Visual Communication:
Design Society Nature
A modular, part-time programme exploring the fundamental principles of human-centred visual communication under the guidance of outstanding educators.
Design, Society, Nature is unique in its collaborative and hands-on approach to design education. The course instills independent thinking and creative confidence by developing critically-minded designers who are socially and environmentally engaged.
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Our cohorts are small - meaning more tutor time per student
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Our classes are hands on and dynamic
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We encourage collaboration within the course and wider school community of staff, residencies, studio holders and students
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Students are encouraged to explore their local community and environment through their work
**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.
Visual Communication End of Year Show, 2022
Brand identity by Emma Self, Visual Communication Graduate
Images by Visual Communication Students, 2021 - 2022
* This course runs subject to recruiting the minimum number of students each academic year.
Term Dates
October 2023 to June 2024
Deadline To Apply
Applications Are Open
Interview Dates
TBC Applications Are Open
Contact
Modules
The course comprises of 6 practical modules, supported by critical studies and design history sessions, which underpin and strengthen your learning, alongside software sessions, collaborative projects, workshops, guest lectures, maker sessions and tutorials.
Practice Module
01
Visual Language
Visual language takes you back to the very basics of graphic communication - using dots, lines, form, placement, symbolism 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.
*Available to study on an individual basis.
email maz@themargateschool.com to enquire
Practice Module
02
Typography
In these sessions you’ll explore classifications and anatomy of type, style, space, scale and sparkle alongside typographic hierarchy and digitising your type. Also included is an afternoon of quick fire typographic experiments and a letterpress workshop.
*Available to study on an individual basis.
email maz@themargateschool.com to enquire
Practice Module
03
Image
You’ll explore image making through photography, collage, data visualisation and comic art. Included is a guest lecture, screenprinting, binding and print workshops.
*Available to study on an individual basis.
email maz@themargateschool.com to enquire
Practice Module
04
Moving Image
This module takes you through animation, film and sound. Included is a software session, guest lecture and workshop with our Sound Arts tutors.
*Available to study on an individual basis.
email maz@themargateschool.com to enquire
Practice Module
05
Final Project
Compiling all of your learning on the course so far, you’ll spend 7 weeks developing your own final project in an ‘open studio’ format with tutor and peer support, focussing on an issue that you are passionate about and would like to tackle through Visual Communication. Also included is a paper session with leading paper manufacturer G . F . Smith and further production support, which is defined by student project needs.
Practice Module
06
Identity
For this section of the course you’ll work as a group to design and realise your final show - your physical contribution towards Margate Festival of Design. You’ll work on a clear brand and marketing campaign which will be used to promote your event and design and build the exhibition as a team.
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 will maintain a blog throughout the course and write two essays which explore what they have learned in class.
Software sessions
Introductory sessions in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects and Premier Pro are provided, with additional support on hand outside of course hours if needed.
Guest lectures
One guest session is included per module. Past speakers have included Lucienne Roberts, Rob Lowe (Supermundane) and Anthony Burrill.
Collaborations
Students work together on a collaborative task per module. Past tasks have included designing a poster for an exhibition and creating a typographic mural in the School.
Tutorials
One individual tutorial is included per module, alongside open studio support for your final project and an assessment advice day before your final hand in.