Core Module Information
Module title: Concept Creation

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 40.00
ECTS credit value: 20

Module code: DES11168
Module leader: George Shepherd
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Art Design and Photography
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

Through practice, you will explore the creative process from strategy to final concept, and the various triggers that can be used to produce credible, memorable advertising. You will learn to interrogate the advertising brief and critically reflect on your own creative strategy and that of others. You will consider key elements of successful advertising, including the effectiveness of a headline as a stand-alone communication and the impact of a strong visual that needs no copy to explain it, and the role of photography, illustration, design, branding and language. You will be introduced to the different writing styles, formats and technical terms required for a range of media platforms. The generation of ideas will be formalised into projects, culminating in a series of creative presentations, where you will present your work and debate and defend your advertising.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Debate and critically examine the verbal and visual features, terminologies, and conventions used in creating advertising.

LO2: Examine and evaluate the impact of a range of creative skills and technologies used across industry and the media.

LO3: Test and apply creative strategies to interpret and respond to a range of advertising creative briefs.

LO4: Hypothesise about, construct, and critically assess the role of copy and the development of effective advertising text.

LO5: Develop, test, and critically justify appropriate and innovative creative solutions for advertising to a professional standard.

LO6: Critically analyse and evidence effective teamwork, demonstrating a clear and identifiable contribution to a partnership or group.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: George Shepherd
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 60 Lectures provide you with a foundation in the theoretical & practical aspects of advertising, building knowledge in copywriting, art direction, concept development, and production. They also equip you to apply these principles effectively within your chosen specialisms and ongoing project work. (working both solo and in teams of 2, 3 or 4) Includes key mainstream adjustments which make the most common, basic support offered to disabled students available to you
Online Project Supervision 50 Project supervision provides you with structured, discipline-specific support through every stage of creation, from initial development to production and post-production. It also guides you on sharpening creative ideas, enhancing technical proficiency, solving practical issues, and following industry-standard workflows (working both solo and in teams of 2, 3 or 4) Includes key mainstream adjustments which make the most common, basic support offered to disabled students available to you
Face To Face Tutorial 60 Tutorials create space for collaborative discussion, project progression, and formative feedback. They give you a deeper understanding of advertising practices while helping you refine creative and technical choices in relation to your ongoing projects and professional roles. (working both solo and in teams of 2, 3 or 4) Includes key mainstream adjustments which make the most common, basic support offered to disabled students available to you
Face To Face Supervised time in studio/workshop 100 Supervised Studio Time provides a structured environment to create, test and refine concepts with guided support. Working solo or in teams of 2, 3 or 4, you use this time to work on briefs, experiment with craft/execution, and engage in problem‑solving. Staff are present to offer formative feedback, facilitate discussions, and model professional working. Includes key mainstream adjustments which make the most common, basic support offered to disabled students available to you
Online Guided independent study 103 Independent study enables you to research, plan, and complete project work beyond formal teaching sessions, supporting both individual practice and contributions to collaborative projects (working both solo and in teams of 2, 3 or 4)
Online Guided independent study 27 Reading week; No teaching will take place during Reading Week. This week is intended to support reflection on and consolidation of your learning to date. The module leader will also identify set readings to inform and support your ongoing project work and portfolio development.
Total Study Hours400
Expected Total Study Hours for Module400


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Portfolio 100 1~2~3~4~5~6 Exam Period , WORDS= 6 Campaigns This creative advertising portfolio will consist of 6 Advertising Campaigns. Each Campaign will consist of approx 6 Slides (Copy plus Images); 3 Campaigns should be created in a team of two or 4, and 3 Campaigns should be created individually. The Portfolio will also include an individual analysis and evaluation of the strategic methods used, all practical outputs, and a critical reflection on your own practice.As an Alternative Assessment element, the individual analysis and evaluation of the strategic methods used, and a critical reflection on your own practice can be explored in a 30 minute 'Viva style' interview with the Module Leader.Standard Assessment will apply unless reasonable adjustments are required based on learning profiles or as a result of discussion with your module leader.Students will not be marked down for poor spelling, grammar, or punctuation
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader