Myrna discussing her students' booklet designs.

Myrna is the lead tutor on the BDes(Hons) Graphic Design course at Napier University.  She visited us on 01 October to deliver a presentation about the course.

Myrna brought along lots of work by current students on the course, including display boards and booklets.  She also made use of students’ portfolio sites and blogs to show off their work.

Some of the key / interesting pieces of information she divulged:

• The number of applicants versus number of places is rising each year and is currently around 10:1.  The figure will probably continue to rise.
• A good pass at Higher Art & Design is the most important entry qualification for those applying direct from school.  Higher Graphic Communication is not a requirement.
• The course includes a fair amount of theory / essay writing, and applicants require to have a ‘C’ pass at Higher English.  The requirement may rise to a ‘B’ pass in future.
• This year’s first year intake was thirty-two, up from twenty-four last year.
• Students are worked very hard, with demanding deadlines and high standards.  The course is not suitable for those who aren’t committed to design.
• First year is a common course with other design degree courses such as product design.  Specialisation commences in second year.
• Although students learn a wide range of technologies, drawing and the ability to draw, remains at the heart of the course.
• Currently, the availability and relative inexpense of ‘on-demand’ printing has made the production of booklets and books a popular presentation format.
• Post cards are another popular presentation format at present on the course.
• Students are required to create and maintain portfolio web sites and blogs.
• The course includes overseas placements at partner universities.  Current third year students will soon be  off to cities in Canada, Israel, France and USA, among others.

Jim