VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN

Visual Communication majors learn to apply critical thinking and utilize effective research methodologies in the study of communication strategies and their social, cultural and historical contexts. Students engage in the design process through conceptualization, experimentation and self-evaluation while developing theoretical and technical versatility and proficiency. Students graduating from this discipline reflect the diversity of the constantly evolving field of graphic design with an emphasis on regional and global context and development.

This programme creates socially responsible and strategic designers, capable of solving multifaceted design challenges in editorial, advertising, illustration, publishing, interactive, new media, packaging, identity, experience, motion graphics, installations and exhibitions.

In 3rd & 4th semesters, students are introduced to the responsibilities and requirements of the design process. The research focuses on user analysis, materials, techniques, industry and the consumer market. To broaden the students’ perspective, the curriculum is supported by courses on model making, CAD, sculpture, drawing and design theory.

At the end of the semester each student has to prepare detail drawing sets of a studio project, as design presentation of the design process. In addition to the major, one studio subject is opted each semester from a wide range of studio electives offered jointly by the Design and Fine Art Departments.The 5th & 6th semester is committed to bring real market experience to the studio. Guest speakers and art directors from leading design houses are invited for critique and project evaluation. The enormous possibilities of ‘word and image’ are explored, debated and adapted to suit a specific need, (whether a poster or a corporate identity). Courses in professional photography, theory and digital tools are part of the curriculum. Drawing and theoretical courses are compulsory components of this course.

Professionalism is the goal set for the students in the final two semesters. They are trained to answer questions about their design solution. Capacity to observe, collect and classify relevant information in writing is developed. This research information justifies the body of visual work produced, in the form of a report. Studio assignments are given for the first twelve weeks of first semester followed by a mini-thesis. The form of this visual dialogue is dependent on many factors like printing and production industry, technological innovations, clients, manufacturers, suppliers and the public. Issues of ethics, professionalism, cost, viability and common appeal are also important in decision making. It leads to the final thesis project which the students are required to submit at the end of the final semester. The final thesis project is examined for approval by a thesis committee.

Foundation Semesters

1st Semester

2nd Semester

3rd Semester

4th Semester

5th Semester

6th Semester

7th Semester

8th Semester

Thesis 15 credits

Elective Courses

From 3rd semester onwards, a student will be able to choose elective courses from within his/her department and from other departments with the help of assigned advisor. Each Elective Course will be of 2 credit hours.