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B-SC in Visual Communication at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Visual Communication at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This Visual Communication program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on equipping students with skills in graphic design, photography, animation, web design, and media production. It addresses the evolving demands of the Indian creative industry, preparing professionals for roles in advertising, media, and digital content creation. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring industry readiness.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative fresh graduates aspiring to enter India''''s vibrant media and design sectors. It suits individuals passionate about visual storytelling, technology, and artistic expression. Working professionals seeking to upskill in digital media, or career changers transitioning into design, advertising, or film production, will also find this curriculum beneficial. A background in arts or humanities is advantageous.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including graphic designer, photographer, video editor, animator, web designer, and advertising professional. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience. Career growth trajectories often lead to creative director, media manager, or design lead roles within Indian companies and MNCs, aligning with industry certifications.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Design Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to consistently practice drawing, sketching, and understanding the core principles of design. Use online tutorials and local art workshops to hone your foundational visual skills beyond classroom hours.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbook, Pencils/Charcoal, Pinterest for inspiration, NPTEL Design courses
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals in design are crucial for all visual communication careers, ensuring a solid base for advanced subjects and a professional portfolio.
Build Software Proficiency Early- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond lab sessions, actively engage with industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. Utilize free trials and student discounts to practice regularly, completing personal projects.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Cloud, YouTube tutorials, LinkedIn Learning, GFXMentor
Career Connection
Proficiency in design and editing software is a primary requirement for most jobs in graphic design, photography, and video editing, enhancing employability.
Cultivate Visual Storytelling Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Start observing and documenting your surroundings through photography or short video clips. Analyze advertisements, films, and media to understand their visual narrative structures and impact.
Tools & Resources
Smartphone camera, VLC media player, Art of Photography by Bruce Barnbaum
Career Connection
Developing an eye for visual storytelling is essential for roles in film, advertising, and content creation, making your work more engaging and impactful.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Practical Production- (Semester 3-5)
Form small groups to undertake mini-projects like short films, photography series, or brand identity design. Participate in college media clubs and inter-collegiate competitions to apply theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
DSLR/Mirrorless camera, Audio recorders, Student film festivals, Design competitions
Career Connection
Hands-on experience builds a robust portfolio and problem-solving skills, vital for securing internships and entry-level positions in production houses and design firms.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 3-5)
Attend industry workshops, guest lectures, and local design/media events in Chennai. Connect with alumni and faculty for guidance, and consider reaching out to professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry conferences (e.g., Kyoorius Designyatra), Alumni network events
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, job opportunities, and invaluable industry insights, which are critical in the competitive Indian creative landscape.
Specialize and Experiment- (Semester 3-5)
Choose electives strategically that align with your career interests (e.g., animation, digital marketing, UI/UX). Dedicate extra time to learn advanced techniques in your chosen specialization through online courses.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, edX, Udemy, Specialized blogs and forums
Career Connection
Specializing helps you stand out in the job market, demonstrating expertise in a particular niche and making you a more desirable candidate for targeted roles.
Advanced Stage
Develop a Professional Portfolio- (Semester 6)
Curate your best works from academic projects, internships, and personal endeavors into a compelling online portfolio website. Regularly update it, ensuring it reflects your chosen specialization and aesthetic.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Dribbble, Adobe Portfolio, Personal website platforms (e.g., WordPress)
Career Connection
A strong portfolio is your primary resume in visual communication, directly influencing interview calls and placement opportunities across Indian creative industries.
Undertake a Meaningful Internship/Project- (Semester 6)
Secure an internship at a reputed design studio, ad agency, or media company in your area of interest. Focus on gaining real-world experience, building industry contacts, and converting it into a potential pre-placement offer.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Internshala, Naukri.com, Industry contacts
Career Connection
Internships provide crucial industry exposure, often leading to full-time employment and offering a practical understanding of company culture and demands.
