MA Visual Communications

Welcome to UCAStarting university is a big moment – congratulations! By joining UCA, you’ve chosen an exciting and rewarding path.

As you join our community of students, artists and academics, you’ll explore how you can use your talent to shape the future of the world around you, and design a career that inspires you.

Our university is a place for the bold, the curious, the extraordinary - as you’ll see for yourself when you meet your lecturers, technicians and classmates. On your course, you can expect to learn from practicing artists, innovators and researchers, collaborate with students across different creative disciplines, and make connections with industry leaders.

At the end of it all, you’ll graduate with the skills and experience you need to build a successful career doing what you love, in a way that makes a difference.

We believe the world needs more people like you, and we’re delighted to have you with us.

Make your mark. Make it here.

Your Summer projectPlease prepare a 5-10 minute presentation to introduce yourself to your new tutors and colleagues in the Welcome Week. This can take any form that could be projected, for example – video, Prezi, keynote etc.

The content should include examples of your past work and experience, aspirations for your work in the year ahead, as well as key influences and references that influence and shape your work.

Finally, please take time to check out www. output2021.co.uk/ to see our students' latest work!

Hugh Harwood

Course Welcome

Hello and welcome to MA Visual Communications. I am really looking forward to meeting you all and introducing you to the Canterbury campus when you arrive.

We are a very practical course that emphasises making, experimentation and inter-disciplinarity.

All of our staff are committed to educating students to become graduates that have evolved something unique to offer as designers, and are prepared to meet the diverse and rapidly changing professional challenges confronting them at the conclusion of this course.

Your Team

Hugh HarwoodProgramme Director, MA Visual Communications

HHARWOOD@uca.ac.uk

01227 817304

Kathrin TinhofLecturer

kathrin.tinhof@uca.ac.uk

Hugh Harwood Programme Director

– Crow, David, (2010), Visible Signs: An Introduction to Semiotics in the VisualArts, Worthing, Sussex, AVA Publishing

– Fletcher, Alan, (2001), The Art of Looking Sideways, London, Phaidon PressDesigners, London, Thames and Hudson

– Ingledew, John, (2011), The A - Z of Visual Ideas: How to Solve any CreativeBrief, London, Laurence King

– Pater, R (2016) The Politics of Design: A (Not So) Global Design Manual for Visual Communication. London: BIS

– Price, J and Yates, D (2015)Communication Design. London: Bloomsbury

– Easthope, Antony, & McGowan, Kate,(eds.) (2004). A Critical CulturalTheory Reader. Maidenhead: Open University Press

Trips and Visits

This course schedules an overseas trip each year – this will be planned in consultation with our students.

You’ll be asked to pay for these visits, but the trips are not mandatory. We’ll also offer one-day field trips within the UK, and you’ll be asked to make a small contribution towards the cost of these.

There’s a field trip during Induction Week, which will be free of charge, although you’ll need some cash for lunch etc. Please note that all visits are subject to COVID-19 related travel restrictions.

Reading List

Below is a list of interesting reading material, but don’t feel you have to rush out and get it all - just have a look at as much as you can.

Equipment List

The course will pay for materials used during inductions, specifically during printmaking inductions. You will incur some other costs incurred during the course.

Once printmaking inductions are over, you’ll have to pay for printmaking materials, such as screens, plates, paper etc. Professional quality digital printing (A4 up to large format A0+ sizes) is available through our print bureau at much-reduced prices from those available commercially. There’s also a very competitively priced shop where you can buy notebooks, sketchbooks, art materials, mounting materials, papers etc.

You’re not required to own your own computer for this course, as we have access to extensive Mac suites.

Explore UCA Canterbury

I love UCA Canterbury because… “The people and the community here are inspiring – there’s a real sense of collective positivity. My favourite places on the campus are the studios. They are the engine room – often noisy and a bit messy, but so vibrant and exhilarating to be a part of.”

I love UCA Canterbury because... “It has been 3 months since I moved here and now this place feels like home. Everything is so interesting! My course is all about space design, but UCA has shaped that course in a different way and is giving us lots of opportunities to work on different aspects of design.”

JJ Brophy – Programme Director, Design

Akansha Jain – MA Interior Design

Meet our campus community

The campus here is a great place to really discover your independence.

It’s very welcoming and relaxing, and because it’s small you get to know all the staff a lot better. They become friendly faces very quickly, especially at the library, which – surprisingly – is a great place to socialise, as well as study!

I love Canterbury itself, too. It’s so cosmopolitan and a melting pot of people from all walks of life. It’s also got two train stations and a great bus network, so everything around you is super accessible.

by Morgan Ruffell

Cité Crêpes This is a small catering van in the centre of town which serves a great range of yummy crêpes. It’s really popular and a good place to stop on a nice day and have a bite with friends.

