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Dublin Institute of Technology
Faculty of Applied Arts
School of Art, Design and Printing
BA (Ord) in Visual Merchandising and Display
Student Handbook
Welcome by Head of Department of Design
We are pleased to welcome you to the School of Art, Design and Printing and to offer you our compliments on securing a place on the BA in Visual Merchandising and Display. The programme is unique as it is the only one of its kind in Ireland which prepares you for a career as a Visual Merchandiser and Display Designer in the Retail industry and in exhibition firms, promotional and advertising agencies both in Ireland and abroad. The BA in Visual Merchandising and Display is aimed at students who wish to work as Visual Merchandisers and display designers in the retail industry. The programme is focused primarily on the acquisition of the knowledge and skills which are necessary for a graduate to operate as a visual merchandiser in a retail environment. There is a major emphasis on developing the students’ creative merchandising abilities which are integrated with modules in business studies, branding, digital presentation and communications. Your year co-ordinators are appointed to assist and guide you on course-related matters, at designated times during the year and are also available, by arrangement, to discuss other relevant matters that, you may feel, merit attention. As the Head of Department of Design, I am always available to you and my room is within the suite of Art and Design offices on the second floor.
Kieran Corcoran, Head of Department of Design
Introduction to the Institute and a brief outline of its facilities
The Dublin Institute of Technology is organised into 6 faculties as follows:
President: Prof Brian Norton
Faculty of
Applied Arts
Faculty of
Business
Faculty of Built
Environment
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of
Science
Faculty of
Tourism and
Food
School of Art, Design and Printing
Department of Design
BA in Visual Merchandising and Display
The BA in Visual Merchandising and Display is part of a suite of programmes offered by the Department of Design which includes the BA Design (Visual Communication), the BA Design (Interior/Furniture, the BSc in Product Design and the MA in Professional Design Practice. The department is part of the School of Art, Design and Printing which is part of the Faculty of Applied Arts.
Structure of the Faculty and School
Director and Dean of the Faculty of Applied Arts Ms. Brid Grant
Head of School of Art, Design & Printing Mr. John O’Connor
Head of Department of Design Mr. Kieran Corcoran Head of Department of Fine Art Mr. Brian Fay
Head of Department of Print and Digital Media Mr. Kevin Byrne
Staff Details Mary Ann Bolger MA (RCA) MIDI
Subject: History and Theory of Design
Annette Buckley Certificate in Design Display, MA Hons. in Multimedia
Design
Subject: Visual Merchandising and Display Design
Noel Fanning BA (Design)
Subject: Computer Aided Design
Sheila Greene National Diploma in Graphic Design, ANCAD
BA Archeology & Greek and Roman Civilization
Subject: Display Design and Visual Merchandising, Graphic
Communications and 3D Design
Patrick Muldowney Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design and Illustration, Hons.
ANCAD, HDE Dip D Media
Subject: Visual Merchandisng, Design Display, Drawing, Rendering
Tom O’Dowd BSc Management, Diploma in Management & Law, Diploma
in Management and Industrial Relations, Member of the
Institute of Accounting Technicians
Subject: Business Studies
Alice Walsh BA, HDE
Subject: Communications
PROGRAMME DETAILS
Nature, duration and general structure of programme
The BA in Visual Merchandising and Display is aimed at students who wish to work as Visual Merchandisers and Display Designers in the retail industry. The programme is focused primarily on the acquisition of the knowledge and skills which are necessary for a graduate to operate as a visual merchandiser in a retail environment. There is a major emphasis on developing the students’ creative abilities which are integrated with modules in business studies, branding, digital presentation and communications. The BA in Visual Merchandising and Display is a modular programme taught in semesters of 15 weeks duration and comprises of a series of four 15 credit modules in Years 1 and 2 and a major project module worth 30 credits in Year 3. In addition the final year has a 10 credit work placement module. All other modules have 5 credits. In semesters 1, 2, 3 and 4 there are four 15 credit studio based modules which develop the student’s knowledge and practical skills in the area of display and visual merchandising. These modules are supplemented by 5 credit modules in the theory of Visual Merchandising, CAD, Communications, Business Studies and the History of Design. In semester 5 students will also take modules in Interior Design, Branding and Marketing. By the end of year 2, students will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills which allow them to undertake a major retail industry project. In the final year students must secure a work placement in the retail industry and use the placement to develop a self directed project for the final semester.
