BATH SPA UNIVERSITY

designVisual communicatorshave a pivotal role to playin an increasingly complexenvironment, working across theboundaries between languagesand cultures as analysts, interpretersand shapers of knowledge.This programme offers versatile,interdisciplinary study, with supportingcultural, social, and commercialpartners. We have specialist designteachers/practitioners and theorists/historians to support your researchand practice.The programme is based in theUNESCO world heritage city of Bathat the School of Art and Design SionHill campus and Elizabethan CorshamCourt, home to the University’sResearch and Postgraduate Centre.Our facilities are well equipped and we host frequent visits from leadingpractitioners and theorists. Theprogramme will develop your abilityand inclination to assess real worldsituations and effect positive changethrough communication design.Course structure and contentThe course combines theory andpractice through assignments, casestudies, and the application of analysisand research to communication designthemes and projects. Sustainable,ethical and inclusive design practicesunderpin our approach.A module in ResearchMethodologies for all MA Designstudents introduces generic principlesand methods of research, followed byfour modules that take you throughthe process of discovering, defining,developing and delivering yourpractice. The course will enable youto demonstrate a balance of criticaldesign practice and theoreticalcontent. Written work will provide acontext and evaluation of your work,and encourage you to reflect on yourpersonal and professional aims.Teaching methods and resourcesThe course is delivered by a team of specialist tutors, all activepractitioners in areas acrossgraphic design, information design,typography, illustration, branddevelopment and identity design,interaction design, illustration,moving image, design history andtheory. Specialist workshops andtechnical staff are available inprintmaking, letterpress, bookbinding,photography and digital media.You can work with externalpartners to support researchrelating to communication designthemes. Talks and masterclassesby visiting professionals in industryand independent practice are animportant element of theprogramme.TutorsNeil Glen (Interaction Design);Anthony Head (Interactive Design);Stuart Henley (Graphic Design);Graham McLaren (Design Historian);Paul Minott (Graphic Design/BrandDevelopment); Julia Moszkowicz(Design Theorist); Rolf Pilarsky(Motion Graphics); Nigel Robinson(Visual Communication); Tim Vyner(Illustration).AssessmentCourse work is presented for each of the four taught modules.Typically this includes visual workdemonstrating a strategic andcreative approach, supported byresearch and an evaluation. Thefinal MA double module requiresthe submission of a body of workthat clearly and comprehensivelyaddresses all the issues agreedand identified in the initial proposaland normally includes visual andwritten research and evaluation.EmployabilityThe course is relevant to work in allCommunication Design subjects:graphic design, interaction design,illustration and moving image, artdirection and related careers indesign management, marketing,design writing and academicpositions.Key features-Specialist staff and well equippedfacilities-Opportunities to work with externalpartners in social, cultural andcommercial contexts-Opportunities for collaborativeinterdisciplinary workEnquiriesPlease contact Dr Graham McLarenT: +44 (0)1225 875520E: g.mclaren@bathspa.ac.uk45