Advanced Layout and Design

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
• Convenor: Nicola Gaughan
• Assessment: a 1500-word critical analysis and 1000-word media launch research report (35%) and a design concept plus mood board and main design piece (65%)

In this module you will gain a working knowledge of the practices involved in visual design within newspapers, magazines and online publications. Through an introduction of the core principles of layout and design, typography and images, you will be equipped with the skills to use industry standard print media software (Adobe InDesign) proficiently to produce creative and professional materials.

You will be encouraged to think imaginatively and critically about the visual dimension of media production, and to understand the importance not only of technical proficiency but also awareness of which visual strategies are best suited to different media contexts, aims and audiences.

Indicative syllabus

• An introduction to layout and design
• Preparing written content
• The functions of InDesign
• Designing with type
• Designing with colour
• Photography and graphics
• Advanced InDesign
• Cross-media design

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• sub-edit journalistic content across a variety of contexts, for technical errors, length and house style
• fact-check a news item
• assess the legal and ethical implications of a comment piece
• work to a good standard with InDesign
• construct headlines and graphics
• edit and position images
• understand and articulate the basic principles of newspaper and magazine design.