BA (Hons) Advertising & Design

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Advertising and Design program at AAS College in Thessaloniki equips students with contemporary knowledge and practical skills in advertising, encouraging creative thinking and preparing them for roles in the industry. Taught by professionals, it covers advertising from planning to execution, emphasizing theoretical foundations, practical aspects, and creative development. Through project work, presentations, workshops, and competitions, students develop a portfolio that showcases their abilities and prepares them for successful careers in the field.

Program Outline

BA (Hons) Advertising & Design - AAS College Thessaloniki

Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Advertising and Design program at AAS College Thessaloniki prepares students for a career in creative advertising and encourages creative thinking. Taught by a team of advertising practitioners and academic theorists, students are equipped with contemporary knowledge to understand the theoretical and practical aspects of every level of the advertising industry, from planning to creative output and presentation. The program emphasizes:

• Contemporary knowledge: Students gain a deep understanding of the latest trends and technologies in advertising.
• Theoretical and practical aspects: The program covers both the theoretical foundations of advertising and the practical skills needed to create effective campaigns.
• All levels of the advertising industry: Students learn about the different roles and functions within an advertising agency, from planning and research to creative execution and presentation.
• Creative thinking: The program encourages students to develop their own unique creative voice and to think outside the box.

Outline:

Year 1 (Level 4)

• Introduction to Advertising 1 (20 credits): This module introduces the fundamentals of advertising, focusing on conceptual process and development, basic advertising methodologies and techniques, and various functional areas of advertising and integrated brand promotion.
It also explores the relationship between advertising and society in cultural, social, ethical, and regulatory contexts. Students analyze radio and TV campaigns, become familiar with industry terminology and jargon, and explore the role of advertising in social, economic, political, and marketing environments.
• Introduction to Digital Imaging (20 credits): This module focuses on digital literacy in vector vs bitmap graphics, typography basics, color output and integration for print and web, and basic to intermediate level skills in Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Visual Communication (20 credits): This module explores the fundamental principles of two-dimensional design and their application to visual communication.
Students develop their own visual language through experimentation with composition, visual hierarchy, typographic design, color interaction, and visual narrative.
• Design Theories, Practitioners, and Context (20 credits): This module explores significant movements, theories, and practitioners that have shaped design thinking and approaches over the years.
• Introduction to Motion Graphics (20 credits): This module develops skills in motion design, covering techniques for designing, planning, editing, and creating movies using motion graphics and special effects.
Students learn about the audio-visual language of time-based media and use industry-standard software to communicate their designs and ideas.

Year 2 (Level 5)

• Integrated Campaigns (20 credits): This module focuses on a coordinated approach to advertising campaigns, encouraging students to work in creative teams and develop integrated campaigns that incorporate both above and below the line work.
• Branding and Identity (20 credits): This module explores the role of branding in a total communication environment, focusing on the relationship between the product and the brand, the importance of brand personality, and the contribution of advertising to brand identity.
• The Book (20 credits): This module is specifically aimed at developing a portfolio of creative work appropriate for a career in the advertising industry.
Students create a series of campaigns to demonstrate their creative abilities, working practices, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Graphic Communication (20 credits): This module expands students' knowledge and understanding of visual communication by applying their ideas across a variety of graphic design formats, both traditional and contemporary.
• Global Issues and the Ethical Designer (20 credits): This module continues to study the context, development, and theories behind design specialisms, supporting practical work and helping students focus on their dissertation topic in Year 3.
• Motion Graphics 2 (20 credits): This module builds on the skills learned in Year 1, teaching students how to combine key techniques to create more advanced effects.
Students continue to research and experiment with new techniques and explore the creative and visual possibilities of professional motion graphics.

Final Year (Level 6)

• Creative Team Campaigns (20 credits): This module provides another opportunity to produce work for the graduate's advertising portfolio, encouraging students to network with the industry and enter themselves into high-profile advertising and design competitions.
• Design Research Project (20 credits): This module involves an in-depth investigation into a particular issue or topic relevant to the student's chosen specialism or inspired by wider society.
Students utilize their knowledge of design and theoretical disciplines and techniques to complete a dissertation supported by a clear central question and hypothesis. Students create a series of campaigns specific to different media, demonstrating their understanding of target markets, media usage, and the importance of a strong strategy and creative idea.
• Final Major Project (60 credits): This project is the centerpiece of the student's showcase to future employers, demonstrating their fresh and creative approach to their discipline.
Students develop new and specific skills, explore creative direction, and immerse themselves in the exploration of broad, deep, enquiring, and focused communication.

Assessment:

Assessment is 100% coursework and students are continually assessed throughout the program. Assessment methods include:

• Design briefs (project work): Students complete a series of design projects throughout the program.
• Competitions: Students are encouraged to enter themselves into high-profile advertising and design competitions.
• Presentations: Students present their work to their peers and instructors.
• Seminars: Students participate in seminars and discussions on various topics related to advertising and design.
• Group activities: Students work in groups on various projects and assignments.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of advertising practitioners and academic theorists. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures: Students attend lectures on various topics related to advertising and design.
• Workshops: Students participate in workshops to develop their practical skills.
• Studio time: Students have dedicated studio time to work on their projects.
• Individual and group critiques: Students receive feedback on their work from their instructors and peers.

Careers:

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Advertising and Design program at AAS College Thessaloniki have a strong employment record, working for some of Greece's top graphic design agencies and establishing their own creative design companies. Potential career paths include:

• Advertising agencies: Graduates can work as advertising creatives, account executives, or media planners.
• Multi-disciplinary design groups: Graduates can work in design studios that offer a range of services, including advertising, branding, and web design.
• General design consultancies: Graduates can work as freelance designers or for design consultancies that provide design services to a variety of clients.
• In-house design studios: Graduates can work as in-house designers for companies that have their own design departments.
• Printing: Graduates can work in the printing industry, managing design and production processes.
• Education: Graduates can pursue careers in teaching or research.
• Freelance work: Graduates can work as freelance designers, offering their services to a variety of clients.

Other:

• The program is taught in English.
• The program is a 36-month (3-year) program.
• The program is offered full-time.
• The program leads to a Bachelor Degree from the University of Sunderland.
• Students have access to dedicated graphics studios equipped with projectors, screens, Macs, PCs, and software including Adobe Creative Suite.
• Students have access to campus digital media suites with software including Adobe Creative Suite.
• Students have access to individual and group study spaces.
• Students have access to a modern, purpose-built university campus with specially designed lecture rooms, theaters, laboratories, design studios, and flexible teaching spaces.