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B-SC in Visual Communication at Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology
Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Visual Communication at Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology Tiruvallur?
This B.Sc Visual Communication program at Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala Research and Development Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, focuses on equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of visual storytelling, design, and media production. Rooted in artistic principles and modern digital tools, the program addresses the growing demand for skilled visual communicators across various Indian industries. It differentiates itself through a blend of theoretical knowledge and extensive practical lab sessions, preparing students for dynamic creative roles.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative fresh graduates seeking entry into the vibrant Indian media, advertising, and design sectors. It also caters to individuals with a passion for art, design, photography, or filmmaking, looking to formalize their skills and gain industry-relevant expertise. Aspirants with a strong interest in visual arts, graphic design, animation, or digital media, who have completed their H.Sc. or +2 equivalent examination, are well-suited for this comprehensive curriculum.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including graphic designer, photographer, video editor, animator, advertising professional, and UI/UX designer. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8-10 LPA. The robust curriculum prepares students for growth trajectories in production houses, ad agencies, and IT firms, potentially aligning with certifications in Adobe Creative Suite or Google UX Design.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Design & Media Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in all practical lab sessions for photography, drawing, and graphic design. Master the basics of camera operation, design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator fundamentals), and visual storytelling principles. Participate in department-level design competitions or create personal photo/illustration projects to apply theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Cloud (free/student versions), online tutorials (e.g., YouTube channels like ''''PiXimperfect'''', ''''GFXMentor''''), design blogs (e.g., Behance, Dribbble for inspiration), campus photography club
Career Connection
A strong portfolio showcasing fundamental skills in design and photography is crucial for entry-level roles in graphic design, photo editing, and social media content creation.
Enhance Communication & English Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving professional English through active participation in communication labs and group discussions. Practice report writing, public speaking, and presentation skills regularly. Join toastmasters or similar clubs on campus. Read industry-specific articles and case studies to expand vocabulary and understanding of media concepts.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, online news portals (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express), TED Talks for presentation styles, peer study groups
Career Connection
Excellent communication skills are indispensable for client interaction, team collaboration, and presenting creative ideas effectively in the media industry.
Develop a Critical Eye for Visuals- (Semester 1-2)
Cultivate an observant and critical approach to visual media. Analyze advertisements, films, and art pieces for their design principles, composition, color theory, and messaging. Maintain a visual journal or mood board of inspiring works. Discuss and critique peers'''' work constructively in workshops.
Tools & Resources
Art history books, design theory texts, online art galleries, film analysis platforms (e.g., MUBI, OTT platforms), cultural outings to local art exhibitions or film festivals
Career Connection
A discerning eye is vital for roles requiring creative direction, quality control, and developing unique visual solutions in a competitive market.
Intermediate Stage
Build a Specialized Digital Portfolio- (Semester 3-5)
Start building a specialized digital portfolio showcasing projects in web design, animation, advanced photography, and advertising campaigns. Focus on quality over quantity, including detailed case studies for each project. Seek feedback from faculty and industry mentors. Participate in hackathons or design sprints.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Dribbble, personal website builders (e.g., WordPress, Wix), industry portfolio reviews, LinkedIn for networking
Career Connection
A strong, relevant portfolio is the primary hiring criterion for most creative roles, demonstrating practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Gain Industry Exposure Through Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek and complete short-term internships or live projects with local advertising agencies, digital marketing firms, or production houses during semester breaks. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in areas like graphic design, video editing, or social media management. Document learnings and build professional networks.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LinkedIn, college placement cell, industry networking events, informational interviews
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable practical experience, industry contacts, and often lead to pre-placement offers, significantly enhancing employability.
