Bachelor Of Science In Graphic Design
About Specialization
Program Learning Outcomes
About Specialization
Design is Thinking Made Visible – Saul Bass
Graphic Design, being one of the foremost means of communication today, allows students to develop personal visual responses that will stand out from the crowd. Students will have the opportunity to create ground breaking designs to meet a variety of graphic needs, including advertising, packaging, print media, branding and web production. Many companies rely on graphic arts professionals to create brand communications concerning their business objectives. A degree in the Graphic Design program from AUE can help you to take your creative talents into the fast-paced business world.
Facilities
Large design studios, state-of-the-art electronic media, printing facilities and an extensive library are all on hand for students to use in an open and engaging learning environment.
Aims
Good design is good business! Graphic Design at AUE offers students the chance to study a diverse range of disciplines including packaging, branding, advertising and publishing in order to ensure the most up-to-date training in professional design.
At AUE, we encourage learners to develop technical, creative and critical thinking skills that are essential to succeed in today’s demanding design industry. Students will be encouraged to develop ideas through experimentation and investigation, with the aim of challenging them to explore the broadest possibilities when responding to design briefs. Our inspirational lectures, workshops, presentations and tutorial support are designed to give students the best possible introduction to a career in design across a wide range of media.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge in fashion design concepts and processes using industry terminology.
- Use and integrate knowledge and relevant technologies, methodologies, and professional skills into meaningful visual communication design solutions.
- Apply critical thinking and analytical skills per creative industry standards.
- Produce a satisfactory body of creative work, appropriate for a professional position in the visual communication industry.
- Appraise graphic design practices, ethical and social responsibilities in regional and global contexts.
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
For undergraduate degree completion, undergraduate students must satisfy the following requirements:
- Earn a minimum CGPA of 2.00 on a scale of 4.00.
- Successfully complete all courses as described in the study plan.
- The Degree Completion requirements must be met within the timeframe of the program.
- Transfer students must successfully earn a minimum of 50% of the course credits for the program at AUE.
ACCREDITATION
The American University in the Emirates is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education – Commission for Academic Accreditation | caa.ae
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Course Category
Total Number of Courses
Total Number of Credit Hours
General Education Courses
11
33
Core Courses
11
30
Specialization Courses
13
54
Free Electives
3
9
Total
38 Courses
126 Credit Hours
FEE STRUCTURE
Tuition (One Semester)
………
Approx. 20,000 AED
One academic year is two semesters
Admission (One Time)
……………………
3,150 AED
Last Updated on July 19, 2022
Preparatory Courses
Prior to their enrollment in the program, students applying for Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design must sit for the placement test related to the program, failure to successfully passing the placement test, they are required to enroll in the following courses:
| # | Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Exemption Condition |
| 1 | CIT 90 | Computer Preparatory | 0 | Passing the Placement Test |
| 2 | DES 90 | Drawing Preparatory | 0 | Passing the Placement Test |
| 3 | ENG 99 | Academic Writing (*) | 0 | Passing the Placement Test |
General Education Courses
Core Courses
Specialization Courses
Free Electives
General Education Courses
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES
11 COURSES | 33 CREDIT HOURS
A: University Core Requirements
The student selects 6 credit hours (2 courses) from the list below:
The purpose of this course is to facilitate the process of transition into the new academic and cultural environment for the new students enrolled in the AUE. Furthermore, it aims to promote their confidence so that they could succeed and meet their academic requirements. The course assimilates academic content with interactive in-class activities to ensure understanding of curricular options and begin to develop a future career plan through self-reflection.
Innovation is the engine of opportunity and, acting as a catalyst, this course is intended to ignite an interest in innovation and inspire entrepreneurial action. At the core of innovation and entrepreneurship is a commitment to experiential learning that will encourage students to engage in critical thinking, creative problem-solving while also equipping them with the soft skills needed in their pursuit of academic and professional endeavors. Students will discuss the relevance and role of innovation and entrepreneurship in work and life situations; determine opportunities for creative disruption and design a strategy for its implementation; develop a practical understanding of innovation through thoughtful debate and exercises, and demonstrate critical thinking and individual insight with a personal mastery portfolio.
B: Languages and Communication Studies
The student selects 9 credit hours (3 courses) from the list below:
Students must take all of the following courses:
This course provides students with advanced writing skills in English so that they can successfully pursue their studies in various academic specializations. It helps students to develop, improve, and upgrade their writing and structure skills, and it also acquaints students with technical writing, research papers, and essays since brief research methods are applied in student projects and assignments.
