The University s course specification template has been developed to fulfil three main functions; it shall act:

Transcription

1 LONDON METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY Course Specification template The University s course specification template has been developed to fulfil three main functions; it shall act: as a source of information for students and prospective students seeking an understanding of a course and as a basis for gaining feedback on the extent to which they opportunities for learning were successful in promoting the intended outcomes to ensure that there is clarity concerning the aims and intended learning outcomes for the course for the University during the approval and periodic review process to provide information for external examiners, professional, statutory and regulatory bodies and employers as to the skills and other transferable abilities developed by the course Section One: ABOUT THE COURSE 1 Name of course and highest award FdA Digital Media Design Foundation Degree 2 Level of highest award (according to FHEQ) Level 5 (UG) 3 Possible Interim Awards Certificate of Higher Education 4 Awarding/validating institution London Metropolitan University 5 Teaching institution(s) City and Islington College 6 Total credit for course (for highest award) Faculty responsible Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities 8 Mode of attendance Autumn start Full Time/ Spring start Other 9 About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning. Please include details of access to learning facilities, including flexible/open-learning spaces within the Faculty. The learning experiences of this programme will take place at City and Islington College, and at the work place. In addition to the normal classroom and laboratory facilities a Media Centre will be used. This has a wide range of industry equipment and is being developed to allow students to supplement work based learning on placements with a simulated working environment experience. At the college students will be based in an HE Hub. This is a large area housing a range of FdA and HND students to encourage cross course and cross curricular collaboration. The Hub also has open access spaces available out of scheduled hours and a dedicated technician. In addition to attending, students can access the college VLE (Moodle) which has additional on-line-learning modules, learning resources, follow up guidance and information. The learning and teaching strategy is to use a wide variety of techniques and activities to address a wide range of learning styles. In appreciation that many Foundation Degree students have not followed the traditional school, A-level, Higher Education route, much of the learning activities are built around small groups, or individually focused. Learning will be facilitated through a variety of tools and activities. These will include experiential work based activities, portfolio development, tutorial support, lectures, video, workbooks, practical work and seminars. One module, delivered across year 1 (academic and visual communication skills), is designed to equip students with both the academic and vocational aspects of this higher education programme, and as a sound foundation for continuing life-long learning. A distinguishing feature of Foundation Degrees is work based learning. This programme is designed for full time students, although several work in the industry in some capacity before, and during the programme. Some of this work can be included for assessment in the Professional Practice module. Page 1 of 8

2 10 Course aims. Course aims are broad statements of intent and should be written to show how the content of the course meets the aims. Where a course sits within a framework the course aims should incorporate framework aims. 1. to provide an academically rigorous and vocationally relevant education for those seeking a career in the creative industries and provide a strong foundation for students to gain direct entry to higher levels of study, both specialist and general; to build up knowledge, skills and experience in the specific functional areas of digital media related to commercial, advertising, industrial, screen, print and other products. 2. to offer a stimulating environment within which students are able to apply a range of theoretical and experiential constructs to their own work experience and personal development; to develop a good understanding of the key areas of digital media production, both functional and academic, and an ability to apply knowledge and skills appropriately. 3. to provide the national and regional economies with skilled, intellectually mature and vocationally aware employees; to foster an awareness of the key areas of digital media design theory in order to understand, interpret, analyse and develop media based creative products. 4. to provide access to and equality of opportunity for a wide and diverse range of students; to promote and develop students interpersonal, communication, problem solving and personal development skills through an integrated program stressing equally the knowledge and the skills required and develop students capacities for independent learning, as teams and as individuals. 11 Course learning outcomes. Learning outcomes are statements of what a student is expected to understand or be able to do after completing the process of learning. knowledge and understanding: Research and resource primary and secondary materials and utilise these references in a highly creative, innovative and experimental way. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of media production processes. Demonstrate an extensive practical, aesthetic and theoretical knowledge of traditions and practices in visual media, and their relevance and application to design trends and modern technological advances. Demonstrate the ability to apply their specialist knowledge and understanding of their subject within a work-based situation. Understand and apply the principles of design development in providing ideas for the production of media products. Apply environmental and social ethics to all stages of the media production process. cognitive intellectual skills: Utilise and apply academic and analytical skills in formulating ideas, evaluating concepts, developing arguments, managing subject material, creating design principles and devising solutions. Develop evaluative and critical perspectives that equip students to function effectively as designers and practitioners in the field of digital media design. Adapt, improvise and synthesise a range of information, develop open and enquiring minds and the ability to work alone and with others in a methodical and consistent manner. Develop specialist knowledge, skills and experience in order to adapt to the changing needs of the digital media industry. Develop independent learning, self-reliance, initiative and confidence in order to operate within a group as well as an individual. Page 2 of 8

3 transferable skills including those of employability and professional practice: Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in a clear and concise way. Produce a professional portfolio showing a range of work in order to promote themselves successfully. Develop autonomy, self-motivation, understanding and the ability to act on project briefs without prompting, minimum guidance and capable of working to deadlines. Developed good management skills in producing, organising, planning, presenting and delivering all coursework on time to deadline. Interact effectively within a production teams and group projects. subject-specific practical skills: Design, plan, organise and deliver individual digital media design projects. Demonstrate the application of concept development, visual design and technology through work experience, live industrial projects and studio based set design project briefs. Show evidence of a high level of competence in using and applying practical design skills gained from the course that will improve employability. Utilise a wide range of digital design skills and strategies that not only show the appreciation of observation and aesthetic skills, but also accommodate user requirements. 12 Indicative learning and teaching hours for the course. Learning hours comprise face-to-face and virtual contact hours plus self-managed and directed learning and time spent on placements. Please give an indication of the percentage of anticipated learning hours for the course at each level, taking in to account core modules and indicative options. Students should note that these figures may change depending on the exact combination of options taken. Method Description and percentage of learning hours Scheduled learning and teaching activities Guided independent studies Workplace observation/placement/fieldtrips/study abroad Level 3 Level 4 19% Formal Lectures / Workshop / Tutorial 450 hrs Level 5 18% Formal Lectures / Workshop / Tutorial 420 hrs Level 3 Level 4 31% Self-Directed / on line / blended 750 hrs Level 5 28% Self-Directed / on line / blended 675 hrs Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 4% Work placements 105 hrs TOTAL LEARNING HOURS FOR THE COURSE Describe the arrangements for promoting reflective learning/personal development planning on this course The course is structured in a way to build skills in specific areas before integrating them into the complex processes involved in digital media project development. Each module has an element of reflective evaluation, which provides an opportunity for learners to assess their performance and identify areas for development. It is intended that this information is recorded as a live document in the form of an online blog or using other online tools as appropriate. In this way, lecturers can also monitor the progress of projects remotely. This continuous self-assessment will form the basis of the individual tutorial sessions where progress and action plans will be transferred onto the PLP. The college acknowledges that foundation degree students tend to come from a variety of educational backgrounds and many have not experienced formal education for some time. This can be a particular issue in the academic skills components. To address this, the college has developed an online programme of academic skills resources that students can access via the VLE. These resources have a diagnostic section, followed by a series of practical tasks to re-enforce the academic aspects of the course. Students can assess themselves on the tasks, and identify areas for development that can be addressed via the tutorial programme. 14 Description of course and its structure. Around 150 words, written to be accessible to a lay audience, to be used for marketing purposes. Identify the course s distinctive features (and unique selling point). What is the pattern of delivery? This course develops the skills you need for a range of careers, including graphic design, project management, documentary production and web development. Providing a good balance between technical skill and creative Page 3 of 8

