Visual Communication:
Design, Society, Nature
A one-year, part-time programme exploring the fundamental principles of visual communication.
Visual Communication End of Year Show, 2022
Brand identity by Emma Self, Visual Communication Graduate
Design, Society, Nature is unique in its collaborative and hands-on approach to design education. The course aims to instill independent thinking and creative confidence by developing critically-minded designers who are socially and environmentally engaged.
By joining you will be part of an intimate cohort, studying in a busy, dynamic, and sociable environment. Each cohort is capped at 15 places so that we can provide a very low student to tutor ratio, a high level of one-to-one time and encourage whole group collaboration.
Students are an integral part of our community, comprising of students across 3 courses, academics, support staff, studio holders, local creatives, and Margate's surrounding communities / general public.
We welcome applicants who will embrace learning in this collaborative context and will work in a way that benefits the world around us.
**This course operates at postgraduate level but a degree is not required if the candidate can demonstrate sufficient experience and practice in a relevant field.
Images by Visual Communication Students, 2021 - 2022
* This course runs subject to recruiting the minimum number of students each academic year.
Term Dates
Applications Are Currently Closed
Applications Are Currently Closed
Course + Individual Module Fees
Applications Are Currently Closed
Applications Are Currently Closed
Interview Dates
Applications Are Currently Closed
Contact
Students will study practical design modules, supported by contextual sessions, regular one to one tutorials and a programme of workshops and guest lectures.
The last portion of the course will be spent on refining your portfolio for assessment and developing your input to Margate Festival of Design.
Teaching methods include:
- Hands on workshops
- Seminar discussions and group critiques
- Group and individual tutorials
- Collaborative work, including with the wider community
Lessons are on Thursdays with the majority taking place at TMS or in close proximity, eg the local beaches.
The Design Society Nature coordinator and tutors are all practicing designers and will work with you to build and develop your practice.
"Designing is not a solitary activity. It is a part of a larger social community of discourse" Drew Margolin.
Modules
These practice-based modules run throughout the year, supported by critical studies and design history
Practice Module
01
Visual Language
Visual language takes you back to the very basics of graphic design - using dots, lines, form, placement and colour. These sessions will be hands on and off the computer and are a fun, interactive introduction or reminder of the fundamental principles of visual communication.
Practice Module
02
Typography
In these sessions you’ll explore typographic anatomy and structure as well as how to lay out text in a way which is attractive and legible. These sessions will be hands on, fun and collaborative, giving you a grounding in the fundamental principles of typography.*
*Available to study on an individual basis. Find out more.
Practice Module
03
Image
You’ll explore image making through photography and illustration, investigating how constructed imagery can be used to tell powerful stories in a single image ‘inside the frame’.*
*Available to study on an individual basis. Find out more.
Practice Module
04
Moving Image
Focusing on film making, this module takes you from a basic introduction to creating your own short film. We take your stories on a journey into moving image and sound.
*Available to study on an individual basis. Find out more.
Practice Module
05
Final Project
You’ll spend 7 weeks developing your own final project, bringing together all of your knowledge from the practice module sessions and focussing on an issue that you are passionate about.
Practice Module
06
Identity
The identity section of the course is where you’ll work as a group to design and realise your physical contribution towards Margate Festival of Design - working on a clear brand and marketing campaign which will be used to promote your event.
Core Module
Critical Studies + Design History
07
This subject will run alongside all of the practice-led modules and support your learning by developing critical thinking and exploration through design theory and historical context. In these sessions you will also cover sustainable practice methods and a human-centred design approach.
Students are encouraged to discuss the subjects as a group and to use the research to inform their project work.
Additional Support
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Guest Lectures from industry experts
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Workshops in screenprinting, letterpress, laser cutting, and darkroom developing
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Sample session with a paper manufacturer
-
Visit to a local printer
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9 tutor tutorials
-
1 to 1 support from the course co-ordinator
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Course Slack board
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Feedback via a self-managed course blog
* This course runs subject to recruiting the minimum number of students each academic year.