Canterbury CathedralI think this is probably a given. It’s a stunning piece of architecture and a wonderful place to go for the history and atmosphere.

Westgate GardensMe and my friends often met here to relax and socialise on sunny days. It’s really beautiful and peaceful.

Curzon CinemaThis is a great cinema, small and not too commercial. They show a really wide range of movies, from the big blockbusters to small indie films.

Margate BeachIt’s really easy to reach Margate Beach and it’s always nice to escape the city for a while. Plus, if you can’t stay away from art for too long, there is always the Turner Contemporary nearby!

“ I just love Canterbury. It’s so cosmopolitan and a melting pot of people from all walks of life.”

My top spots

A student’s guide to… Canterbury

City Crepes ©Hayley Brown

Turner Contemporary, Margate

Westgate Gardens

Canterbury Cathedral

Malik Nieto ArtsIssey Hennessy

Sophie Lou

Becky Stapley

Anastasija Strelcova

What could you create?

During your time with us, you’ll build your skills and hone your talents to produce some incredible work. Here are a few highlights created by recent graduates…

Our graduates are forging stellar careers in fields from Fashion to Film, Architecture to Craft, Business to Games Design. We caught up with a few to find out more about their successes, and how they made the most the most of the UCA experience…

Where could your talent take you?

Phoebe Fox, photographed by Vendy Palkovicova. Tihara Smith. Picture by Kayleigh Pace.

Phoebe Fox

BA (Hons) Music Marketing and Promotion, 2019Soon after completing her degree, Phoebe was touring the world photographing the likes of The Amazons and Anne Marie – a journey that began while she was still a student.

“I contacted small bands I liked to ask for photo passes to their London gigs, and used the UCA equipment to build a portfolio,” she explains.

“I spent three years balancing touring, festivals, shows and portraits with university commitments. The UCA lecturers were incredibly supportive. After I handed in my final major project, I went home to pack and got straight on a tour bus with Anne Marie.”

Tihara Smith

BA (Hons) Fashion, 2018Fashion graduate Tihara Smith’s final degree project - a collection inspired by her grandparents’ experiences as part of the Windrush Generation – set her up for career success.

“I wanted to highlight the positive contribution of the Windrush Generation and celebrate the islands of the Caribbean,” she says.

After graduating, Tihara widened her range and started selling it online and at festivals, markets and wedding fairs, and it proved so popular that she now runs her business full-time. “It’s been really exciting to see it grow,” she says. “I think some of the best collections are created from real stories that are personal to the creator.”

Will McGregor

BA (Hons) Film & Digital Art, 2010Will has amassed credits directing episodes of cult drama Misfits, period saga Poldark, his first feature film, Gwen, and an episode of His Dark Materials.

“Space, time and support to make my own work was the greatest gift UCA gave me,” he says. “The campus felt like an incubator for creativity; all these creative individuals in one place, with access to kit and exposure to new ideas.”

“Make the most of that opportunity to make work and meet people, and make sure you get your work out there – enter all the student festivals and competitions you can!”

Hannah Bamgbala

BA (Hons) Fashion, Media and Promotion, 2020Hannah Bamgbala’s final degree work was inspired by her sister, Mercy, who has Down’s Syndrome and a serious eye for fashion.

Hannah’s Young, Kool and African website focused on bringing greater diversity to fashion and the media, and she’s gone on to work with the Down’s Syndrome Association to make sure that people of all ethnicities are better represented in their campaigns.

“If you have Down’s Syndrome and are Black — or from another ethnic minority background — there is no one visible for you and your family to relate to,” says Hannah. “That has to change.”

Will McGregor on set

Hannah Bamgbala and her sister, Mercy.

Jamie Windust

Lucy Noble

World Health Sanitation Box ©George Stoneham

Lucy Noble

BA (Hons) Film Production, 2014Lucy has worked as a script supervisor on films including Marvel Studios’ Black Widow, hit series Devs, Elton John musical Rocketman and Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One.

“I dabbled with script supervision throughout my degree,” says Lucy. “I reached out to script supervisors working professionally, asking for the chance to shadow them on set. All that time in the UCA film studio was useful, too – definitely get in there and practice in that arena, where you have a huge amount of control; it’s something you won’t always get when working on location.”

George Stoneham

BA (Hons) Architecture (ARB/RIBA part 1), 2020George caught the eye of the RIBA Rethink 2025 judges, securing a place on the prestigious award’s longlist with an idea to turn former telephone and police boxes into “sanitation stations” that allow people to sanitise themselves on the go.