4 process, it builds understanding across a range of topics, with a holistic programme rather than optional modules. Developed in collaboration with the creative industries, you will develop the technical and commercial skills to meet the needs of employers and potential clients, and will undertake a work-based learning module giving you valuable industry experience. As well as studying topics such as Photography and Image Manipulation, Typography and Graphic Design, 3D Modeling and Animation, and Audio / Video Production, you will also learn through taking on real design briefs and presenting your work to industry professionals. 15 Teaching site(s) for course City & Islington College [click to select location] [click to select location] 16 PSRB accreditations (where relevant) 17 Exemptions from Professional Body examinations (where relevant) 18 Principal QAA Subject Benchmark Statement (where relevant) Communication, media, film and cultural studies benchmark statement Other external reference points 20 Expected length of course Full Time 2 Years Part Time Other (please specify) 21 Admissions requirements, to be demonstrated through certificated or experiential learning (around 30 words) Applicants require a minimum of 4 GCSE passes at C or better including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent. In addition a requirement is either: points UCAS in A Level - BTEC National Diploma at MPP or above in a relevant field or - BTEC National Certificate at MM or above in a relevant field or - A recognised Access to Higher Education Certificate in a related field or equivalent. For students whose first language is not English, one of the following qualifications is also required: IELTS: 5.5 or TOEFL (internet-based): 79. Candidates may be asked to sit an entry diagnostic. In exceptional circumstances, students with lower qualifications and suitable industrial or external experience in Creative Media disciplines may be registered as a student of the Foundation Degree. Accredited Prior Learning (APL) and Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is permitted, in line with the University s regulations. 22 Details of organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad available during the course (if applicable) Students are expected to undertake a series of work placements during the second year as part of the professional practice module. These are a combination of arranged work experience placements and work produced for clients initiated by the student. Placements are arranged and monitored by a work based learning coordinator who operates across all the Media Foundation Degree courses. This encourages professional collaboration with other disciplines, and a single point of contact to initiate and nurture industry links. Students are encouraged to build up a professional portfolio of work from the beginning of the course by building up contacts, visiting potential employers and clients and shadowing practitioners. 23 Other external links providing expertise/experience available during the course The Higher Education Hub at City and Islington College accommodates a range of FdA programmes which invite regular visiting speakers from the creative industry. This programme of talks is available to all HE students in order to expose them to the range of opportunities and working practices in the creative industries. The Hub also encourages students to share skills and learn from each other across disciplines, by commissioning work from each other and develop collaborative practice. In addition, students are able to participate in additional enrichment activities provided by the college. These vary from year to year but have included life drawing, radio production and languages. Students on the course are encouraged to enter relevant competitions. 24 Arrangements on the course for careers education, information and guidance The vocational nature of the course means that careers guidance is addressed in a variety of ways throughout Page 4 of 8

5 the programme. The professional practice module covers all the practical aspects of setting up and running a small business or freelance operation which is generally the status of people starting out in the creative industries. The work placements give insight into working practices and all module briefs are designed to reflect current workplace scenarios in the industry. In addition, some visiting speakers are chosen particularly to work with the students about employability and opportunities in the creative media sector. General advice is available through the college s careers service who operate an appointment service, and offer arrange of resources covering topics such as interview techniques and self-confidence. During the course students work with their tutor to identify their particular strengths and aspirations. These are then forwarded to the Work Based Learning co-ordinator so that they can be accommodated as far as possible when the placements are arranged in year Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development. Around 35 words, written in language which is as accessible as possible to a lay audience, to be used for marketing purposes. Should include examples of potential career destinations and how the skills and abilities gained through the course contribute to career development. The Foundation Degree in Digital Media Design prepares students for employment across a range of disciplines in the creative media industries. This is a sector that is currently looking for imaginative, skilled practitioners as increasing channels of communication create demands for more and more content. The course consists of a good blend of the theoretical and practical skills required across digital media products and platforms. These are studied alongside valuable work experiences, and during the course students will be expected to liaise with, and present to live clients from the industry. Completing students may continue onto a top up year at London Metropolitan University, or may choose to explore opportunities in an ever expanding and developing industry. Section Two: COURSE STRUCTURE AND ASSESSMENT 26 Course assessment strategy The assessment strategy has been designed to allow students to show both academic and vocational proficiency. The course is very practical in its delivery, and a significant amount of assessment is through the submission of project work and accompanying portfolios. However a range of assessment methods are used to develop transferable skills such formal presentations and pitches to clients. Formative assessments are used to enable development. These are scheduled into the workshop sessions of each module prior to submission dates. There will be a number of assessments allowing students to reflect on vocational abilities through evaluation. This process of self-assessment will build up the students PLP (personal learning plan) over the course duration. All students have a personal tutor, regular one to one tutorials, and a well laid out system allowing students (with the support of their tutor) to reflect on where they are and set action plans, with the Academic and Visual Communications Skills module and previous abilities as a sound starting point. In order to achieve at least a Pass in a module a student must normally submit all items of assessment work designated for the module and achieve a satisfactory performance in all major areas of the module: as defined by Principal Objectives or skills area. Failure to submit work or attend a time constrained assignment Work that is not submitted by the published deadline will normally be regarded as a failed assessment in the same way as absence from a time constrained assignment entails failure. However, late work may be accepted where there are good reasons for so doing. Mitigating circumstances will be considered according to London Metropolitan University regulations. Plagiarism Standard London Metropolitan University regulations regarding Plagiarism will apply Feedback on tasks Work should normally be returned, with grades and feedback, within three weeks. Formative assessment is timetabled into the modules to allow students to respond to verbal feedback before submission deadlines. Page 5 of 8