The intent of this course is two-fold. First, it introduces students with the basic research terminologies. Second, it familiarizes them with the process of research from choosing a topic to writing the proposal. Students will be immersed in hands on experience where they will be introduced to research concepts that will help them understand, interpret, and critique a scientific research. Contents to be covered include the language of research, types of research, elements of scientific research proposal, writing an academic research proposal using APA style, research ethics, crafting data collection instruments, and interpreting data.
Students must take one of the following Arabic Language courses:
This course is designed to enable students to analyze multiple texts in various fields of knowledge. In order to be able to distinguish between texts despite their difference of contents, it also enables student to simulate those texts in a correct way, and to transform the information into skill and behavior. And since writing is an integrated building process, and that the building is affected by its parts, therefore student needs models, linguistic laws, planning, cohesion and goals including: news and inquiries, demand and influence of the recipient.
This course is based on the principle that “Education” is an accumulative task especially when it comes to language learning. This process undergoes specific stages to assist the non-Arabic speakers to reach the ultimate goal which is to acquire the required skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) easily and accurately. To achieve this aim, text-based dialogues are provided as a head start for the non-Arabic speakers to continue to the higher levels. The course also provides basic elements for reading, writing, dialogues, and listening to assist the learners to confidently interact with the Arab community.
This course is designed to enable the Arabic-speaking student with the necessary language skills, especially focusing on the steps of writing reports, official letters and systematic research. To achieve this, and to develop the student’s abilities to understand correctly what he reads and listens, and to gain the ability to write articles, reports, meeting minutes and recommendations of conferences and seminars in a sound manner, the course was concerned with training the student in basic writing skills; such as multiple spelling rules, punctuation marks, paragraph system, and essay writing progressively.
C: The Natural sciences or Mathematics
The student selects 6 credit hours (2 courses) from the list below:
The natural science course incorporates a wide range of subjects sciences such as astronomy, geology, biology, chemistry, and environmental science. The course will present the scientific facts of astronomy, the Earth and its weather, water, and environment, biology, and nutrition with the chemicals of life. The course emphasizes understanding the core principles of different branches of science and their effects on our lives. Moreover, the course explores the scope of natural phenomena, changing environmental conditions, general health rules of nutrition, and the variety of living organisms. The course helps the students to acquire skills in observation, critical thinking, analyzing, interpreting, understanding, and discussing scientific terminology and facts.
This course gives a thorough introduction to sustainable energy, conservation, and energy efficiency within the UAE and the world. It will explore the relationship between energy, environment, economy, and ecological well-being. It will discuss energy production from the biology, natural science, environmental science, and social sciences perspectives. A variety of topics will be introduced including global warming, climate change, sustainable food production, solid wastemanagement, environmental and natural resources laws. The course includes the growing challenges of climate change and energy crises and proposes solutions to overcome them.
The ‘Principles of Environmental Science course is designed to introduce the fundamental concepts of environmental science to undergraduate students. It includes topics from different areas of study such as ecology, biology, soil science, and atmospheric science. The course aims at raising environmental awareness among students and providing them with the scientific knowledge and skills to identify, prevent and solve environmental problems. Additionally, it deals with ecological concepts, organism interactions, communities, and ecosystems. The course focuses on key areas of population dynamics, biodiversity, human activities, environment-managed ecosystems, air quality, water, and solid waste management.
This course is designed to develop a good understanding of the fundamental concepts of mathematics. It also stresses crucial cognitive transferable skills such as the ability to think logically and concisely. Mastering this course will give students the confidence to go on and do further courses in mathematics and statistics.
D: The Social or Behavioral Sciences
The student selects 3 credit hours (1 course) from the list below:
An introduction to the science of psychology, its theories, and foundations. The course is focused on principles and research methodologies, including the following topics: history of psychology, the biology of mind, memory, learning, child and personality development, psychological disorders, and therapy. The course aims to introduce the basis of psychology, provide the foundational knowledge to pursue the subject in more depth in the future, and build an ongoing interest in the application of psychology in everyday life.
This course serves as an introduction to the interdisciplinary and multifaceted social sciences. The content of the course covers the range of different disciplines that social sciences consists of, namely: anthropology, sociology, psychology, political science, economics, and to a lesser extent also history and geography. The secondary aim of the course is moreover for students to develop their critical thinking skills by engaging actively with material about social issues, social change, and social institutions.
This course will introduce the students to the key concepts of Political Science and its principal tools. The course will discuss the role of main political actors in the field of politics and their function.
