14 Teaching and Learning with 4IR The Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture continues to integrate emerging technologies and new pedagogical approaches into teaching and learning in response to Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolution developments. In 2025, a range of initiatives strengthened digital literacy, curriculum relevance and student preparedness for contemporary professional environments. In Architecture, two second-year BArch students were selected for the nationally competitive, fully sponsored BIM4Uni programme hosted by Modena. The training provided hands-on experience in Revit and Building Information Modelling (BIM) workflows, bridging academic learning with industry practice and enhancing employability. The Department of Multimedia advanced its three-year curriculum redesign strategy, initiated in 2024, to align with 5IR developments and evolving professional skills. Amajor revision of the third-year Digital Media Design programme introduced nine new units, including gaming, extended reality and omni-channel content design, engaging with artificial intelligence, smart technologies and sustainability frameworks aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Similarly, Graphic Design expanded its timetabled mentorship programme, appointed specialist technical tutors and incorporated AI and 4IR competencies into the curriculum. Student Support and Retention Alongside technological innovation, the faculty strengthened student support structures. While departments continue to identify and assist at-risk students, the facultywide mentorship programme coordinated by Tamara Francis established a visible and supportive engagement network. Key initiatives included Wellness Fridays to address studio workload pressures, FADA Market Day to support student entrepreneurship, and community outreach activities such as food and sanitary product drives Departments complemented these efforts with targeted interventions. Fashion Design, in partnership with the Transformation Office, hosted an anti-bullying workshop and offered professional skills sessions covering workplace etiquette, interview preparation and academic writing. Multimedia introduced smaller first-year classes, an additional orientation programme, two additional mentors, targeted support workshops and a dedicated assessment week for first-year students. Graphic Design implemented centralised online attendance tracking and weekly at-risk reporting by year coordinators, enabling earlier intervention and personalised academic support. To strengthen graduate employability, Visual Art introduced a professional practice module focused on entrepreneurship, equipping students to establish independent creative careers. Fashion Design staff and students workshop 2025 DEFSA Industrial Design ‘What If’ entry
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