Level 4 introduces students to

• The fundamental concepts, theories and principals associated with their individual subject area
• The broad critical, historical, contemporary contexts and future potential of their area of study and the significance of the work of other practitioners within their field of study
• A variety of approaches to research, within, through and about their area of study
• The basic skills and techniques required to produce outputs in response to set briefs
• The visual and verbal communication techniques appropriate to their subject area
• The tools, technologies and materials relevant to their subject area
• A range of approaches to problem solving 
• The importance of taking personal responsibility for their own learning

The aim of this module is to introduces the key aspects of a level 4 degree within Art or Design, including:

• foundational knowledge,
• problem-solving skills,
• effective communication,
• personal responsibility,
• subject specific skills and
• the development of important attributes required for employment within and beyond the creative and cultural industries

The traditional academic programme structure is not applicable in relation to this work placement-based experiential learning module. The experiential content is freely structured and determined by negotiation between the student, UoC placement supervisor and host organisation placement supervisor. It is informed by the module’s overarching aims and learning outcomes and by the objective of optimising added value for both the host organisation and the student experience (including graduate outcomes).

A mid-placement workshop, usually held in Chester in February, will enable peer to peer sharing of experiential learning feedback and allow an analysis of the range of skills and benefits derived from the placement. The workshop will also support students’ development of their learning portfolio, and provide an opportunity to access an overview of final year module options ahead of L6 module selection. In-person and online participation in the mid-placement workshop will be enabled.

All students will engage in the drawing up of a learning agreement on acceptance of the placement that will cover a contact plan and agreed learning outcomes with their designated academic tutor and placement supervisor.

This module introduces students to the working environment enabling them to put into practice the theories and skills developed in the first two years of the programme. Its aims are:

1. To provide an opportunity for students to apply and enrich their previous theoretical knowledge and understanding of course content through observation of and insights derived from working in an organisation and professional environment.
2. To enable students to develop their practical and transferable skills in an industry environment and to experience a broad range of tasks and responsibilities within their field of interest
3. To enable students to pursue professional and personal development in an applied environment
4. To enable students to recognise the nature of tasks, workloads, problem solving, and individual and team-based working methods in a professional environment.

The module comprises a series of lectures in parallel with the introduction of project briefs, which are spread across the year. In seminar group and workshop sessions students begin to develop a context-based approach to their practice, which is informed by their emerging research interests. A more fully developed project leads to each Folio submission. A series of essay questions are also aligned with the introductory lectures and project briefs. Indicative module content could include: 

• A series of lectures and project briefs based on the key issues and debates, which inform contemporary photographic art practice.
• Practical workshops in the acquisition of enhanced photography skills.
• Seminar group sessions support experimentation and diverse approaches in different areas.
• Field trip and study visits supporting project development and research.

The aims of the module are: 

• To extend the student’s knowledge-base and understanding of a range of photographic techniques, formats and processes.
• To research and critically engage with the work of contemporary photographers and artists in a wider art and design and interdisciplinary context.
• To facilitate the student’s ability to develop a conceptual framework for the development of their written and visual practice and stimulate discussion between their peers and staff.
• To enable students to begin to establish a self-initiated photographic practice which is guided by their practical and written research.

This module introduces students to a range of contemporary approaches in photographic art practice with particular emphasis on the way in which contemporary practitioners bring their work to audience. The module will develop an understanding of the artistic, technical and practical aspects of collaborative exhibition practice. Indicative module content could include:     

• Practical and workshop based sessions complement individual and group tutorials. 
• The development and production of individual project work within the context of collaborative practice and small group work.
• The research, investigation and organisation of site-specific, public or virtual exhibition contexts and outcomes.   

The aims of the module are:

• To develop the necessary skills required to evolve a collaborative photographic project and negotiate access to a relevant location in terms of project management, logistics and health and safety. 
• To produce photographic artworks which respond specifically to a chosen site or which operate in a public art context.
• To enable students to analyse and reflect upon the technical, critical and contextual development of their individual work within the context of the group project.
• To evaluate and discuss the critical and contextual methods which inform the collaborative project, and reflect on the process and experience of organising, curating and promoting a group exhibition.

This module will develop student’s awareness and understanding of the diverse range of career pathways available to creative graduates and enable them to confidently build a career development trajectory for their final year and after graduation. Students will be encouraged to identify the diverse career opportunities within the creative and cultural industries and to explore potential pathways as an independent practitioner and/or employment-based opportunities beyond graduation.

Through negotiated independent research students will critically analyse and evaluate their current skills, competencies and attitudes and devise an action plan to address gaps in subject specific and transferable skills.

Throughout the module students will build a portfolio of work experience activity which can include short employment placements, work shadowing, involvement in Department projects or external partner projects, self-initiated placements or volunteering. Work experience activities will provide the foundation for reflection and evaluation in the Career journal and an impetus for research activities in the taught sessions 

This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment, within the creative and cultural sector which will enable them to:-

• Individually reflect on immediate and future directions and career planning
• Develop a sophisticated and critical awareness of their development in relation to their future career aspirations
• Develop transferable employment skills through involvement in internal or external work experience and professional project opportunities.
• Analyse and articulate skills and attitudes introduced in their programme of study and their application to a specific role within the creative and cultural industries

This optional Level Five module will introduce students to theories of narrative and stylistics across media showing the necessity of these frameworks for reading and understanding stories in the Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Photography, Literature and Film.

