Information Architecture Programme code: W1-S1AI19.2023

Field of study: Information Architecture
Programme code: W1-S1AI19.2023
Programme code (USOS): W1-S1AI19
Faculty: Faculty of Humanities
Language of study: Polish
Academic year of entry:
  • winter semester 2024/2025
  • winter semester 2023/2024
Level of qualifications/degree: first-cycle studies
Mode of study: full-time
Degree profile: general academic
Number of semesters: 6
Degree: licencjat (Bachelor's Degree)
Number of ECTS credits required to achieve the qualification equivalent to the level of study: 180
Leading discipline: culture and religion studies (humanities)
ISCED code: 0288
The number and date of the Senate’s resolution: 410/2023 (27/06/2023)
General characteristics of the field of study and the assumed concept of education:
Information architecture is a field of study that includes topics related to the design of information spaces, which involves creating content organization systems, naming (labeling) systems, graphic representation of informational elements, and navigation and search systems in web and intranet services. During their studies, students acquire knowledge and skills in: - gathering, structuring, processing, analyzing, presenting, and protecting data and information; - seeking and providing information from reliable sources using a variety of tools; - designing and creating digital products using graphic programs and prototyping tools; - planning information spaces tailored to individual user needs with the application of aesthetics and visual design principles. By uniquely combining humanities, social, and technical issues, information architecture is the ideal field of study for individuals who adopt a humanistic approach to using computer and information technology.
Graduation requirements:
The condition for admission to the diploma examination is to achieve the learning outcomes provided for in the study program, to obtain a certificate of an appropriate level of language proficiency in a foreign language and to obtain positive grades for the diploma dissertation. The condition for graduation is to pass the diploma examination with at least a satisfactory result. A graduate receives a higher education diploma confirming obtaining the qualifications of the appropriate degree. Detailed rules of the diploma process and the requirements for the diploma thesis are set out in the Rules and Regulations of Studies at the University of Silesia and the diploma regulations.
Internships (hours and conditions):
not applicable
Information on the relationship between the studies and the university's strategy as well as the socio-economic needs that determine the conduct of studies and the compliance of learning outcomes with these needs:
The study program takes into account the guidelines contained in three documents: - Ministry of Administration and Digitization. Poland 2030. Third Wave of Modernity. Long-term National Development Strategy (Warsaw 2013), - The Development Strategy of the University of Silesia in Katowice for 2020-2025 (Katowice 2021). - The Mission of the University of Silesia (Katowice 1997). The competencies acquired during the studies align with the strategic objectives of the document by the Ministry of Administration and Digitization, especially in the areas of innovative economy and individual creativity. Graduates of this program, as specialists in designing useful and functional information spaces, are expected to facilitate society's use of digital resources. The professional tasks carried out by information architects aim to support the development of Digital Poland in the area of e-services, including e-administration, digital resources for science, education, and culture, thus contributing to the enhancement of society's digital competence. The study program aligns with the strategic objectives of the University of Silesia. Information architecture is a popular field in Poland and around the world, representing a humanistic approach focused on human needs - social, psychological, and cultural - in the use of information technologies. It constitutes a modern field of study, in line with labor market expectations. A significant part of the study program consists of practical classes; language competencies are acquired, and contents related to entrepreneurship and intellectual property are implemented. Modern information technologies and open educational resources are used in the education process. The faculty supports international mobility of students and staff within the Erasmus+ program and contacts with foreign universities and information centers. Mutual respect and responsibility for actively deepening knowledge, which conditions the quality of obtained results, are required from both the university staff and students. The teaching staff maintains contacts by participating in national and international organizations, developing their skills and competences. The faculty strives to maintain the highest standards of technical equipment and research-teaching methods to enhance the quality of results obtained. The faculty ensures development for students through a two-tier system (bachelor - master's degree), and for the most talented, it also provides doctoral studies. The university ensures students the freedom to organize themselves into self-governance groups, science clubs, as well as participate in local and national conferences. In this respect, the Faculty supports student initiatives while maintaining political objectivity and proper ethical and civic attitudes.
