In 2019 UAL declared a Climate Emergency and pledged to ‘make sustainability a required part of the student learning experience’. In response to the climate and ecological crisis the Design School set in place an ambitious Sustainability Action Plan to fully embed responsible practices within the curriculum and in everything we do. As part of this initiative we have updated our course handbooks against a set of social and environmental sustainability principles to ensure that learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip students with the understanding, skills and values to foster a more sustainable planet. Our aim is to change the way students think and to empower them to work towards a sustainable future.
Each course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits. The Postgraduate Diploma course structure involves five units, totalling 120 credits.
Autumn, Term 1
Research and Development (20 credits)
Design Resolution (20 credits)
Professional and Academic Context (20 credits)
Design Resolution is an intensive series of 'hands-on' studio workshops that develop basic design skills including visual grammar, typography, structure and the grid. Research and Development breaks down the research process and encourages contextual understanding of graphic design practice.
This unit is designed to develop understanding of research methods and to provide you with research skills that can be applied to other units on the course. The Professional and Academic Contexts unit encourages you to position your work within the framework of professional and/or academic contexts.
Spring, Term 2
Professional and Academic Context (continued)
Collaborative Unit (20 credits)
Project Proposal and Realisation (40 credits)
Summer, Term 3
Project Proposal and Realisation (continued)
The major project realisation builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the first stage and applies these in the creation of a self-initiated design project based on extensive research, analysis, investigation and a clear research question. The project is supported throughout with weekly seminars and tutorials.
The final units require you to propose, research and bring to completion a substantial practical project.
The course, which fits within the University credit framework, comprises: tutored study, self-directed study and access to facilities. Tutored study is generally two days a week. In addition to this you are expected to attend lectures and work independently.
Should you exit the course, a Postgraduate Certificate may be awarded on successful completion of the first 60 credits.