The objective of the work placement module is to give students an in-depth exposure to a range of learning experiences in actual retail settings. It will also allow the student to focus on the development of their Major Project in a real retail environment. In this way, the student will be faced with the challenge of relating material learned at college to real world situations and in addition learn how to perform competently in an actual work organisation and to interact with other members of the work team. The students will have to prepare, develop and present a major promotional project in an actual retail setting.
They will become involved in practical applications of academic issues previously learned about only in a theoretical way and use advanced skills from the taught programme to date to deal with work based problems. They will acquire complex and specialised skills etc applied in a range of variable and unfamiliar work-based learning contexts and learn how to act effectively under guidance in a peer relationship with working managers and where appropriate or necessary to play a leadership role within multiple, complex and heterogeneous work groups. There will be a work placement log which will be signed by employer, staff and student.
The student will use the placement to develop a self directed merchandising project for presentation in the final semester. The aim of the Major project module is for the students to develop their own specialist disciplines, within retail display, visual merchandising and promotional presentations. It will give the students the experience and responsibility of working with a professional team and clients in the industry and will develop the student’s awareness and appreciation of how the principles of visual merchandising operate in the retail or promotional industry.
The Major Project will consist of
1. Project Proposal 2. Research Plan 3. Presentation Strategies 4. Written Report 5. Major Retail industry Project Presentation and Installation
Students will meet with lecturing staff one day each week to discuss and evaluate the various stages of the development of the Major Project in the final semester. The student will present their work in progress and will receive extensive feedback from the lecturing team. The module will be assessed primarily on the evidence of the Industry Project Presentation and Installation.
GENERAL STRUCTURE OF THE BA IN VISUAL MERCHANDISING AND DISPLAY
Year 1
Semesters 1 and 2 In Year 1, the focus is on introducing students to the strategies of visual merchandising and homewares integrated with projects in 3-dimensional prop work, graphic design techniques, drawing and digital presentation techniques. Students are introduced to the theory of Visual Merchandising and will receive an introduction to fundamental concepts of communication theory, business practice and the history of retail and fashion design. Teaching methods include practical workshops, studio crits, demonstrations, tutorials and lectures. The instruction is project based, with strictly enforced deadlines, and students are introduced to methods and systems which are compatible with best practice.
Year 2
Semesters 3 and 4 Using the knowledge and skills acquired in Year 1, students focus on fashion accessory production and fashion styling combined with projects in graphic communications, 3-dimensional design, drawing, rendering and digital presentation techniques. At the end of each semester students will present an appropriate display installation supplemented by work experience in a display department in a retail outlet prior to the Christmas period. Students continue to take modules in the Theory of Visual Merchandising, Communications, Retail Business Practice and the History of Design. Year 3
Semesters 5 and 6 In year 3 the primary focus is on the development and presentation of a major self directed integrate their accumulated learning retail industry project. This will allow students to experiences and to develop their specialised area of interest within the retail sector. In semester 5 students will take modules in Interior Design, Branding, Marketing and Digital Modeling while preparing a proposal for the major project through their work placement .In semester 6, students will submit a project proposal and research plan, make a team panel presentation and complete a written report and produce their final major project installation
Duration: The programme is fulltime – five working days over four semesters (60 weeks). In semesters 5 and 6 this will drop to 2 days a week as students will be on work placement. Students are expected to complement timetabled hours with private study and independent learning.
Industry Links
Collaborative links have been established with the Creative Departments of some of Dublin’s leading retail outlets.
Brown Thomas Group John Redmond, Creative Director, Brown Thomas
A Wear Caroline Reynolds, Creative Director
Arnotts Kevin Pender, Creative Director
Marks and Spencers Sheila Coen, Store Manager
Harrods David Briggs, Display Director & Rosalin Harris, Manager
Dunnes Stores Jilyn Farrell, Display Manager
MEXX Yvonne Keogh, Display Manager
IKEA (Ireland) Miranda Lyons, Visual Merchandiser
Urban Outfitters Aimee O’Byrne, Display Manager
Penneys Gina Richardson, Display Manager
House of Fraser Bernard Duff, Display Manager
Topshop Cathy Mulhern, Display Manager
Debenhams Gary Coen, Display Manager
BT 2 Clara Mc Cabe, Display Manager
Kilkenny Design Michelle Lawlor, Display Manager
These retail outlets provide students with an opportunity to work in a professional context and gain experience in both window and in-store retail display. Contacts have been established with model and prop company Avanti, UK and this enables both staff and students to keep up to date on the latest display design trends.
Academic Links
Links have been established with NEGOCIA, 8 avenue de la Porte de Champerret, Paris; Ware College, UK; the School of Art, Architecture and Design, University of Humberside, Hull, UK and Parsons School of Art and Design, New York.