“While designing the Sanitation Box, I realised how much our world will have to change to design clean and healthy architecture,” he says. “We need to break down compact cities like London and design new, expansive cities with more green spaces, fewer cars, and buildings that flow better.”

Jamie Windust

BA (Hons) Fashion Management and Marketing, 2018Since graduating, Jamie Windust has become a champion for LGBTQIA + issues in the fashion industry and beyond. They are a magazine editor, a writer for Gay Times and Metro UK, a signed model and a consultant helping brands such as UGG and ASOS to better represent and impact queer identities.

“I discovered my sense of self at university, and I don’t think I would’ve been able to do that in such an affirming and positive way if I wasn’t at UCA,” says Jamie.

“In my final year, I got to apply everything I’d learned to starting a business I feel passionate about. It’s a great space for people to launch real, tangible brands.”

Need to knows

Getting hereOur address is: UCA Canterbury New Dover RoadCanterburyKentCT1 3ANTel: +44 (0)1227 817 302

How to get hereFor information on parking, directions and how to reach us by car, rail, air or sea, please visit: uca.ac.uk/contact-us

Planning your journey - Useful links

thetrainline.com (rail travel)

tfl.gov.uk (London underground)

nationalexpress.com (coach travel)

COVID security We want you to have the best university experience possible, and part of that is about feeling safe while you’re here. For more information about the safety measures we’ve put in place, visit uca.ac.uk/coronavirus

Key contactsIf you have any queries, you can contact our reception team on: +44(0) 1227 817302

IT, Library & student servicesOur library is home to a wide range of resources to help support you in your studies, and a team of expert advisers. For more information, visit students.uca.ac.uk/library

For IT support, please pop in to see the IT advisers in the Library during opening hours, or contact:

Tel. +44(0)1227 817 314

Online: students.uca.ac.uk/it-help

Our student services hub, the Gateway, is also based in the library. Its specialist advisers can help you with anything from careers to counselling, accommodation, managing your money or support with disabilities or learning differences.

Info: students.uca.ac.uk/library/academic-support

Contact: gatewaycanterbury@uca.ac.uk

Students’ UnionThe UCA Students union, or UCASU, is here to make your time at UCA amazing. They run social events, clubs and societies, and campaign on the issues that UCA students care about most. To learn more, visit ucasu.com or follow:

@ucasu

@ucasu

/ucasu

UCA SocialsTo stay up to date with all things UCA, why not follow us on social media?

@UniCreativeArts

@unicreativearts

/ucreativearts

unicreativearts

We have begun an exciting project and a new chapter in our 160-year history. From 2022, we’ll be establishing world-leading Centres of Excellence to bring like-minded students and academics together around their shared passion for creative subjects.

As we focus on growing as a global creative university, we will be stepping back from Further Education from September 2023. However, all Further Education students joining us in 2021 will finish their courses with us, as usual.

A new chapter for UCA

Course Enrolment & Induction Teaching begins

BA, BSc and MArch 20 - 24 September 27 September

Postgraduate 20 - 24 September 27 September

International Foundation (Autumn start) 20 September – 1 October 4 October

Christmas Break 2021 Easter Break 2022 2021-2022 year ends

20 Dec 2021 - 7 Jan 2022 4 Apr 2022 - 22 Apr 2022

10 Jun 2022 (BA, BSc & MArch)

13 May 2022 (International Foundation)

Enrolment and inductionEnrolment officially makes you a UCA student, and induction covers how to make the most of our facilities, libraries, IT and student services. You’ll receive an email with details of when and how to take part.

Vacation dates

Key dates

International student task list

If you’re an international student and you’re coming to the UK to study with us, then there are a few things you need to do along the way.

Follow the steps below – not all of them will apply to you, but make sure you check them all, just in case.

1) Before you leave home:

□ Arrange your visa to study in the UK (if required)

□ Arrange your accommodation.

□ Book your airport pick up to take you to your accommodation.

□ Complete your online enrolment. You will be notified by Admissions when this is available to complete.

□ Pack all of the original documents that you have used when completing your online enrolment in your carry-on luggage (including academic and English qualifications). These may be requested at Immigration.

□ Read this information on the cost of living in the UK (if you need any further information, please contact your campus Specialist Adviser).

2) When you arrive in the UK:

□ Collect your BRP card (only if you require a visa).

□ Register at the local police station (not all nationalities are required to do this – please click here for additional information).

□ Register with a local Doctor (GP).

□ You will need to provide all of the original documents that you brought to the UK with you at your physical enrolment. You will not be able to fully enrol on your course without them.

3) Once you have completed your physical enrolment:

□ Apply for your council tax letter (available via MyUCA once you are fully enrolled).

□ Apply for your Bank letter to open your local UK bank account (available via MyUCA once you are fully enrolled).

