Principles of Layout and Design

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 6
• Convenor: to be confirmed
• Assessment: newspaper/magazine front page (30%), newspaper/magazine supplement (40%) and an infographic illustrating a concept, issue or event (30%)

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

Teaching methods will include lectures, class discussions, group and individual assignments, and software training. You will practise and develop skills through a range of practical exercises, revolving around an industry-standard software application such as Adobe InDesign.

Indicative syllabus

• An introduction to layout and design
• Analysing newspaper and magazine design
• The functions of InDesign
• Principles and practices of typography
• Digital photography and the production process
• Manipulating text
• Graphics and infographics
• Cross-media applications
• Multimedia documents
• Design and structure of news sites, online magazines and blogs