Trade Exhibitions and Fairs
Students have opportunities to attend and participate in Futura Showcase, Euroshop and International Display Week, London.
EXAMS & ASSESSMENTS It is important that you are aware of the academic requirements. We have designed the examination regulations with a view to ensuring that your work is examined carefully and assessed fairly.
You will receive a copy of the Institute’s General Assessment Regulations which cover in detail all aspects of the Institutes examination and assessment regulations. You should read these and if you have questions please discuss them with the Course Tutor.
You will be set a number of projects and assignments throughout the course and will receive formal and timely feedback on each project.
Submission Procedures
1. Continuous assessment projects must be submitted for assessment on the specified day, date and time as stated in the brief.
2. All late submissions will be recorded at 40% or lower up to three working days after the specified submission date. If a submission is presented after the limit of three working days a 0% will be recorded.
3. Marks for each project will be carried forward to form evaluation at the end of the module.
4. Conditions for extensions and exemption will be considered under special circumstances relating to assessment in General Assessment Regulations.
In addition to specific submission times for particular projects, the student may also be required to submit a body of work in any given subject, on the instructions of the relevant staff member, at designated times.
Modularisation
A brief explanation A modularised programme is where the individual subjects are sub-divided into discrete packages of learning called modules. Modules can be combined in a number of different ways to make a programme, which gives more flexibility in terms of developing new and interesting subject combinations for programmes. As all modules have a credit value, getting an award is based on the principles of credit accumulation; the amount required per academic session is 60 credits.
Module A module is a subject or a number of subjects that make up a single topic of study.
CRN This is the Course Registration Number. The code number allocated to a specific module. The module code will generally be used as a short way of identifying the module.
Credits Each module carries a number of credits (multiples of 5) and students are expected to complete enough modules in a year to amount to 60 credits. This would mean taking 12 modules in a year or 6 per semester of 5 credits each.
ECTS European Credit Transfer System. ECTS is internationally recognised, which means that students will be able to have their learning at DIT recognised at other European and international Institutes and universities. Core Modules A module is one which must be studied and passed in order to gain a particular named award.
Optional Modules A module is one which must be studied in conjunction with core modules and which student selects from within a prescribed and limited set for a particular named award.
Elective Modules A module is one chosen by the student from the total set available in the Institute, subject to restrictions such as prohibited combinations which may be specified in a Programme Document.
Semester There are two blocks of 15 weeks in a year (12 weeks of classes followed by 2 study weeks and a week of exams). These are called semesters and there are examinations at the end of each semester. Some modules only last for one semester (Semester 1 or Semester 2) and some modules last for the whole year (both Semesters).
What are ECTS Credits? ECTS credits are a numerical value (between 1 and 60) allocated to course units to describe the student workload required to complete them. They reflect the quantity of work each course unit requires in relation to the total quantity of work necessary to complete a full year of academic study at the institution that is, lectures, practical work, seminars, tutorials, fieldwork, private study – in the library or at home – and examinations or other assessment activities. ECTS is thus based on a full student workload and not limited to contact hours only.
ECTS credits are a relative rather than an absolute measure of student workload. They only specify how much of a year’s workload a course unit represents at the institution or department allocating the credits.
In ECTS, 60 credits represent the workload of a normal undergraduate academic year of study and normally 30 credits for a semester and 20 credits for a term. A postgraduate academic year of a full 12 months may have 90 credits.
ECTS credits ensure that the programme will be reasonable in terms of workload for the period of study abroad, for example,
1. a student whose choice of course units results in a programme of study totalling 120 ECTS credits for an academic year would have to work twice as much as an average local student at the receiving institution: and
2. a student whose programme of study totals 30 ECTS credits for whole academic year would be undertaking much less work than the average local student and would in effect be studying part-time.
ALLOCATION OF CREDITS AND DESCRIPTION OF MODULES
YEAR 1 Semester 1
1. Theory of Visual Merchandising 1 5 Module Description In this module students are introduced to the basic principles of visual merchandising. Module Aim The aim of the module is to develop the students’ understanding of how visual merchandising is applied in stores, an awareness of brand image, layout of store area, signage and ambience.
2. Strategies in Visual Merchandising 15 Module Description In this module students are introduced to the basic principles of visual merchandising within a given store and the practical application of these principles. The module will create an awareness of image comparison between two high street stores in branding, styling and handling of presentation/visual merchandising. Module Aim The aim of the module is to develop the students’ understanding of how visual merchandising and display design are applied in stores and provide an awareness of brand image, layout of store area, signage and ambience. The students’ will apply these principles in a range of projects.