Percentage of the ECTS credits for each of the scientific or artistic disciplines to which the learning outcomes are related to the total number of ECTS credits:
  • culture and religion studies (humanities): 51%
  • communication and media studies (social sciences): 32%
  • computer and information sciences (natural sciences): 17%
KNOWLEDGE
The graduate:
the graduate has knowledge of information architecture and the the interconnections with other areas, fields, and scientific disciplines that arise from its subject matter and research methodology [K_W01]
the graduate knows the methods, techniques and tools for searching, organizing, processing, protecting, analysing, and presenting (including visualization of) data and information [K_W02]
the graduate is familiar with the theory, principles, methods, techniques, and tools of visual design [K_W03]
the graduate has knowledge of structuring the content of different types of spaces and information objects taking into account the principles of usability, functionality and aesthetics [K_W04]
the graduate has structured knowledge of information sources, their types and quality, and knows the methods of describing, organizing and sharing content in information systems [K_W05]
the graduate knows how to edit different types of texts, depending on the target audience, medium and publishing environment [K_W06]
the graduate has knowledge of psychological, social and cultural functioning of individuals in the e-society and their information needs [K_W07]
the graduate has knowledge of industrial property protection and copyright law [K_W08]
the graduate has knowledge of different forms of entrepreneurship, the functioning of systems, management methods and processes, as well as the distribution of products and services, especially digital ones [K_W09]
has advanced knowledge of selected scientific or scholarly theories and methods, is familiar with the issues specific to the chosen academic discipline and understands its connection with the leading discipline of the degree programme [MOB.2023_W01]
has advanced knowledge of selected scientific theories and methods and is familiar with the issues specific to the selected academic discipline in the context of other disciplines [OMU.2023_W01]

SKILLS
The graduate:
the graduate can select appropriate sources, assess their quality, plan a search strategy and effectively conduct the search process using various types of tools [K_U01]
the graduate has mastered the ability to use knowledge from related disciplines in information architecture to conduct basic research and solve practical problems [K_U02]
the graduate is able to recognize and analyse psychological and socio-cultural factors in the e-society to create digital products that meet customer expectations [K_U03]
the graduate knows how to analyse information threats and plan a strategy for protecting information systems and various types of documents [K_U04]
the graduate can collect, represent, structure, process, analyse and present data and information through various computer applications using linguistic tools, including information languages [K_U05]
the graduate is prepared to design and create digital products using graphics programs [K_U06]
the graduate can plan an information space applying principles of visual design [K_U07]
the graduate knows how to perform an analysis of the functioning and evaluation of existing information systems, processes and services [K_U08]
the graduate has the ability to understand and create various types of messages and longer statements, ensuring linguistic and terminological correctness of the text [K_U09]
the graduate can clearly articulate views and present arguments using facts from reliable information sources [K_U10]
the graduate has the ability to understand and create various types of written and spoken texts requiring systemic knowledge of the language in terms of its grammatical structures, vocabulary, and phonetics; the graduate communicates in a foreign language using different communication channels and techniques appropriate for a given area of knowledge [K_U11]
the graduate can work together in a group, is prepared to organise and manage the team's work, and effectively plans their own work [K_U12]
is able to plan and carry out tasks related to increasing their level of knowledge and improving skills. [K_U13]
clearly and comprehensibly communicates with others in a foreign language at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, making use of his/her knowledge and terminology [KJ.2023_U]
asks questions, analyzes research problems and finds solutions to them based on the knowledge, skills and experience he/she has gained within the chosen academic discipline in conjunction with the leading discipline of the degree programme; communicates the results of his/her work in a way which is clear and understandable not only to specialists [MOB.2023_U01]
has advanced skills in asking research questions, analyzing problems or providing practical solutions to them based on the knowledge, experience and skills gained within the chosen academic discipline in the context of other disciplines [OMU.2023_U01]

SOCIAL COMPETENCES
The graduate:
the graduate is aware of scientific progress, the dynamics of changes in information and communication technologies, and their impact on the information environment; critically evaluates the scope of their knowledge and skills, and is open to new ideas and technologies [K_K01]
the graduate uses the knowledge to solve problems that arise in professional work, including organising access to information and presenting it in such a way that it is understandable and appealing to the audience [K_K02]
the graduate understands the role of an information architect in shaping social life, co-organizes and initiates activities for the public interest, utilizing information, linguistic and communicative competencies, among others [K_K03]
the graduate demonstrates readiness to fulfil professional roles related to designing information space and creating digital content in a responsible manner, respecting the principles of law, professional ethics, and other social norms [K_K04]
is ready to meet social obligations, co-organize activities for the benefit of the community and is open to scientific solutions to cognitive and practical problems [MOB.2023_K01]
acknowledges and makes use of knowledge from different disciplines and is ready to change opinion in the light of scientifically proven arguments [OMU.2023_K01]
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
Programme modules
Aesthetics [W1-AI-S1-ET01] Polish course work lecture: 30 2
Data processing and presentation [W1-AI-S1-PPD01] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Effective information search [W1-AI-S1-EWI01] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
E-learning [W1-AI-S1-EL01] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Elements of statistics [W1-AI-S1-ES01] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
E-society [W1-AI-S1-ESP01] Polish course work lecture: 30 2
Evaluation and selection of information [W1-AI-S1-OIS01] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Information architecture theory [W1-AI-S1-TAI01] Polish exam lecture: 30 3
Interpersonal communication [W1-AI-S1-KI01] Polish exam lecture: 15
practical classes: 30
4
Protection of intellectual property [W1-AI-S1-OWI01] Polish course work lecture: 15 1
Teamwork tools [W1-AI-S1-NPZ01] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
Programme modules
Analysis and visualization of information [W1-AI-S1-AWI02] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Digitization of documents and 3D objects [W1-AI-S1-DD02] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Elements of psychology [W1-AI-S1-EP02] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Graphic Design [W1-AI-S1-PG02] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Information ethics [W1-AI-S1-EI02] Polish course work lecture: 15 1
Information users [W1-AI-S1-UI02] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Reception of digital content [W1-AI-S1-RTC02] Polish exam lecture: 15
practical classes: 30
4
Text editing workshops [W1-AI-S1-WRT03] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Programme co-related modules
Group of programme co-related modules. lecture: 0
depending on the choice: 30
3
Group of programme co-related modules. lecture: 0
depending on the choice: 30
3
Open access modules
Foreign language course 1 [LJO-2023-01] course work language classes: 30 3
Physical education [WF-2023] course work practical classes: 30 0
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
Programme modules
Communication on the Internet [W1-AI-S1-KI03] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
English for digital designers [W1-AI-S1-EDD02] English course work laboratory classes: 30 2
Information space architecture [W1-AI-S1-API03] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Knowledge organisation systems [W1-AI-S1-SOW03] Polish exam lecture: 15
practical classes: 30
4
Raster Graphics [W1-AI-S1-GR03] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 2
Theory of visual communication [W1-AI-S1-TKW03] Polish course work lecture: 30 2
User interface design [W1-AI-S1-PIU03] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Website development [W1-AI-S1-TS03] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Programme co-related modules
Group of programme co-related modules. lecture: 0
depending on the choice: 30
3
Group of programme co-related modules. lecture: 0
depending on the choice: 30
3
Open access modules
Foreign language course 2 [LJO-2023-02] course work language classes: 30 3
Physical education [WF-2023] course work practical classes: 30 0
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
Programme modules
Content management systems [W1-AI-S1-SZT04] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Design and creation of databases [W1-AI-S1-PTBD04] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 2
Digital photography and image processing [W1-AI-S1-FCO04] Polish course work lecture: 15
practical classes: 45
3
Evaluative UX research [W1-AI-S1-UX04] Polish exam laboratory classes: 30 3
Intercultural competences [W1-AI-S1-KM04] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Vector graphics [W1-AI-S1-GW04] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 2
Webwriting [W1-AI-S1-WW04] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Programme co-related modules
Group of programme co-related modules. lecture: 0
depending on the choice: 30
3
Group of programme co-related modules. lecture: 0
depending on the choice: 30
3
Open access modules
Foreign language course 3 [LJO-2023-03] course work language classes: 30 3
Open University Module [OMU-2023-SS-01-OG] course work depending on the choice: 30 3
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
Programme modules
Cyberculture [W1-AI-S1-CK05] Polish course work lecture: 30 2
Diploma seminar 1 [W1-AI-S1-SD05] Polish course work seminar: 30 3
E-commerce [W1-AI-S1-HE05] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 2
Infographic [W1-AI-S1-IG05] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 2
Information security [W1-AI-S1-BI05] Polish exam laboratory classes: 30 2
Optimization UX research [W1-AI-S1-UX05] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Research methodology [W1-AI-S1-MBN05] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Website optimization [W1-AI-S1-OSI05] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 2
Programme co-related modules
Group of programme co-related modules. lecture: 0
depending on the choice: 30
3
Group of programme co-related modules. lecture: 0
depending on the choice: 30
3
Open access modules
Foreign language course 4 [LJO-2023-04] course work language classes: 30 3
Open University Module [OMU-2023-SS-01-OG] course work depending on the choice: 30 3
Module Language of instruction Form of verification Number of hours ECTS credits
Programme modules
Design thinking [W1-AI-S1-DT06] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Digital accessibility [W1-AI-S1-DC06] Polish exam lecture: 15 2
Diploma seminar [W1-AI-S1-SD06] Polish course work seminar: 30 10
Informetrics [W1-AI-S1-IF06] Polish course work laboratory classes: 15 1
Internet marketing [W1-AI-S1-MI06] Polish course work laboratory classes: 30 3
Team management [W1-AI-S1-ZZ06] Polish course work practical classes: 30 2
Field modules
Humanities module: modern comparative studies [MD-WH-2023-SS-K] course work practical classes: 30 3
Open access modules
Open University Module [OMU-2023-SS-01-OG] course work depending on the choice: 30 3
Open University Module [OMU-2023-SS-01-OG] course work depending on the choice: 30 3