist the student in developing a professional portfolio and learning how to present the work that can best exhibit the strength of the students' creation. This will include preparation of resumes, cover letters, self-promotional direct mails, emails, methods in targeting and researching for students' internship.

Academic Research and Communication Skills

This unit covers key aspects of research and communication studies in academic contexts relevant to students of design and marketing. Students engage in collaborative learning activities throughout the term in order to develop their teamwork skills.

Internship

This module exposes students to the professional environment through industry opportunities in graphic design studios, advertising agencies, and other approved organizations.

Interactive Media Design

This module will enable students to create both, web-based, and CD-ROM-based multimedia programs. Participants will gain an understanding of, and practical experience of working with Interactive Authoring Software.

Portfolio 2

This module has been designed and structured to prepare students for employment in the Graphic Design industry. Students will review and analyse results from Portfolio Workshop 1, categorizing works into disciplines and positioning it for the job market and to match their career target. This will include preparation of resumes, cover letters, self-promotional design, portfolio book and methods in targeting and researching the job market, discussing portfolio preparation and reviews.