3. AutoCAD 1 continuing Module Description In this module students are introduced to the basics of the computer as a tool for communicating design. The module will introduce the student to the techniques of Computer aided drafting. Module Aim The aim of the module is to develop a basic skill in the creation of 2D and 3D drawing.
4. Business Studies 1 continuing Module Description This module introduces the student to business and consumer law, the business environment, financial control and planning. Module Aim The aim of the module is to provide the learner with an understanding of the business environment, principles of law and financial control in the design environment
5. History and Theory of Design 1850–90 continuing Module Aim
The aim of this module is to study the history and theory of design in Britain in the mid-to late-nineteenth century.
6. Communications 1 continuing Module Description This module introduces the student to the theory of communications, both oral and written. It introduces the student to the relevance of communication in the area of visual merchandising.
Module Aim The aim of the module is
1. To provide the learner with an understanding of the relevance of communications in the retail industry.
2. To help students understand the role of presentations in business and the many kinds of presentations business people make
3. To show students how to get control over all the information they want to present and to organize it to support a key strategic message
YEAR 1 Semester 2
1. Homeware and Accessories 15 Module Description In this module students are introduced to the visual strategies used in visual merchandising and display of Homeware Departments and products of stores. Module Aim
1. To develop an awareness of symmetric and asymmetric balance 2. To experiment with materials, texture and lighting. 3. To develop student’s ability to produce a promotional scheme
2. Theory of Visual Merchandising 2 5 Module Description In this module students are introduced to the basic principle of visual merchandising. Module Aim The aim of the module is to develop the students understanding of how visual merchandising is applied in stores, an awareness of brand image, layout of store area, signage and ambience.
3. History and Theory of Design 1890–1930 5 Module Aim The aim of this module is to study the history and theory of design and in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
4. AutoCAD 1 5 As module information above
5. Communications 1 5 As module information above
6. Business Studies 1 5 As module information above
Total credits for the year 60
YEAR 2 Semester 1 1. Fashion and Accessories 15 credits Module Description In this module students are introduced to fashion accessories Module Aim
1. To introduce the students to the skills of handling accessory displays. 2. The techniques of styling and coordinating fashion accessories. 3. Attend work experience in a retail outlet.
2. Visual Merchandising 5 credits Module Description In this module students are introduced to the basic principles of visual merchandising. Module Aim The aim of the module is to develop the students understanding of how visual merchandising is applied in stores including an awareness of brand image, layout of store area, signage and ambience.
3. AutoCad 2 linked Module Description This module will further develop the skills of Computer aided drafting. The student will be introduced to the concepts of solid geometric modeling. Module Aim This module will further develop the skills of computer aided drafting. The student will be introduced to more advance solid modeling.
4. Business Studies 2 linked Module Description This module looks at financial control, marketing, intellectual property rights and health and safety in the workplace Module Aim To provide the learner with an understanding of necessary fundamentals of business in the visual merchandising environment
5. History and Theory of Design 1920–1970 linked Module Aim The aim of this module is to study the history and theory of modernism in design in the twentieth century.
6. Communications 2 linked Module Description This module continues to diagnose weaknesses and develop each students written and oral communication skills. It further links communication theory to the retail industry. Module Aim
1. To provide the learner with an understanding of necessary fundamentals of communication in the visual merchandising environment.
2. To show students how to manage question and answer sessions 3. To develop skill in explaining and selling ideas – being able to develop a concept and connect the
facts and ideas involved so that others can understand and accept them
YEAR 2 Semester 2 1. Fashion and Styling 15 credits Module Description In this module students are introduced to Fashion Styling, Soft dressing and Island Display. Module Aim
1. To enable the students to develop original approaches to the styling of all types of clothing 2. Introduced to mannequin handling, positioning and grouping 3. The presentation of Island Display, Fashion Catwalks and Product launches
2. Visual Merchandising 5 credits Module Description In this module students are introduced to the basic principle of visual merchandising. Module Aim The aim of the module is to develop the students understanding of how visual merchandising is applied in stores, an awareness of brand image, layout of store area, signage and ambience.
3. AutoCad 2 5 credits As module information above
4. Business Studies 2 5 credits
As module information above
5. History and Theory of Fashion 1850–1980 5 credits Module Aim To study the history and theory of fashion designs from the mid-nineteenth to the late-twentieth centuries.