Refine Interview and Communication Skills- (Semester 6)
Participate in mock interviews, resume writing workshops, and group discussions organized by the college placement cell. Practice articulating your design philosophy and project experiences clearly.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Career Development Centre, Online interview preparation platforms, Peer group feedback
Career Connection
Excellent communication and presentation skills are paramount for cracking interviews and effectively collaborating in professional Indian work environments.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in H.Sc / 10+2 / PUC or equivalent
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 114 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LVOC101 | Language I (Tamil / Hindi / French / German) | Core | 3 | Basic Grammar, Vocabulary Development, Reading Comprehension, Writing Simple Sentences, Spoken Communication |
| 21ENGL101 | English I | Core | 3 | Fundamentals of Grammar, Sentence Structure, Paragraph Writing, Basic Report Writing, Reading Skills |
| 21FSH101 | Foundational Course in Arts and Humanities | Core | 3 | Introduction to Arts, Basic Humanities Concepts, Critical Thinking, Creative Expression, Cultural Significance |
| 21VC101 | Fundamentals of Visual Communication | Core | 4 | Elements of Design, Principles of Design, Visual Perception, Communication Models, History of Visual Media |
| 21VC102 | Drawing and Sketching | Core (Practical) | 4 | Basic Drawing Techniques, Perspective Drawing, Still Life Composition, Figure Drawing Basics, Outdoor Sketching |
| 21VC103 | Computer Graphics Lab – I | Core (Practical) | 4 | Introduction to Graphic Software, Raster Image Editing, Vector Graphics Fundamentals, Basic Layout Design, Color Theory in Digital Media |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LVOC201 | Language II (Tamil / Hindi / French / German) | Core | 3 | Advanced Grammar, Conversational Fluency, Literary Appreciation, Advanced Vocabulary, Cultural Contexts |
| 21ENGL201 | English II | Core | 3 | Public Speaking, Presentation Skills, Academic Writing, Critical Reading, Debating Techniques |
| 21ENV201 | Environmental Studies | Core | 3 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources Management, Sustainable Development, Environmental Ethics |
| 21VC201 | History of Art & Visual Culture | Core | 4 | Prehistoric and Ancient Art, Medieval and Renaissance Art, Modern Art Movements, Indian Art Forms, Contemporary Visual Culture |
| 21VC202 | Basic Photography | Core (Practical) | 4 | Camera Operation, Exposure Control, Composition Techniques, Lighting Principles, Digital Image Workflow |
| 21VC203 | Computer Graphics Lab – II | Core (Practical) | 4 | Advanced Image Manipulation, Digital Painting, Typography Basics, Poster Design, Brochure and Pamphlet Design |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21GEDC301 | Gender Studies / Professional Ethics | Core (Choice Based) | 3 | Gender Concepts, Feminist Theories, Workplace Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethical Dilemmas |
| 21VC301 | Advertising Theory and Practice | Core | 4 | History of Advertising, Advertising Models, Consumer Behavior, Creative Strategy, Media Planning |
| 21VC302 | Graphic Design | Core | 4 | Design Principles, Layout and Composition, Typography, Branding and Identity Design, Packaging Design |
| 21VC303 | Audio Production | Core (Practical) | 4 | Sound Theory, Microphones and Recording, Digital Audio Workstations, Audio Editing and Mixing, Sound Design |
| 21VC304 | Digital Photography | Core (Practical) | 4 | Advanced Camera Settings, Studio Lighting, Portrait and Landscape Photography, Post-processing Techniques, Photojournalism |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21VC401 | Media Law and Ethics | Core | 3 | Indian Media Laws, Copyright and Plagiarism, Defamation and Privacy, Cyber Laws, Ethical Standards in Media |
| 21VC402 | Elements of Cinematography | Core | 4 | Camera Operation and Lenses, Lighting for Film, Shot Composition, Camera Movement, Digital Cinematography |
| 21VC403 | Web Design | Core | 4 | HTML and CSS, Responsive Design, User Interface (UI) Principles, User Experience (UX) Basics, Web Content Management |
| 21VC404 | Animation Techniques | Core (Practical) | 4 | Principles of Animation, 2D Animation, Stop Motion Animation, Character Design, Storyboarding |
| 21VCElxxx | Elective – I (e.g., Corporate Communication) | Elective | 3 | Corporate Identity, Internal Communication, External Communication, Crisis Communication, Public Relations Strategy |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21VC501 | Television Production | Core | 4 | TV Production Process, Studio Operations, Multi-camera Setup, Lighting for TV, Non-Linear Editing |
| 21VC502 | Brand Management | Core | 4 | Brand Identity, Brand Equity, Brand Positioning, Brand Communication, Digital Branding |
| 21VC503 | Video Editing | Core (Practical) | 4 | Video Editing Software, Non-Linear Editing Techniques, Transitions and Effects, Sound Design for Video, Color Correction |
| 21VC504 | Portfolio Development | Core (Practical) | 4 | Portfolio Strategy, Content Selection, Presentation Techniques, Digital Portfolio Creation, Self-Promotion |
| 21VCElxxx | Elective – II (e.g., Digital Marketing) | Elective | 3 | Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Web Analytics |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21VC601 | Documentary Production | Core | 4 | Documentary History, Research and Scripting, Interview Techniques, Production Planning, Post-production for Documentaries |
| 21VC602 | Research Methodology for Visual Communication | Core | 3 | Research Design, Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Research Methods, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing |
| 21VC603 | Project / Internship | Project / Internship | 6 | Project Proposal, Research and Development, Implementation and Execution, Presentation and Documentation, Industry Application |
| 21VCElxxx | Elective – III (e.g., UI/UX Design) | Elective | 3 | User Research, Information Architecture, Wireframing and Prototyping, Usability Testing, Interface Design Principles |