6 27 Course Structure Diagram Level Four Teaching Module Period Code Module Title Status Credits Notes year long (30 SM4f01CI Visual communication Core 30 year long (30 SM4F02CI Graphic Design Core 30 year long (30 SM4FO3CI Moving Image Core 30 year long (30 SM4F04CI Web Design and Integrated Core 30 Media Level Five Semester Code Title Status Credits Notes year long (30 Work based learning and Core 30 SM5F01CI professional practice year long (30 SM5F02CI Interactive and mobile media Core 30 autumn period SM5F51CI 3D modelling and animation Core 15 (15 autumn period SM5F52CI Digital Culture Core 15 (15 year long (30 SM5F03CI Specialist research and practice Core Mapping matrix of modules delivering the course learning outcomes Course learning outcome (list all) knowledge and understanding: Research and resource primary and secondary materials and utilise these references in a highly creative, innovative and experimental way. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the key concepts of media production processes. Demonstrate an extensive practical, aesthetic and theoretical knowledge of traditions and practices in visual media, and their relevance and application to design trends and modern technological advances. Met by module aim/learning outcome (list all relevant module titles) M1 Visual Communication M7 3D Modelling and animation Demonstrate the ability to apply their specialist knowledge and understanding of their subject within a work-based situation. Understand key theories surrounding digital culture. Apply environmental and social ethics to all stages of the media production process. cognitive intellectual skills: Utilise and apply academic and analytical skills in formulating ideas, evaluating concepts, developing arguments, managing subject material, creating design principles and devising solutions. Develop evaluative and critical perspectives that equip students to function effectively as designers and practitioners in the field of digital media design. Adapt, improvise and synthesise a range of information, develop open and enquiring minds and the ability to work alone and with others in a methodical and consistent manner. M8 Digital Culture M7 3D Modelling and animation M8 Digital Culture M1 Visual Communication Page 6 of 8

7 Develop specialist knowledge, skills and experience in order to adapt to the changing needs of the digital media industry. Develop independent learning, self-reliance, initiative and confidence in order to operate within a group as well as an individual. transferable skills including those of employability and professional practice: Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both M1 Visual Communication orally and in writing in a clear and concise way. M7 3D Modelling and animation M8 Digital Culture Produce a professional portfolio showing a range of work in order to promote themselves successfully. Develop autonomy, self-motivation, understanding and the ability to act on project briefs without prompting, minimum guidance and capable of working to deadlines. Developed good management skills in producing, organising, planning, presenting and delivering all coursework on time to deadline. Interact effectively within a production teams and group projects. M7 3D Modelling and animation subject-specific practical skills: Design, plan, organise and deliver individual digital media design projects. Demonstrate the application of concept development, visual design and technology through work experience, live industrial projects and studio based set design project briefs. Show evidence of a high level of competence in using and applying practical design skills gained from the course that will improve employability. Utilise a wide range of digital design skills and strategies that not only show the appreciation of observation and aesthetic skills, but also accommodate user requirements. M1 Visual Communication M8 Digital Culture 29 Which modules are core-compulsory and thus required to be taken to gain specific awards? Please specify if there are any combinations of modules that a student is required to take to gain either the highest level of award or one of the interim awards listed in section3. All modules on this course are effectively compulsory, as there are no elective modules. Section Three: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS 30 Courses shall conform to both framework and University Academic Regulations. Where a course in addition has course specific regulations which have been formally approved by the University, these should be included below. Section Four: OFFICIAL USE AND CODES responsibility for completion is as indicated 31 (Faculty) Course Leader at time of approval Martin Ford Page 7 of 8

8 32 (Faculty) Source of funding HEFCE [click to select source of funding 2] [click to select source of funding 3] 33 (QEU) Original date of approval 34 (QEU) Course approved to run from 35 (QEU) Course specification version number 36 (QEU) Revision date (specify cohort) 37 (Academic Registry) London Met course code 38 (Academic Registry) Route code 39 (Planning Office) JACS code Page 8 of 8