6. Communications 2 5 credits As module information above
Total credits for the year 60
Year 3 Semester 1 1. Major Industry Project linked Module Description In this module students are develop a major project in a specialized discipline with in the retail display and visual merchandising promotional industry, in cooperation with the students own work placement. Module Aim 1. The aim of the module is for the students to develop their own specialist disciplines, within retail display, visual merchandising, and promotional presentations. 2. To give the students the experience and responsibility of working with a professional team and clients in the industry 3. To develop the students awareness and appreciation of how the principles of display operate in the retail or promotional industry
2. Work Placement linked Module Description In semester 5 and 6 of the third year, students must complete a period structured work placement in an approved Retail environment. Module Aim The aim of this module is to enable the student to
1. Observe in action business functions and business problems that may have been dealt with in the academic programme.
2. Demonstrate personal qualities of commitment, flexibility and integrity, 3. Experience teamwork and leadership 4. Learn new business and personal skills 5. Prepare and develop a proposal for a major retail promotion as part of their Major Project.
3. Interior Design 5 credits Module Description This module introduces the student to the basic principles of the design for retail spaces. Module Aim
1. To introduce the student to the basic design requirements for retail spaces 2. To provide the student with the opportunity to convert an existing building to a retail environment 3. To provide an introduction to building regulations appropriate to retail spaces
4. Digital Modeling 5 credits Module Description In this Module the student will enhance and develop their modelling skills through projects and achieve the ability to derive orthographic information (plans, sections & elevations) from the model. Module Aim This module will further develop the skills of computer aided drafting and digital modelling proficiency and produce complex 3D objects and spaces for visual analysis.
5. Business Studies 3 5 credits Module Description
1. Retail Marketing 2. Consumer Behaviour 3. Taxation 4. Employment Law
Module Aim The aim of this module is to provide the learner with an understanding of retail marketing, consumer behaviour, basic taxation and employment laws
6. Branding & Visual Merchandising 5 credits Module Description This module will introduce students to the basic elements of branding. It will examine brand names, logos, positioning brand associations and brand personality in the context of the Retail Industry. Module Aim The aim of the module is inform students of the role and importance of branding in the process of visual merchandising and show them how branding operates in the context of the Irish retail industry.
YEAR 3 Semester 2
1. Major Industry Project 20 credits As module information above
2. Work Placement 15 credits As module information above
3. Communications 3 Module Description Marketing communication, analysis of consumer behavior, C.V. preparation, interview preparation and report writing. Module Aim The aim of this module is
1. To provide the learner with an understanding of marketing communications, consumer behaviour, job seeking skills and the writing of formal and informal reports.
2. To develop option thinking – a willingness to give problems further thought and having a reluctance to jump on the first idea that seems to be a solution
Total credits for the year 60
GENERAL ASSESSMENT AND ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
How do I contact the Examinations Office? Location: The examinations office is located on the ground floor of the campus at 40-45 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1. It is the first door on the left as you enter the building.
When calling us please remember that we have a large number of programmes so please identify what programme you are taking. Under no circumstances will exams/assessment results be given over the phone.
Examinations Officer: 402-4166
Office Staff 402-4152
What is the pass mark for each module? To pass a module a student must obtain 40% or more in that module.
Degree and MA programmes
• First Class Honours >=70% plus • Second Class Honours, Upper Division 60 - 69% • Second Class Honours, Lower Division 50 - 59% • Pass 40 - 49%
Is there a fee for exams? The fee for examinations and assessments is built into the fee paid for the programme as a whole. Provided that a student registers for exams on time, no additional fees are payable in respect of exams and assessments. A fee will be charged for students taking repeat (Supplemental) exams. These forms will be posted to students with their transcript of results detailing the modules they have been referred in. At present the supplemental repeat fee is 55 euro.
Do I need to register for exams?
ALL CANDIDATES INTENDING TO SIT EXAMS AND/OR
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENTS MUST REGISTER SEPARATELY FOR EXAMS AND ASSESSMENTS
Candidates for examinations and continuous assessments must register once only each year for the examinations/assessments. The examination/assessment entry forms are distributed to students in class by their year tutor normally in November. Extra copies are available from the Exams office in DIT Mountjoy Square. Students on the Bachelor of Arts in Photography programme should contact the School Secretary in the Temple Bar campus for extra copies. It is
each student’s responsibility to ensure they complete a copy of the entry form, get it signed by their year tutor and submit it to the examination office by the closing date. This registration takes place in November/December. This process is separate from the process of registering for the programme.
Is there a fee for exam registration? In the past, there has been no fee for so doing, although late registration will involve the imposition of a late fee. The later you register, the higher the fee.