Master Advanced Software & Techniques- (Semester 3-5)
Dedicate time to mastering advanced features of industry-standard software for animation (e.g., Adobe After Effects, Blender), video editing (e.g., Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve), and web design (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, VS Code). Take online specialized courses or workshops in areas of personal interest like UI/UX or visual effects.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, Udemy, NPTEL, skill-share platforms, official software documentation and tutorials
Career Connection
Proficiency in advanced software makes you highly competitive for specialized roles in animation studios, VFX houses, and UX design teams in India and abroad.
Advanced Stage
Execute a Capstone Project and Portfolio Refinement- (Semester 6)
Leverage the final major project to demonstrate mastery of skills learned throughout the program. Choose a challenging topic relevant to current industry trends. Refine your entire portfolio, ensuring it is tailored to specific job roles. Practice presenting your project and portfolio to mock interview panels.
Tools & Resources
Professional portfolio websites, AI-powered resume builders, mock interview platforms, career counsellors
Career Connection
A well-executed capstone project and a polished, targeted portfolio are critical for securing high-quality placements and showcasing readiness for independent work.
Network and Attend Industry Events- (Semester 6)
Actively participate in media and design conferences, workshops, and seminars in Chennai or online. Connect with industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, seek mentorship, and stay updated on emerging technologies and trends in visual communication. Attend campus placement drives and company presentations.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, industry associations (e.g., AD Club Madras, NASSCOM for digital media), professional networking events, alumni network
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden job opportunities, valuable insights, and mentorship that can accelerate career growth in the competitive Indian media landscape.
Prepare for Placement and Interview Success- (Semester 6)
Research target companies and job roles thoroughly. Practice technical and HR interview questions specific to the visual communication industry. Develop a strong resume and cover letter. Understand intellectual property rights and contract negotiations relevant to creative professions.
Tools & Resources
Online interview preparation guides, company websites, placement cell resources, career services workshops
Career Connection
Thorough preparation significantly increases the chances of successful placement in desired roles within top Indian and international companies operating in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in H.Sc. (or) +2 (or) equivalent examination
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 117 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V23MA101 | Professional English – I | Core | 3 | Communication Skills, Reading Comprehension, Writing Techniques, Grammar and Vocabulary, Presentation Skills |
| V23VC101 | Introduction to Visual Communication | Core | 3 | Elements of Visual Communication, Principles of Design, Visual Language, History of Visual Media, Communication Models |
| V23VC102 | Fundamentals of Photography | Core | 3 | Camera Operation, Exposure Triangle, Composition, Lighting Techniques, Photo Editing Basics |
| V23VC103 | Principles of Art and Design | Core | 3 | Art Elements, Design Principles, Color Theory, Form and Space, Aesthetics |
| V23VC104 | Basics of Drawing and Illustration | Core | 3 | Drawing Techniques, Perspective, Anatomy Drawing, Digital Illustration Tools, Storyboarding |
| V23VC151 | Photography Lab | Lab | 3 | Camera Handling, Portrait Photography, Landscape Photography, Product Photography, Photo Retouching |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V23MA201 | Professional English – II | Core | 3 | Advanced Communication, Report Writing, Public Speaking, Group Discussion, Interview Skills |
| V23VC201 | History of Indian Art and Architecture | Core | 3 | Ancient Indian Art, Mughal Architecture, Temple Art, Folk Art, Modern Indian Art |
| V23VC202 | Graphic Design Fundamentals | Core | 3 | Graphic Design Principles, Typography, Layout Design, Branding, Software Tools (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator) |