This course introduces the science of Sociology. Students will examine Society, Institutions, and the relationships that make up a social context. The scientific methodology used to study social interactions, stratification, and other elements of sociological inquiry will be discussed to emphasize the core concept of sociology as a systematic study of societies and social structures
This course provides an understanding of anthropology, the study of human beings throughout time and space. Anthropology is a broad discipline that studies humans from a holistic perspective looking at both biological and cultural aspects. Anthropologists use different methods to understand and study humans. During this course, students will experience ethnographic fieldwork.
This course will provide the students with a comprehensive overview of geography. Emphasis is on concepts that are necessary to understand global, regional, and local issues. This course also includes topics on both human and physical geography.
E: The Humanities or Arts
The student selects 3 credit hours (1 course) from the list below:
This course explores Arab art and aesthetics from the beginning of the twentieth century to date. The students will learn about the contemporary art and design movement in Arab countries, the expression of cultural identity, as well as the factors involved, and changes in aesthetics from Islamic to Arabic art. They will also study and analyze the role of pioneer artists from various generations with emphasis on their influence on contemporary Arab art.
This course will introduce the students to the key concepts of philosophy and its principle tools. The course will discuss the schools of philosophical thought and will apply philosophical analysis to the topics of knowledge, religion, mind, freedom, responsibility, and ethics.
This course provides an overview of Middle-Eastern History, including the sources of Middle Eastern History. The course will conclude with discussions about perspectives on Middle-Eastern History.
This course provides an overview of World / General History. The course will conclude with discussions about perspectives on World History. It surveys the history of humankind from 250CE till 1990 CE. In addition, interregional, comparative, cross-cultural, transnational, and historiographical topics will be considered. The objective of the course is to explore the roots of contemporary globalization and to develop historical thinking and writing.
This course will provide the students with a comprehensive overview of English literature in the United States. It will familiarize the students primarily with early Anglo-American writers and the different literary movements that took place in the United States. Today American literature includes many minority literary works, but the historical matrix remains Anglo-Saxon if we are to consider the dominant culture as the starting historical point.
This course aims to focus on the evolution of Islamic Art through a chronological overview of various trends and approaches throughout history. Students will explore and analyze the rise and influence of Islam leading to the formation of a new artistic culture the world over.
F: Islamic Studies
The student selects 3 credit hours (1 course) from the list below
This course will expand students’ knowledge to enable them to understand the Islamic culture and its characteristics. It analyzes the sources of legislation in Islam. It offers a review of the history of Islam and how it is currently the fastest-growing religion in the world.
The course is designed to give an in-depth understanding of the Islamic civilization. It deals with the universal principles that went into the making of the Islamic civilization. It examines the basic ideas of Islamic civilization besides exploring their contemporary relevance and challenges. The course seeks to effectively address the notion of the ‘clash of civilizations.
G: UAE Studies
The student selects 3 credit hours (1 course) from the list below
The course is designed to introduce the UAE and GCC society with its historical background and uniqueness. It is aimed at enabling students to understand the specific features of the society along with its customs, traditions, and lifestyle. The course will introduce the processes and the challenges of development as well as the future aspirations of the UAE and GCC Society.
Core Courses
CORE COURSES
11 COURSES | 30 CREDIT HOURS
This course examines color theory as an aid to communication, control and expression in traditional and contemporary design. The fundamental course allows students to explore color topics including color theory, color interaction, and color psychology. Students will study a wide range of creative and technical aspects of color and its use in design, experimenting with traditional mediums and digital applications.
This course is one of the fundamental courses in which the students will be introduced to the visual elements of design comprising of: point and line; shape and form; surface and texture; color and value; light and shadow; negative and positive space. The students will practice design principles: unity and variety; similarity; emphasis and point of interest; scale; proportion; and balance. This course is designed to give the students a strong understanding of 2D and 3D visual communications.
Fundamentals of Graphic Illustration and Digital Imaging introduces students to the use of a computer as a powerful digital drawing and imaging tool. The focus of the course is on basic computer skills and use, mastering fundamental digital illustration and imaging skills, and developing efficient working styles. The course learning experience incorporates a variety of visual artwork strategies including but not limited to, color/ texture enhancements, typography, pen/ brush tools, , perspective tool, using different color schemes. This course involves considerable hands-on instruction and multiple projects using Adobe Photoshop/ Illustrator.