What if I fail to register for exams? Failure to register will mean that you may not be permitted to sit the exams/assessments but in most cases will involve the imposition of a late fee. The longer the delay is, the higher the fee. It is your responsibility to make sure you are registered, notices will be posted in prominent areas of the DIT Mountjoy Square and DIT Temple Bar campus’ to remind you to register. Please note that we do NOT write to each student individually at their home address.
What if I fail an exam? Some students who sit exams and/or submit continuous assessments fail them. A minority of students, for various reasons, do not sit some examinations or submit some assessments. In either case, a student is said to be ‘referred’ in the exam/assessment that he or she has failed or not sat. In either case, it is possible for a student to take ‘Supplemental exams’ in the relevant modules. These supplemental exams typically take place the first week of the September following Semester One and Semester Two exams/assessments. ‘Referral’ continuous assessment work which must be resubmitted, details of these projects will be posted to you from the relevant School office giving a closing date for re-submission in early September each year. All supplemental exams will take place in the September of each year.
How many times may I repeat a module? Students have up to four attempts at each exam and assessment. There are two sittings of examinations/assessments in each year. Semester One modules are assessed in January and the repeat attempt is held in September. Semester two and year long modules are assessed in May and the repeat attempt is held in September. Each sitting counts as an attempt.
The Summer exams/assessments are sometimes called the ‘sessional’ exams/assessments, and the Autumn exams/assessments the ‘supplemental’ exams/assessments. A student who does not pass or does not sit an exam/submit a continuous assessment piece of work then the student is said to be ‘referred’ in that exam/assessment. A student is formally ‘failed’ if he or she does not pass an exam/assessment on the fourth sitting.
What if I pass some modules but fail others? Once you have passed a module, you will not be required to resit it. For instance, if you sit three exams, passing one and failing two, you will only be required to resit the two that you have failed and not the exam that you have passed. Essay results may also be carried forward.
External Repeat Students If a decision is made at a Progession and Award board meeting that a student is ineligible to continue to the next stage of a programme because they have not passed all modules on a year of a programme then they must take a year out. A student in this instance is considered to be an external repeat student. Following the supplemental examination/assessment results being issued in September, an external repeat application form will be enclosed with the transcript of results and if a student wishes to sit/resubmit an examination/continuous assessment they should complete the external repeat examination entry form and pay the external repeat fee which is 110 euro at present. External repeat applications for exams/assessments must be submitted by the closing date as these forms will only be accepted late in exceptional circumstances.
Please note: There are no super-supplementals at DIT. It is not possible to schedule special supplemental exams/assessments outside of the officially scheduled exam/assessment period.
For further information on exam procedures see DIT “General Assessment Regulations” available on the web at www.dit.ie
EXAMINATION/CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT DATES
Exam dates for written examinations at DIT Mountjoy Square are set by the Exams Office, DIT Mountjoy Square. For Semester One examinations precise dates are usually issued in mid-December. For Semester Two examinations precise dates are usually issued in March. Please note that timetables are always provisional and are subject to change. It is each student’s responsibility to ensure they receive their examination details for examinations, if a timetable is changed, a revised timetable would be issued to their correspondence address and by email to the DIT class email list and posted on the examinations noticeboard on the ground floor of DIT Mountjoy Square. We only use DIT e-mail addresses to communicate with students. It is not possible to add non-DIT e-mail addresses to this list.
The commencement of the examination weeks are detailed on the Official DIT Academic Calendar which changes each year. As a general guide, Semester One examinations normally commence during the second week in January, Semester two examinations normally commence during the third week in May, with the Supplemental examinations normally commencing in the first week in September.
The DIT academic calendar is available to view at: http://www.dit.ie/DIT/academic/calendar/index.html.
DEFERRALS
A failed exam/assessment or a failure to sit an exam/assessment will be counted as an ‘attempt’ such that the next attempt will be deemed to be a ‘second attempt’, ‘third attempt’ or ‘fourth attempt’ as the case may be. However, an attempt at an exam/continuous assessment may not be counted if a student has obtained a deferral. What happens if I can’t sit an exam? Students who discover or think that they will not be able to sit an exam or submit a continuous assessment (for instance because of illness or family events) should write to the Head of School at the earliest possible opportunity seeking a deferral.
Who grants deferrals? The Head of School, at his or her discretion, may grant deferrals at the written request of the student before the relevant set of exams begins or the due date for submission of continuous assessment work.
How do I get a deferral? Students seeking a deferral should write to the Head of School, giving reasons for seeking the deferral. An application for a deferral must be in writing and signed by the person seeking the deferral.