| V23VC203 | Video Production and Editing | Core | 3 | Video Camera Operation, Scriptwriting, Storyboarding, Lighting for Video, Non-linear Editing |
| V23VC204 | Advertising: Concepts and Principles | Core | 3 | Advertising History, Brand Management, Market Research, Media Planning, Creative Strategy |
| V23VC251 | Graphic Design Lab | Lab | 3 | Logo Design, Poster Design, Brochure Design, Magazine Layout, Digital Illustration |
| V23VC252 | Video Production and Editing Lab | Lab | 2 | Filming Techniques, Audio Recording, Basic Editing Software, Short Film Production, Chroma Keying |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V23VC301 | Media Ethics and Law | Core | 3 | Media Laws, Freedom of Expression, Copyright, Defamation, Ethical Dilemmas in Media |
| V23VC302 | Web Design and Development | Core | 3 | HTML/CSS, Responsive Design, UI/UX Principles, Web Graphics, Content Management Systems |
| V23VC303 | Advanced Photography | Core | 3 | Studio Photography, Photojournalism, Fashion Photography, Advanced Lighting, Digital Post-processing |
| V23VC304 | Animation Techniques | Core | 3 | Principles of Animation, 2D Animation, Stop-Motion, Character Design, Storyboarding for Animation |
| V23VC305 | Visual Merchandising and Display | Core | 3 | Retail Design, Store Layout, Window Display, Visual Storytelling, Consumer Psychology |
| V23VC351 | Web Design Lab | Lab | 3 | Website Prototyping, HTML/CSS Coding, Responsive Layouts, Portfolio Website, E-commerce Basics |
| V23VC352 | Advanced Photography Lab | Lab | 2 | Studio Lighting Setups, Model Shoot, Event Photography, Documentary Photography, Advanced Retouching |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V23VC401 | Corporate Communication | Core | 3 | Public Relations, Crisis Communication, Internal Communication, Brand Reputation, Stakeholder Engagement |
| V23VC402 | Sound Design and Audio Production | Core | 3 | Acoustics, Audio Recording, Sound Effects, Mixing and Mastering, Foley Art |
| V23VC403 | Film Studies | Core | 3 | Film History, Film Genres, Cinematography, Screenwriting, Film Analysis |
| V23VC404 | Advertising Design and Campaign | Core | 3 | Creative Briefs, Concept Development, Copywriting, Campaign Planning, Media Buying |
| V23VC405 | Digital Painting and Illustration | Core | 3 | Digital Art Tools, Character Painting, Concept Art, Matte Painting, Stylized Illustration |
| V23VC451 | Sound Design Lab | Lab | 3 | Microphone Techniques, Digital Audio Workstations, Voice-over Recording, Soundscape Creation, Audio Editing |
| V23VC452 | Advertising Design Lab | Lab | 2 | Ad Layouts, Print Ads, Digital Ads, Brand Identity, Campaign Mockups |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V23VC501 | Media Research | Core | 3 | Research Methodology, Data Collection, Statistical Analysis, Qualitative Research, Report Writing |
| V23VC502 | Visual Effects and Compositing | Core | 3 | VFX Principles, Chroma Keying, Motion Tracking, Compositing Software (Nuke/After Effects), Digital Matte Painting |
| V23VC503 | Public Relations | Core | 3 | PR Strategies, Media Relations, Crisis Management, Event Management, Digital PR |
| V23VC504 | Game Design and Development | Core | 3 | Game Mechanics, Level Design, Character Design, Storytelling in Games, Game Engines (Unity/Unreal) |
| V23VCE05 | User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) Design | Elective | 3 | User Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, Usability Testing, Information Architecture |
| V23VC551 | Visual Effects Lab | Lab | 3 | Chroma Keying, Rotoscoping, Tracking, Compositing Techniques, Green Screen Production |
| V23VC591 | Project Work – I | Project | 2 | Project Planning, Research Methodology, Design Execution, Documentation, Presentation Skills |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V23VCE04 | Digital Marketing | Elective | 3 | SEO, SEM, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, Email Marketing |
| V23VCE06 | Script Writing | Elective | 3 | Story Structure, Character Development, Dialogue, Screenplay Format, Genre Writing |
| V23VC691 | Internship | Project | 3 | Industry Exposure, Practical Skills, Professional Networking, Report Writing, Presentation |
| V23VC692 | Project Work – II (Major Project) | Project | 10 | Advanced Project Management, Independent Research, Prototype Development, Final Presentation, Portfolio Building |
