This is a broad-ranging multi-disciplinary module that emphasises a creative approach to the foundational study of the arts in 2D and 3D form. It also lays the groundwork for students to understand design stemming from the fine arts aspect. Students will be encouraged to train their minds, eyes and hands, to relook at everyday situations with fresh perspectives and respond with a wide range of creative solutions, by utilising the knowledge, processes and techniques of painting, printmaking, collage and various forms of sculpture and installations. Students will also be introduced to the basic properties of colour and its representation and communication. With a focus on an open-ended process, this module explores techniques and processes, including contrasting images and text, to create everything from speculative visual enquiry to social commentaries to a core concept of desires and conflicts.
This module introduces students to the core skills and knowledge of visual language and communication. In particular, the module enables them to comprehend, generate and visually express ideas through their understanding of cultural perceptions applied through the use of typography and image composition skills. The module aims to equip students with the essential theoretical understanding and practical skills through a series of class exercises and lectures. Students will be familiar with the processes required to visually ideate through the practical application of research, problem-solving, typography, design elements, principles, basic semiotics and demographic perceptions applied in 2D and 3D combined visual displays.
In this module, students will be introduced to the systematic methodology of design and will take away an understanding of how brainstorming, mind-mapping and research can lead to the creation of relevant solutions to meet the needs and wants of the target audience. By combining basic research methods such as surveys, analysis, personas and testing with the principles of brainstorming and critical thinking, students will be able to interpret, and create viable forms of creative visual messages for their target audience.
This module aims to provide an introduction to the styles and movements in the history of design while providing a broad overview of the movements instrumental in establishing views of visual communication practice in the context of Material Culture, from the Industrial Revolution to the present day. Students will gain an appreciation and be able to interpret the products of material culture within the social, cultural, historical, and political context of the relevant period. The role of the designer as a responsible and influencing interface between global trends in environmental and social sustainability is also explored.
In today's fundamentally visual world, photography, an art form of expression and communication, plays an essential role in fulfilling the designer’s creative vision; whether to tell a story, sell a product or just show how beautiful a certain place that was visited. This module provides students with a basic understanding of how digital cameras work, the basics of camera settings and modes and how to utilise them effectively. Students will learn the rules of photographic composition, correct settings and the concept of exposure. They will examine different types of professional applications of photography, such as reportage, fashion, product and fine art photography. Students will explore and investigate photography as a medium of communication through the interpretation and evaluation of the underlying concepts and principles of photographic images through practical studio lessons and hands-on practices.
This module introduces students to the visual language of drawing through observation and rendering of human figures, still life and basic visual elements of design. In addition to traditional drawing techniques, the module aims to develop insights into the mechanisms of visual perception, which determines how individuals perceive and transfer visual messages through drawings. Drawing is a process and takes time to practice. This module is designed to foster an awareness of drawing as a basic organiser of thoughts, feelings and image-making. Students will explore the fundamentals of drawing through a variety of materials with the primary emphasis on working from observation. They will learn the basic visual elements of line, form, value, shape, space, pattern, texture, colour and proportion while using their drawing and rendering skills for idea generation and conceptualisation.
This module introduces students to trends of online connectivity and impart them with essential technical knowledge and skills for the implementation of websites and interactive media. Students will be taught core design principles on web design and development, including evaluating quality of a website, colour theory, web standards, user interaction (UI) and site planning concepts. Lessons will be coupled with practical studio lessons to produce screen-based communication solutions for web and mobile devices.
This module aims to impart the essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills to produce digital designs. Students will attend practical studio lessons to learn industry-standard design software for image manipulation, vector illustrations and publication design. They will also learn the appropriate usage for images and professional digital file management.
This module provides students with a broad understanding of typography and encompasses the technical and aesthetic principles of typography. Students will learn how the choice of a typeface affects a design and the visual communication process, and will apply their knowledge of typography to enhance design solutions. Topics include the anatomy and measurements of typography, as well as historical type classifications.
Communicating well is a vital life skill, benefitting all aspects of our lives from professional life to social gatherings. It is thus important to be proficient in both written and oral communication. This module will enable learners to communicate effectively in different settings and on different collaborative platforms. There will be opportunities to practise and deliver various types of presentations, competently handle questions, and effectively incorporate verbal and non-verbal elements when speaking. Learners will also acquire media and information literacy and be able to produce clearly written and well-structured reports and proposals, following standard citation and referencing guidelines.
Studio VC1
This module provides students with a basic understanding of how the work of the visual communication designer is influenced by the cultural contexts and production technologies within which graphic communication is created and consumed. Students will acquire the ability to self-navigate, critically self-reflect, and demonstrate creative design thinking, design exploration and an understanding of the design process in relation to identifying and offering an appropriate design solution. Projects will revolve around the theme of empathy.
Studio VC2
This module aims to introduce students to personal identity, and the meaning, interpretation and display of everyday life objects and their relationships to society, class and taste. Students will acquire an understanding of visual perception, cognitive comprehension and responses while facilitating and developing critical creative thinking. Projects will revolve around the theme of discovery.
To provide you an all-rounded education, NYP offers General Studies Modules (GSMs). So besides taking modules related directly to your chosen diploma course, you will get exposed to areas beyond your usual field of study. Through a combination of prescribed and elective inter-disciplinary GSMs, you will gain interesting, practical knowledge that can be beneficial to you as you prepare for the world of work and life after graduation.
To learn more about the GSMs offered, click here
