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Course(s) covered
Code Title
CTWSLOGD Graphic Design (Supported Distance Learning) - Top Up

You can find full details of your course, module information and entry requirements in the Programme
Specification.

Key facts
Start dates*: How long it takes:
Top-Up year: Eight months full-time (over 2 semesters)
Semester A entry: 21 September 2020
Semester B entry: 18 January 2021

*Some partner colleges may not offer all entry points

Academic Year
Academic Year 2020-2021
The University’s academic year is made up of 3 semesters.

• Semester A runs from Monday 21 September 2020 to Friday 22 January 2021

• Semester B runs from Monday 25 January 2021 to Friday 21 May 2021
• Semester C runs from Monday 24 May 2021 to Friday 17 September 2021

Important points
Applicants are required to apply for this course through their local partner college.

This programme is designed to recruit students who wish to study Graphic Design in a fully supported, online mode,
using our e-learning platform ‘StudyNet’.

In common with the campus-based BA (Honours) Graphic Design degree, students get a grounding in both traditional
and digital design with this Graphic Design award. Students are encouraged to explore how digital technology can be
used in creative ways, whilst making connections with industry partners, and building the skills for a successful career
in Graphic Design.

The programme aims to:

• enable students to initiate, develop and realise distinctive, creative and commercially viable work in the fields of
graphic design;

• provide students with a detailed knowledge and comprehensive understanding of key historical and
contemporary developments in graphic design, including social, historical and professional contexts;

• develop in students an ability to communicate effectively to a range of audiences, to work with others, to listen,
discuss and negotiate and to develop self-reflective practices;

• enable students to develop a range of personal and entrepreneurial skills which will equip them with the ability
to respond to current and future career challenges.

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 • develop an awareness of the vital importance of core typography, layout/composition skills along with idea
generation techniques and the ability to craft and execute visual ideas to a high professional standard.

IT Skills required:

Basic IT skills are a requirement for anyone wishing to study online. For example, you will need to be confident using
an internet browser, communicating via email and using Microsoft Office tools (e.g. Word, Excel) or equivalent. An ability
to learn and adapt to new technologies is also important, for example, you may be asked to participate in a virtual
classroom session, prepare a recorded presentation, contribute to a discussion forum or complete an online
assessment/test.

As part of the required prior study for this top-up programme, students will be expected to be familiar with Adobe Creative
Suite, especially Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator, as well as preparation of files for printing.

Outline Programme Structure

Semester A Semester B
(September to January) (January to May)
Graphic Design Advanced Practice Part 1
Level 6 Graphic Design Advanced Practice Part 2
Graphic Design L6 Degree Essay

Course delivery
This course is delivered through supported distance learning by the University of Hertfordshire, in collaboration with
your local partner college.

This means that you will have to study independently via the University's virtual learning environment StudyNet, but you
will also need to attend regular face-to-face sessions taking place at the partner college. These sessions are used to
consolidate the knowledge gained during the previous week and may include (but are not limited to) the following
activities: one-to-one supervisions, industry talks, topic discussions, tutorial activities, group work. Face-to-face sessions
can last as little as 4 - 6 hours of contact per week, but may be more as this varies between partner colleges

You will find full details on your assessment schedule in the relevant Module Guide, which will be published at
the start of the module.

Number of study hours will vary depending on your prior knowledge and experience with the subject. Students are
expected to dedicate 150 hours to each 15-credits. Students will likely spend 8-12 hours per week in the studio, in
addition to independent study, which may take place off campus, at the student’s home, library, or visiting other locations
in support of their study.

Method of assessment
Modules are assessed by coursework. The dates of assignment submission and online tests are fixed.

If you cannot meet the assignment deadlines or test dates, you must inform the Module Leader in advance of the
deadlines to get appropriate advice.

Data sharing with your local partner college

The University of Hertfordshire in collaboration with your local partner college delivers this course.
Information on attendance, performance (including module grades) and serious cases of academic or other
dishonesty (for example plagiarism) will be made available to your local college unless you are advised
otherwise.

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Additional expenses
You can find full details of your course tuition fees in the Fee information sheet provided as part of your offer
package.

Courses materials (i.e. e-books, software or support materials) are usually included in your tuition fees, unless specified
otherwise.

IMPORTANT – There may be additional fees payable to the partner college. Please refer to the partner college for further
details.

System requirements:

To study Online, you will need access to a suitable computer and a good reliable Internet connection. Most modern PCs
and Macs (less than five years old) should be fine. As a guide, you need a minimum of:

Mandatory/ Estimated cost

Description
Optional (UK prices 2016)

Desktop or laptop computer Mandatory Starts at £250

Display (screen resolution 1024x768 minimum) Mandatory Starts at £50

Headset with microphone (built in if using laptop) Mandatory Starts at £15

Webcam (built in if using laptop) Mandatory £10-£50

Broadband Internet Connection (2mbps minimum) Mandatory Starts at £10/month

Microsoft Office 365 account for the duration of your studies

The package will give you:
• Full, installed Office applications Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, and OneNote on up to 5
PCs or Macs. Provided by the University at
Mandatory
• Office on tablets and phones for the Office experience on no cost to students / FREE
up to 5 tablets and 5 phones.
• Online versions of Office including Word, Excel, and
PowerPoint.
• File storage and sharing with 1 TB storage.

£16.24/ month with student

discount, for first year.
Adobe Creative Cloud Mandatory £25.28/month for further
years (including student
discount).

Full system requirements details can be found on the UH Online website http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/schools-of-
study/uh-online/how-does-online-study-work/system-requirements

Attendance to the UK Award Ceremony:

On completion of your programme of studies, you will have the opportunity to attend the Award Ceremony at your local
partner college and/ or our UK Award Ceremony.
When registering for the UK Award Ceremony you will receive 1 free graduate ticket for yourself.
Attendance to the UK Award Ceremony may incur additional costs i.e. guest tickets, travel and accommodation. The
exact value of these costs will depend on when you will graduate and where you are travelling from.
Details regarding attendance to the Award Ceremony can be found on the website http://www.herts.ac.uk/ceremonies

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