On what basis are deferrals granted? Deferrals sought before the commencement of exams/deadlines for continuous assessment submissions may be granted, at the discretion of the Head of School on the following grounds only:
• Illness (supported by a medical note) • Bereavement or serious illness of a close family member, partner or close
friend necessitating absence • Pregnancy or recent childbirth (father or mother) necessitating absence • Unavoidable circumstances requiring absence from exams/submission of
assessments • Excessive personal stress where certified by a doctor or counsellor • Other unavoidable factors preventing the sitting of exams/submission of
assessments.
Deferrals will not be granted, in particular, in the following circumstances: • Lack of preparedness for exams/assessments (without other mitigating
factors) • Uncertified illness or stress
If I am granted a deferral, may I still sit an Exam/submit the work? Provided you have registered for exams/assessments, you may sit any or all of those exams/submit any or all of the continuous assessment work, notwithstanding the Deferral.
PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, APPEALS AND RECHECKS
Personal Circumstances If something happens before or during an exam/submission of an assessment that you believe may affect your performance in the exam/assessment, you may submit a personal circumstances form requesting that the Progression and Award board take these circumstances into account. A personal circumstances form must be submitted within 2 days of your final exam. In the case of continuous assessment work the personal circumstances form must be submitted no later than the same day as the hand-in date for the assessment.
Rechecks You may seek a recheck if, having received your results, you believe that we have miscalculated or made a mistake inputting your exam/assessment results. A recheck does not involve a remarking or reassessment of the relevant paper. It simply requires that we check that the results entered have been correctly calculated and that all marks have been accounted for. A recheck must be sought in writing within three working days of the publication of results on the DIT noticeboard or the issuing of results on the Electronic Gradebook (and not within three days of your receiving your results).
Appeals In certain circumstances specified by the General Assessment Regulations, an appeal may be sought in respect of examination results. The grounds for seeking an appeal are limited. All appeals must be sought in writing within seven working days of the publication of results on the DIT noticeboard or the issuing of results on the Electronic Gradebook (and not within seven days of you receiving your results).
Forms for the above may be obtained from the Examinations Office, DIT
Mountjoy Square and online at
http://www.dit.ie/DIT/registrar/regs/gen_assess_reg/index.html
The following page shows a copy of the assessment form used by your lecturers to mark your projects with all criteria clearly defined. Following this an example of a co-ordinated brief in which all course subject areas have come together (Studio and Display Design) to produce an end-of-year Summer Display.
School of Art, Design & Printing Head John O Connor BDes MA ANCAD MIDI MISTD Faculty of Applied Arts, Dublin Institute of Technology, Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1 T: 4024138, f: 4024297, e: [email protected] Assessment form: BA in Visual \Merchandising and Display DT515 ______________________________________________________________________________________ name of student > year of study > _____________________________________________________________________________________ project/module > ______________________________________________________________________________________ examiner > date > ______________________________________________________________________________________ research anaylysis & development realisation Presentation
70-100% (distinction)
original source material skilfully researched & collated
highly original creative & imaginative concept development, excellent application of research
exceptional level of skill sensitive, inventive use of media to articulate idea
focussed, articulate & professional presentation of merchandise with appropriate use of materials
____________ ___________________ _____________________ ___________________ _______________________ 60-69% (upper merit)
focused & comprehensive research material
good evidence of originality, creative & imaginative concept development, very good application of research
inventive approach, high degree of skill, comprehensive use of media
Coherent & appropriate presentation of merchandise with well considered use of materials
____________ ___________________ ______________________ ___________________ _______________________ 50-59% (lower merit)
competent source material, some evidence of focused research
moderate evidence of originality creative & imaginative concept development, good application of research
some evidence of inventiveness, executed with skill, competent use
good presentation of solution, competent use of materials
____________ ___________________ ______________________ ___________________ _______________________ 40-49% (pass)
adequate research limited, standard readily accessible sources
some evidence of originality, creative & imaginative concept development, fair application of research
limited evidence of inventiveness, adequate use of media, executed with some skill
adequate presentation of merchandise, adequate use of materials
____________ ___________________ ______________________ ___________________ _______________________ 0-39% (Refer)
limited or inappropriate use of, or lack of research
little evidence of originality, creativity or imaginative concept development, poor or no application of research
little or no evidence of inventiveness, inappropriate use of media, low skill level
incomplete/incoherent presentation, poor level of finish
____________ ___________________ ______________________ ____________________ _______________________
value > value >
value >
value >
____________ ___________________ _____________________ ____________________ _______________________
weighting > weighting >
weighting >
weighting >
_____________ ___________________ _____________________ ____________________ _______________________
mark > mark >
mark >
mark >
_____________ ___________________ ______________________ ____________________ _______________________
total > __________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________ Comment
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ examiners signature > date > ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ © 2000 School of Art, Design and Printing. DIT. Not to be reproduced without prior written permission of the Head of School.
GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS
1. Good time keeping, punctuality and attendance are very important. You may be marked absent if not in on time.
2. Projects must be submitted on the date specified on your given brief of
penalties will occur.
3. Students must obey the lawful instructions of lecturers and other members of the Institute staff who are responsible for your safety and the maintenance of good order.
4. Smoking is not allowed except where there are areas specifically designated
as suitable areas by the College and clearly signed.
5. Your studio environment is very important. Please do not deface College furniture, equipment etc and keep your work area clean and organised at all times.
6. Mobile phones must be switched off in all studio/work areas.
7. The playing of music, the use of personal stereos, radios etc is not permitted
during studio time.
******** Information
Within the first week please bring a passport photograph as this is needed for your class register. This will enable all your lecturers to get to know you quickly. You will be given a form to complete giving details of your age, contact address and telephone number etc.
You will be allocated a desk locker and plan chest drawer for storing of your work. Class timetables will be given at the earliest opportunity. A materials list covering all subjects is included in the handbook at the end of this section. Please get these items immediately unless advised otherwise by your lecturer. The College has an excellent library, computer centre, canteen and student union shop/information centre – you should familiarise yourself with all above areas quickly. Your work will be continuously assessed and you will be kept informed of your progress.
If you require assistance your year tutors or any other available member of staff will be delighted to help.
Don’t let little problems build up and become big problems – a chat could sort things out.
Remember, within DIT there is:
Students Union- Student Counselling Service – Aileen Henderick, Head Counsellor, Tel: 4023352 Chaplaincy Service – Neil Phair, Tel: 4024112 Disability Liaison Officer – Ms. Fiona Fitzgerald, Tel: 4027612 Careers Office – Tel: 4022961, 4023082 College Doctor – DIT Bolton Street, Tel: 4023214
These are just some numbers – a vast amount of information for students is available in the DIT STUDENT HANDBOOK and on the DIT website: www.dit.ie
You are responsible for your own learning! Good time management is essential. Set yourself realistic work plans and stick to them. Start work immediately. The 1st year will be over before you know it.
It’s not all work though……………. …there are many college societies and sporting activities for you to join from Irish Dancing and the Protestors Society to Ultimate Frisbee and Kick Boxing and many other events that are organised throughout the year.
Please familiarise yourself with health and safety issues at the end of this section and stay safe.
All the staff of Visual Merchandising and Display wishes you a very pleasant and happy year.
MATERIALS LIST
Here is a list of materials, all essential. Please build them as quickly as you can or you could find yourself at a disadvantage.
Metal Staple Gun Box Staples Staple Remover Small Claw Hammer Pliers Scissors Measuring Tape Nylon Thread 6lb, 15lb Double Side Tape Masking Tape Pins, Red Card – Medium, Large Cup Hooks Tool Box (available at McGregor Plastics, 54 South William St.,) and Flamingos, Lwr Stephen’s St and Tallaght
Cutting Mat
Craft Knife Scalpel No 4 & No 23 Blade Long Steel Ruler Large PVA Glue Spray Mount Prit Stick Mixing Tray Sponge Paint Brushes (non-bristle), 1 broad flat, 1 medium round, 1 pointed fine
Pencils, 2H, HB, 2B, 4B & 6B
Erasure Tee Square Set Square Compass Coloured Pencils Pastels Oil Crayons Selection of Coloured Inks Gouache Paints – particularly all primary colours and black and white
Conte Sticks
Drawing/Drafting Pens A2 Sketch Pad (Drawing) Notebook Lecturers may require ‘notebooks’ for each
subject. Often an A3 sketch pad is used for this purpose.
Tracing Paper…always have a few sheets available.
Try and build up a collection of papers from light toned to dark, from textured to smooth, also watercolour paper, mounting boards and cards of various weights.
• Additional purchases may be necessary as specific projects arise. • See individual lecturer for specific class requirements.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Remember:
No smoking policies must be obeyed at all times.
Make sure that all electrical appliances are switched off or unplugged when not in use and that any faulty electrical connections are reported immediately to staff.
All equipment, materials etc must be carefully stored and not cause obstructions in corridors nor block exits.
Familiarise yourself with the position and usage of all fire safety equipment and fire exits.
Alarm Test
A periodic test of the alarm system will be organised by the Building Maintenance managers
A First-Aid kit is located in the staff room