The module will introduce students to media synergies and dissonances, relative to a range of concepts of narrative and style. As such, it will complement existing modules and pathways across disciplines. It will not overlap existing provision.

By studying examples from across different media, including folk tales, fiction, film, comics, photography, music and videogames, the module will demonstrate the widening reach and current application of theories of narrative and stylistics, well beyond their historic roots in linguistics. Moreover, by having student learners from different art and design disciplines involved, the module will encourage peer learning and build student confidence through its multidisciplinary nature. 

1. To exchange knowledge of a wide range of concepts of narrative and style in different media and across media.
2. To develop knowledge of a wide range of methods of story identification and analysis, and stylistic identification and analysis, in different media and across media.
3. To enable students to develop a range of skills in identifying and analysing stories and styles, relevant to their own practice and the wider context of their specific subject disciplines.
4. To enable students to engage critically with concepts of narrative and stylistics across a range of media.

Part A:      

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the university of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

• The multiple facets of Global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication

Theories, models and strategies of learning

• Theories and models Intercultural competence
• Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism

• Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
• Experiential learning models
• Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

• Enhanced independence
• Improved command of multicultural behaviour
• Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development
• Team building and team work

Part B:            Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 

The purpose of this module is to enhance students’ prospects of completing an overseas placement to the best of their ability consequently it aims to:

• To equip participants with appropriate knowledge and skills to study or work in a different cultural, linguistic and/or social environment; enhancing ethical, cultural and intercultural awareness.
• To enhance students understanding of the ethical issues related to living and working abroad.
• To increase students Global Citizenship skills
• To provide an opportunity for students to reflect critically on their experience of living and learning within an unfamiliar culture, to their 'home' culture or ethnic group.

To challenge students to learn about themselves as global citizens in terms of life skills, career choices and academic development outside the classroom.

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
• Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

• Critical thinking skills, experiential learning       and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

• Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.

1. To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
2. To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
3. To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
4. To further develop independent learning techniques.
5. To foster critical evaluation.

Bringing together students and staff from across Art & Design programme disciplines, this module will provide students with the opportunity to develop their understanding of graduate and professional development in Art & Design. 

Following the module introduction, a series of guest lectures by recent graduates and early, mid-career and high-level Art and Design professionals, will introduce students to practitioner-oriented career pathways within the creative and cultural industries. Guest lectures will reflect the interests, concerns and dynamic of the student body within the module providing both programme specific information and exemplars alongside content applicable to all Art & Design undergraduates.  

Module content will in particular focus on enabling students to critically identify the context of their practice/design work and how it might be developed within a graduate, professional environment. This could include the development of a portfolio practice, specific art and design employment opportunities, or those facilitated by transferable skills. Documentation and reflection on module content will be used to develop an individual position, refine a portfolio and a career pathway plan that will assist student journeys from undergraduate study to graduation and employability.

Modules aims are to:

• Explore and develop a functional knowledge of professional contexts in relation to employability and independent practice within the creative and cultural industries
• Identify and enhance subject specific and transferable skills in the context of individual professional aspirations and trajectories
• Gain insight and experience in promotional strategies, marketing, communication and dissemination of information as it relates to personal creative practice
• Recognise and understand the importance of key ethical and moral issues in relation to professional practice in Art and Design
• Engage with collaborative opportunities to enhance understanding of professional practice networks and structures

This module is designed to facilitate the student's development of a unique photographic practice and visual identity through the production of a coherent body of work. This project is developed, rehearsed and refined via interim exhibition and formative staging points, which culminate in the degree show exhibition. Indicative content could include:

• The development of a proposal/learning agreement identifies and contextualises a specific subject area or field of practice
• Independent research linked to ongoing project development and critical reflection
• Consolidation of photographic skills and techniques
• The production of an interim exhibition/folio or prototypes
• Peer review and critical analysis
• The development of a portfolio
• A final exhibition of photographic practice

 The module aims are: 

• To develop a personal visual identity which culminates in a final exhibition. 
• To develop advanced practical and technical competence where intention, process and output are commensurate.
• To realise specific visual and appropriate visual strategies.
• To articulate and apply visual and contextual research techniques.
• To explore the relationship between theory and practice which references the key debates and issues which inform contemporary photographic art practice.
• To manage time and resources effectively, work with others, administer a personal workload and meet appropriate deadlines.

In this module students will normally research and investigate a chosen subject related to their personal practice, but not exclusively where another topic might be photography-related. The chosen research topic will potentially galvanise their theoretical and practical studies in photography in writing an extended essay. Module content might include:        

• Lectures in research skills and extended essay research and writing guidance.       
• Negotiation of Essay topic with Essay-supervisor based on an appropriate research and practice subject area.       
• Individual tutorial discourse.     
• Group tutorial dialogue, presentation and feedback sessions.        
•  A series of formative assessment points which guide the identification and research of an essay topic and its context.

This module guides students to:-

• Identify and independently pursue an appropriate research topic related to personal practice.
• Develop the skills and independence necessary to research their subject by establishing its context.
• Apply the appropriate research methods and academic writing skills in the development and writing of an extended essay.
• Utilise critical and interpretative methods which articulate the key issues and debates or wider contexts surrounding contemporary photographic practice