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Join us at #UCAliveWe run live Q&A sessions where you can ask us anything you like about what it’s like to live and study here at UCA. Visit our website and follow us on social media to find out about our next #UCAlive session.

Chat with our studentsIf you’re looking to find out more about student life at UCA, our Unibuddy scheme gives you the chance to chat with people who are studying here right now. To chat with a student in your subject area, visit: uca.ac.uk/ask-our-students

Connect with us

Course Title: MA Visual Communication

Programme Director: Hugh Harwood

Delivery for 2021/22 academic year

We would like to reassure our students that we are committed to delivering a face to face experience for 2021/22 and we are hoping that 2021/22 will be a year when our students can return to all of our campuses. However, we are aware that changes to our delivery may continue to be required in response to public health advice and as a result of any ongoing Coronavirus measures. We have prepared this information to let you know how your course may be adapted based on changes that were implemented during 2020/21, as a result of Government advice.

We are not planning on making any changes to your course or unit aims, learning outcomes, or assessment methods, under any of our delivery scenarios.

Scenario 1 – Social Distancing rules are continued/re-introduced as a result of public health advice for the 2021/22 academic year:

Changes to learning spaces • Our priority as a university is to deliver our teaching on campus. This may be in socially

distanced face-to-face tutorials, group seminars and workshops.• We will adapt the layouts of our classrooms, workshops and studios so you can have safe

access to these and other specialist facilities, taking social distancing measures intoaccount and providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where needed.

• We will use existing dedicated course spaces for delivery of all content, these areas will betimetabled for smaller group sizes across extended teaching hours

Timetabling • We will adapt the scheduling of classes to limit the number of students on campus at any

one time• We will adopt the ‘bubble’ principle: meaning you will be taught in smaller groups to enable

social distancing, and have as little physical contact with other groups as possible• We will plan the scheduling of your classes so you can transition between them safely and

make the lowest possible number of trips to and from campus each week.

Contact time

• We will not change our approach to contact time and scheduled delivery, this will still takeplace as published in our Programme Specifications and unit descriptors. However, some ofthis contact time may take place in a different way in order to enable social distancing to beimplemented and to prioritise students’ access to facilities and workshops. For instance, thismay mean moving some of the larger scale activities such as lectures and seminars online.

Online learning • Where practical, we’ll also put our lectures, classes and seminars online so that you can still

access them if you are self-isolating, shielding, or unable to come to the UK.• Activities such as some one-to-one tutorials. Contextual studies lectures, Digital Media

workshops and Visiting Lecturer talks will be delivered online.

Teaching during COVID-19

Wellbeing & support • You’ll have one-to-one Personal Development Tutorials with an academic tutor, where

they’ll talk through your progress and check on your wellbeing. They will also offer onlinesessions when face-to-face meetings aren’t possible.

• You’ll have access to a full range of specialist advisors who will offer online sessions whenface-to-face meetings aren’t possible.

• All our plans take vulnerable learners and students with additional learning requirementsinto account – we’re making sure we can deliver learning safely to all our students, whetherthat means accessing teaching on campus, or online.

Industry links • We’ll continue to host visiting lectures, industry projects, and networking events either

face-to-face or through online learning.

Assessments • Assessment will be guided by the usual procedures and regulations and against the

published criteria, however, some units may ask for a digital or online form of submission ofyour work.

• If you’ve been personally affected by Coronavirus, your assessments will take that intoaccount and make sure you aren’t disadvantaged by it.

Equipment & resources • We’ve developed new library systems and cleaning processes for loans and equipment hire

to make sure you can borrow what you need safely.• We’ll offer IT equipment loans to our students who need them most.• As soon as Government advice permits, we will provide as much physical access to our

libraries as we can to ensure that you have access to our physical and digital collections, but are able to observe social distancing for your own safety and that of others.

Scenario 2 – a further lockdown is implemented by Government

During the 2019/20 and 2020/21 academic years we introduced a number of emergency measures that included:

• Moving learning and assessment online• Looking at prior activity with a view to ensuring that learning outcomes are covered

somewhere within the year of study and adjusting assessment tasks accordingly• Providing alternative assessment where the original assessment is not deliverable• Providing extensions for units where necessary for the learning and for individual students if

their circumstances require it• Where the University is not the awarding body, following the validators’ exacting

requirements for predicted and other grades so that students receive a final outcomecommensurate with effort and aptitude

These measures would be re-introduced if necessary, but only for the period covered by the lockdown, with a return to scenario 1 as soon as is safe and practical to do so.

Adapting to your feedback • We’ll continue to work with you to find out how you’re feeling about the new measures.• You’ll have the opportunity to work with teaching staff to adapt and improve the way we

deliver your course in line with public health guidelines.