Unit summary:
- Academic Study Skills for Design, Media and Screen - Inductions (20 credits)
This unit provides an introduction to the course, the academic and support team, and to London College of Communication. During this time students start to learn their way around the college, the area where they live and around London itself.
Inductions are provided in a range of college-wide workshops that are available to Level 3: International Introduction to Design, Media and Screen students including printmaking, photography, letterpress and 3D, following which, students are able to explore and use them independently.
This unit is diagnostic, exploring a range of media and processes to facilitate students in making an informed decision regarding their future progression. Students are introduced to a variety of academic skills that they will be required to develop on the course, including research (primary and secondary) idea development, reflection, independent study and outcome production.
- Academic English Language for HE Study (20 credits)
This unit supports students in acquiring and developing their academic English language skills including academic writing, research, and presentation skills, in preparation for undergraduate study. Students are also supported in developing their language proficiency and understanding and practice of UAL and UK academic conventions and standards.
Students are required to complete a series of written assignments, and also have the option to take the UAL Progress Test at the end of term three if required, in order to meet the minimum entry requirements for undergraduate study at UAL.
- Cultural and Contextual Studies for Design, Media, and Screen (20 credits)
This unit requires students to undertake a personal, independent study, investigating the work of others from both historical and contemporary specialist fields. Students are supported in exploring a range of research methods, and in developing their written and oral communication skills.
Through a series of lectures, visits, seminars and written assignments, the unit encourages students to make connections to wider social and cultural debates, developing academic skills and knowledge, in preparation for studying at undergraduate level.
- Introduction to HE Studies in Design, Media, and Screen (40 credits)
This unit is an intensive period of study which allows students to experiment and collaborate, and to explore ideas, materials and media, relevant to their interests. Students undertake a series of practical projects that focus on their chosen area of study within design, media or screen.
All students are encouraged to work in a multidisciplinary way, and to research, develop and evaluate ideas; building a portfolio of work appropriate for undergraduate interview.
Each student is expected to maintain a comprehensive online reflective journal, and to develop a series of sketchbooks. Students learn the key skills of time management and effective self-directed learning, which are essential for successful undergraduate study. All projects are underpinned by the use of the practical workshops within London College of Communication.
Students who choose to focus on design explore a range of disciplines within the field including still and motion graphics, typography, illustration, design for branded spaces and design for art direction. Students develop their 2D and 3D making skills, and are encouraged to research and develop ideas using sketchbooks.
Students who choose to focus on media explore areas such as journalism, advertising, public relations and photography. Students develop their research skills, and their practical, technical and theoretical knowledge.
Students who choose to focus on screen-based work have the opportunity to explore animation, games design and filmmaking. The set projects encourage the exploration of narrative ideas using photography, storyboards, and film. Students have access to digital imaging resources that, with support from their tutors, will facilitate the production of still and moving image-based work.
- Personal Project (20 credits)
In this unit, students propose and undertake a personal project (agreed with their tutor) which culminates in an end of year exhibition; a celebration of their achievement. Students are expected to combine all of the learning, skills, and experience they have acquired so far, in order to develop a body of work that demonstrates readiness to progress to a suitable undergraduate course at London College of Communication.