This course provides a core introduction to drawing, covering a wide range of basic and intermediate practical and technical skills. Students will explore approaches and concepts to the subject through manual practice using a comprehensive range of media and with reference to great masters in the field. Traditional and objective drawing skills in the use of line, tone, form and perspective provide the foundation for learning in this course. Students are required to develop their ability to observe, perceive and interpret through drawing the world around them, reflecting their understanding of 2D and 3D space.
This course introduces students to human centered design thinking methods and practices through a variety of hands-on activities. DT is a methodology used by designers for the identification of problems and the definition of innovative solutions. Students will engage in processes for idea generation including sketching and diagramming, concept mapping and low-fidelity prototyping infusing visualization techniques and empathic tools into their design process.
This course is a chronological survey of art and design offering students an in-depth understanding of the role of art throughout history with a strong focus on aesthetic values, socio-cultural influences and technical terminology. Architecture, sculpture, painting, decorative arts, prehistoric art, design of the ancient world, the world beyond Europe, early Christian and Islamic art and the art of the Middle-Ages and Gothic period form the foundation of the course material spanning a period from 40,000 BC to 1300 AD.
This course covers the extensive cultural shifts from the early Renaissance through to the 20th century. Students will study painting, sculpture, furniture architecture as individual works in relation to their geographical, social, political, and religious environments. Also, analysis and comparative study of periodic decorative elements, strong designs and architectural features will be conducted.
In this course, students will learn various techniques to construct objects in digital 3D space, as well as physical 3D solutions. Students will follow a concept development process of research and sketching, to generate designs for 3D production. A final original design, related to each student’s major, will be constructed using industry-standard 3D software.
The course is designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in design. Graphic, Interior, Fashion Design and Digital Animation are brought together into one studio environment to allow students with different skills and strengths work as a team solving a relatively complex design problem. Students develop a research plan followed by the establishment of intent and context for the topic and identification of stakeholders, leading to concept exploration and creation of a holistic design solution in cooperation with other specializations, institutes or with professionals from the industry.
Pre-Internship is a zero credit hour internship preparatory course designed for students seeking an internship. The course will prepare students to successfully plan their internship by researching and identifying potential internship opportunities, creating professional resume and letter of introduction, developing interviewing and networking skills as well as a portfolio per industry requirements. Students will go through different learning modules including experiences, team work skills, communication skills, leadership skills, problem solving, self-management and professionalism to be able to make the most of their internship.
The college considers students’ internship as an essential channel that brings together the college, the students, and the job marketplace. Furthermore, internship is a method that integrates the instructional theoretical backgrounds to real existing practice. The training allows them to work under the observation and guidance of the field supervisor without replacing any regular employee. The internship is closely monitored by a college faculty member as an academic supervisor.
Specialization Courses
SPECIALIZATION COURSES
13 COURSES | 54 CREDIT HOURS
Typography-I is the study of letterforms including their purpose as communication tools, type anatomy, syntax, and their evolution with technologies in printing and new media. This course will provide the student with a foundation to understand the evolution of typography from both historical and conceptual perspective. Students will be exposed to a vocabulary of professional terms to articulately communicate their ideas with their peers, and their future associates and clients. In addition, students will learn to incorporate the basic principles of typography with the essential technical skills necessary to achieve success in graphic design and advertising.
Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and figure construction through exploration of the skeletal, muscular and surface systems of the human body. Portraiture and facial expression also form part of the course. Classic technique and personal interpretation will be explored through intensive studio practice based on direct observation of the model examining shape, form, line, tone, value, texture, weight, balance, stress and movement. Advanced composition, sophisticated mark-making and the development of personal expression, interpretation and visual fluency are key in this course as well as thoughtful and constructive participation in group critiques using appropriate terminology.
This course explores the evolution of graphic communication from prehistory through postmodern design and the digital revolution. Building on the learning experiences of Art History I and II, as well as historical information gleaned from other courses, students will develop a clear and chronological grasp of the evolution of Graphic Design principles and practices throughout history, with particular focus on the role of mass production, printing, mass media and digital developments. Students will consider the impact of technological advances and enhancements as well as reflect on the comparisons and contrasts that can be found across all areas of visual communication throughout time. This will be communicated through a series of quizzes, exams, written essays and papers in which students are required to make cogent and well-informed observations on the evolution of this field.
This course is an introduction to graphic design and visual communication design systems. Students will build on previous knowledge, while enhancing and applying design elements such as spatial relationships, typography, hierarchy, color management and imagery through a range of practical visual solutions for branding, promotion and typography. Students will solve basic design problems through investigation of design elements and principles combining creative visual solutions with technical skills to solve visual communication problems. Students are introduced to state-of-the-art digital software as well as being encouraged to utilize traditional skills to investigate and experiment through a series of projects.
