BA in Visual Communication

1. Graphics and Digital Media, 2. Film Making and Digital Media

Specialization:

1. Graphics and Digital Media
2. Film Making and Digital Media

The significant diversification and sophistication of communication practices and the rapid advancement of communication technologies, create new challenges and needs while working in the field of Visual Communication. In the ever-changing and versatile area of visual culture, communication and digital media have become integral parameters of contemporary modes utilized to convey information, promotion or entertainment. The highly competitive and cutting-edge Visual Communication industries require more so than ever multi-tasking, digital savvy and diverse individuals seeking a successful professional career in the field. The emergence of social media and online or other digital platforms create new opportunities as well as challenges for professionals and academics working in the field of Visual Communication.

The Visual Communication program of study proposes an innovative and all-rounded approach, taking into account current debates, design and film practice developments and digital advancements. The program offers two specializations: a) Graphic Design and Digital Media, b) Film Making and Digital Media. Operating in the current conditions of constant flux, the program provides comprehensive and versatile conceptualization of the field and acute awareness of the current or anticipated developments in contemporary Graphic Design, Film and Digital Media areas.

Developed and enriched creatively over decades, the Visual Communication program established a long tradition and has played a significant role in the promotion, advancement and education in the field of visual communication in Cyprus. Offering systematic social and cultural contribution, the program has been in alignment with the Universities’ mission and its main objectives as a leading agent in the relevant fields, producing and disseminating new knowledge through a variety of innovative projects, activities and academic production in the fields of arts and design. Through its manifold collaborations and liaisons, the program has gained the respected and support of relevant professional bodies, cultural institutions and governmental agents and is in constant and close collaboration with the industry. Over the years the program’s students and faculty participate and volunteer systematically in local and international real-life projects, competitions and research projects, establishing a dynamic connection with the current state of affairs and enforcing active participation in the dissemination of social awareness. Indicative of its long history, tradition and liaisons with the industry is that the program’s graduates occupy a large percentage of the active professional posts in the fields and are highly sought after upon graduation.

Given that Visual Communication and Digital Media is an ever-changing field, greatly influenced by current cultural trends, economic and technological developments, the program gives strong emphasis in providing sustainable education where students are enabled to learn how to teach themselves and acquire the ability to constantly gain knowledge over time.

In its content the program aims to enable students to gain a comprehensive and versatile conceptualisation of the field and to acquire a variety of theoretical and visual research skills, necessary for the development of critical thinking, innovation and confidence. The program focuses on the development of students’ visual intelligence, literacy and competence in order to become flexible and lateral in their approach in solving challenging Visual Communication tasks. Approaching the fields of cultural studies, semiology, history of art and design, the program offers a large number of studio courses (i.e. Visual Communication, Film and Video Production, Motion Graphics and Animation Techniques, Graphic and Advertising Design, Moving Image, Design for Branding, Sound Design for Film and TV, Film Directing etc.) which introduce practice-based, real-life or self-initiated projects. Students gradually develop an all-rounded understanding and experience of the creative process, such as brief analysis/development, visual research and experimentation, audience identification, design/film development, interpretation methods, concept analysis/development, trial and error, prototype/mock-up production, testing etc. Further, through the cultivation, application and dissemination of relevant knowledge, students are also made aware of theoretical debates regarding social awareness and cultural responsibility in the context of visual communication in an effort to develop social sensibilities and understanding towards issues of gender, race, the environment etc.

Through the various teaching strategies invested in the program students also develop autonomy, personal initiative and leadership skills so as to be able to work effectively on their own as free-lance professionals or as part of teams in professional agencies, institutions and other bodies. In doing so great attention is paid to the production of a diverse digital portfolio showcasing a wide selection of final projects, enabling graduates to pursue professional posts straight out of the University.

Over the four-year duration of the program, students are ensured continuity of learning and course discipline integrity. The program’s main objectives are to:

• cultivate Visual Intelligence by providing the opportunity for intellectual, conceptual and creative development in order to analyse, handle and solve a wide range of projects
• promote Visual Literacy by providing the opportunity for aesthetic, analytical and critical development in order to research, understand and articulate ideas in visual communication
• enhance Visual Competency by providing the opportunity for the acquisition of traditional and alternative skills -in print, motion and digital formats-, in orded to execute and produce relevant design tasks
• promote Visual Diversity by providing the opportunity for familiarisation with various visual methods and gaining ease for constant adaptation in new formats and modes of production demanded by the marketplace
• develop Digital Awareness in the fields of visual communication by providing the opportunity for understanding the inextricable relationship between rapid technological advancements and visual communication, in order to remain constantly informed and updated
• cultivate Critical Thinking and Problem Solving by providing the opportunity for understanding the predominant debates and issues arising in visual communication and acquire the ability to articulate them
• nurture Autonomy and Leadership by providing the opportunity for initiative and confidence development in order to work on their own or in a group
• promote the Production of New and Innovative Knowledge by providing the opportunity for engagement with self-initiated or other research projects in uncharted territories in the field of visual communication
• establish Professional Conscience and Integrity by providing the opportunity for handling real life projects where complex issues of professional contact and communication arise
• promote Sustainable Education by providing the opportunity for understanding and practicing learning methods allowing lifelong learning

The language of instruction is English.

Occupational Profiles of the Graduates

Graduates of the BA Degree will be well prepared for a dynamic future in the Design and Media industry that demands high professional standards and value creativity and innovative thinking.

• Holders of the BA Degree will have a unique combination of creative design and software specializations, which will enable them to take advantage of opportunities in video and audio production and post-production, motion graphics, web and graphic design.
• Graduates will be equipped to work in many areas of the design and audiovisual industry as Graphic Designers, Motion Graphics Animators, Web Designers, Film Directors, Cinematographers, Lighting Designers, Video Editors, still photographers etc.
• Continue for postgraduate studies at other institutions.
• The majority of the employment opportunities lie within the local creative industries. Graduates from the BA Visual Communication program fulfill the requirements for employment in the public or private sectors as media artists, filmmakers, motion graphics designers and subsequently designers for screen-based media. Graduates of the Program are comprehensively trained, visually literate and aesthetically creative and can find career pathways in a variety of fields within the graphic design and audiovisual media industry, ranging from time-based media to creative studios. The graduates of the program may also become educators in public or private secondary schools.