Arts, Crafts and Design

Foundation Degree Digital Design in partnership with Bath Spa University

Two pathways: Interactive Design or Photography and Motion Graphics

This course will help students to become adaptable New Media Designers, Photographers and Image Producers with the technical know-how, practical skills and understanding of the principles of design and commercial awareness demanded by the creative industries.
Recent developments in the design sector have meant that multi-skilled, computer literate designers are required who can produce work for a variety of different media, including web, TV, print, and computer games.

UCAS code: W291 (Interactive)
UCAS code: W640 (Photography)
Institution code: B20

Course Structure
With the option to take one of two overlapping pathways, this two-year course allows students to develop specialist skills that will complement their growing design awareness. Students develop their own ideas through a number of different projects, establishing their
own distinct creative identity. The course is entirely coursework based and can be taken in both full-time and part-time modes. The modules common to both pathways cover the important skill areas that define the contemporary Digital Media Industry. Modules
include design for print and the internet, video and image, historical and critical studies. There is a strong vocational element to the course with students building their design portfolios, working for real clients and developing as professionals through a range of
professional development activities, attendance at relevant events and exhibitions, work placements and freelancing. There is also a programme of visiting speakers from industry. Students have the freedom to specialise and explore their own creative interests in the
second year with a self directed study. The course is validated by Bath Spa University.

Interactive Design
This pathway teaches the multimedia skills demanded by industry of a New Media Designer. A strong design awareness is essential for the successful interactive designer as well as competency in many skill areas including web design, digital imaging, 3D and
programming. Specialist modules include design for interactivity, software and usability and computer game design.

Photography and Motion Graphics
This pathway covers photography and related disciplines appropriate for the digital age. Essential photographic skills, techniques and aesthetic issues are investigated. As students may already have a photographic qualification, the course allows for rapid consolidation
and development of skills that can then be complemented with work in areas such as video and image manipulation. Specialist modules include applications of photography and photography locations, typography and motion graphics.

Methods of Study
The modules are project-based and teaching sessions take place in studios, workshops and computer suites and out on location. Weekly drop-in software workshops are provided in recognition of the challenges of getting to grips with a range of demanding computer applications.

Assessment
You are assessed against the extent to which you meet the learning outcomes of the course. The course employs a range of assessment activities that includes the completion of practical work, individual and group work, essays, reports and oral presentations.

Progression Opportunities
Although the Foundation Degree is a stand-alone (career-related) qualification in its own right, students successfully completing this course may be eligible to progress to the third year of an appropriate Honours degree programme at Bath Spa University, subject to a
place being available (i.e. BA Honours in Graphic Communication). While the university is committed to enabling Foundation Degree students to progress, in the event of there being insufficient places to accommodate all students who have applied, applicants
will be subject to a selection process which will be based on achievement during the Foundation Degree. Students are also able to apply to other institutions (through UCAS) for entry onto second or third year of other related degree programmes. Past students have gone on to specialise in graphic design, animation and multimedia. Some have gone on to study for a teaching certificate.

Employability
The course provides sufficient experience, contacts and production work to allow students to move straight into freelancing or employment in the design sector. Past students have set up their own companies in web design, branding and content management.

Others have found employment in promotional and event photography and design work with web and graphic design companies and consultancies.

Entry Requirements
160-200 UCAS Tariff points (eg BC; CD+AS c), with minimum 60 points from Art, Design, IT or a related subject preferred.
OR Art Foundation Course.
All short-listed applicants will be interviewed.

For further information please contact Catherine Sellars, Course Leader, on 01225 328617
or email sellarsc@citybathcoll.ac.uk

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