This course is an in-depth examination of the function of typography as a visual element within the larger context of graphic communication. Students will explore the role that typography plays in shaping the form and content of visual communication. It expands their thinking and practice related to diverse forms of visual expression and enhance their abilities to visualize and communicate complex information that is mainly typographic. Through reading, research, critique, studio practice and design production students will explore a variety of advanced design problems and build skills in communicating visual meaning.
This course is an introduction to communication design principles, methods, and practice. It covers a wide variety of communication design practices as the means to achieve an effective outcome. Students will learn communication design across a broad range of media and develop an understanding of various tips and techniques. They explore communication in a commercial environment through problem solving while working on hands-on projects.
This course focuses on brand design and identity through a series of exercises and projects. Students will utilize a range of acquired art and design skills to investigate existing design work, and generate original visual communication solutions and demonstrate effective design thinking. They are exposed to industry standards and international practices, and will learn to interpret design briefs, responding to the needs and specifications of the client.
This course explores the theory and practice of information design and presentation. It introduces students to the design, presentation, and communication of information in a range of media. The emphases on information types, methods and modes of presentation, and document design and layout. The main objective is to develop understanding of design principles and increase critical awareness of information presentation techniques. Topics include the study of sign systems, way-finding methods, ideographs and symbol-based communication, charts, graphs and public information. Topics include: corporate communication systems, publication, way-finding, interaction design, etc.
This course is designed to familiarize students with package design, covering branding, graphics and typography. Students will develop aesthetic, composition and structural design skills needed to create a series of package design from rough sketches to final presentation.
This course focuses on the print processes and digital layout design systems and technology. Emphasis is placed on production techniques and developing an in-depth familiarity with the practical factors relating to design in the print and publishing industry. Students will explore contemporary trends in different markets and create functional designs through a series of practical projects that will help them realize their ideas into effective, aesthetically appealing outcomes.
This course covers the pre-production planning and processes for graphic design projects. The students will follow the necessary steps in the production pipeline while identifying and refining their idea, concept and methodology.
The capstone graduation project is the representation of the students’ in-depth learning and understanding of their field of specialization through a long-term project accomplished in a professional manner. They are evaluated on their ability to complete this project with originality and quality, applying the skills, techniques and methodologies they have learnt during their course of study. The student is assigned to research and identify a topic, and develop a detailed research proposal highlighting the goals, objectives, tasks, methodology and time plan. The topic could range from an academic research to school/ community service, student-developed business or any other area of personal interest. The student communicates regularly with his/ her academic-capstone advisor for review, while working constantly to improve the outcome by building upon previously gained expertise. The academic-capstone advisor contributes through meaningful feedback and setting expectations of standards, offering an opportunity for open-ended learning through self-reflection and improvement. The process is documented, findings are compiled and presented orally as well as in writing through a capstone report.
This course provides an opportunity for students to focus on various issues in graphic design and to study advanced techniques and processes. Course content vary each time the course is offered. The course emphasizes research analysis and the creative process that leads to innovative solutions and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the subject of the course. The course may include lectures, discussions, individual projects and critique, depending on the nature of the topic.
Free Electives
ELECTIVE COURSES
3 COURSES |9 CREDIT HOURS
9 Credit Hours must be chosen from any other college/ specialization in condition the prerequisites of the chosen courses are met.
ATTENDANCE
Student builds the schedule based on available offered courses in the registered semester
Weekday Morning Classes
THU – THUR | BETWEEN 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
MON – WED | BETWEEN 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
MON – WED | BETWEEN 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Weekday Evening Classes
TUE – THUR | BETWEEN 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
MON – WED | BETWEEN 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
MON – WED | BETWEEN 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
WHEN CAN I JOIN
Student can join at the beginning of any semester
SEPTEMBER
FALL SEMESTER
MIN 3 COURSES | 9 CREDIT HOURS
MAX 6 COURSES | 18 CREDIT HOURS
JANUARY
SPRING SEMESTER
MIN 3 COURSES | 9 CREDIT HOURS
MAX 6 COURSES | 18 CREDIT HOURS
MAY
SUMMER SEMESTER
MIN 3 COURSES | 9 CREDIT HOURS
RECOMMENDED STUDY PLAN
General Courses
Core Courses
Specialization Courses
Free Electives
