This module introduces students to university life and their specialist subject through group interaction, practical workshops and movement around the campus. The key aims are developing confidence and fostering a sense of curiosity to enable students to flourish in the creative industries. Assessment will focus on participation and engagement as well as attainment.

Physical Spaces
An introduction to the physical facilities is integral to the course, comprising a series of standalone introductory workshops, and development of a portfolio/diary/media log of experiences in term 1.

• Art, Design and Innovation students: drawing/painting/sculpture studios, 3D workshops, printmaking, Apple Mac suites, sewing/fashion workshop, photography studio/darkroom.
• Communications, Screen and Performance students: performance spaces, black box, white box, TV studio, editing suites, recording studio, and radio station.
• All students: relevant trips and enrichment in Chester and the surrounding area.

Digital Spaces
An introduction to digital tools and academic skills required for the course. This includes an exploration of university technologies and development of academic skills taught in the context of creative industries subjects.

• Learning to use and navigate a range of digital spaces specific to your subject
• Understanding academic conduct and conventions for communicating information
• Finding and using a range of academic sources relating to your subject

Subject specific academic skills will include:

• Introductions to Portal, Moodle, Turnitin and Teams.
• Library sessions locating niche creative industries sources.
• Stock libraries and other media resources.
• Portfolios/Showreels: Examining social media and considering appropriate promotion channels in today’s world.
• Artificial Intelligence: exploring the potential of AI and what not to do.

Creative Spaces in Society
An introduction to opportunities to work and interact as a creative professional.

• Considering where creative practitioners can be employed. Examining commercial contexts and future industry trends, supported by data on the creative industries.
• Considering and researching personal career goals and aspirations.
• Researching a creative practitioner. What would be your dream job?
• Getting involved as a student. How to foster collaboration and networking opportunities: open mic nights, exhibitions, galleries, film festivals, work placements, and volunteering.

The focus of this term is to develop practical skills in art and design subjects, allowing further experimentation with materials and techniques. Alongside this, students build knowledge in historical and critical studies. A key aim is to ensure that students see and understand how academic subject knowledge can inform studio practice. Students are encouraged to develop autonomy and collaboration concerning their creative work. The module includes a series of ‘mini-projects’ which act as a pre-curser to a larger project in term 3.

Module Aims

• To further develop studio skills introduced in term 1 and apply them to small creative projects
• To introduce theoretical ideas, models, and concepts used to inform creative practice
• To introduce key trends and historical movements and develop appropriate research and study skills
• To recognize the relationship between history, theory, concept, and creative practice

Module Content

Exploration of art and design studio practices, to explore ideas, develop new skills, and produce a developmental portfolio.

Studio Practice 

A series of practical ‘mini-projects’ exploring different tools and methods in visual communication. Eg.

• Drawing, sketching, sculpture/3Dimensional design
• Photography, graphics, collage
• Textiles, fashion, soft goods/products
• Some historical and critical studies content will be embedded and explored through creative practice

Historical and Critical Studies 

• Introduction to design theory and concept
• Key trends and movements in art and design history
• Linking theory to practice
• Applying critical thinking

Study Skills for Art and Design Students 

• Advancing digital and academic skills introduced during Term 1
• Developing research and information literacy in relation to your subject
• Creating an academic poster on a chosen research paper

This module enables students to take ownership of a personal creative project. A key focus is supporting a student to research and generate an idea. This will include workshop techniques, how to produce a proposal for a creative project and guidance on the planning process. Students will have the autonomy to work within their chosen discipline or area of interest in visual and performing arts, media and journalism. A proposal and research log are key aspects of learning and assessment, with greater focus placed on the learning curve and ambition of the project than the final product.

Module Aims

• To develop skills in identifying topics of interest and generating ideas for a creative project
• To develop skills in conducting research and producing a proposal for a creative project
• To develop critical reflection and self-directed study skillS
• To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a personal project

Module Content

• Using research and workshop techniques to generate ideas
• Using research to inform the development of stages in a creative project
• Generating a sketchbook/production log showing development of ideas
• Writing and presenting a proposal for a creative project
• Applying critical thinking and self-reflection
• Creation of a final piece of work in a relevant format (eg. script, interview, article, music demo, live performance, monologue, garment, book cover, record cover, photoshoot, product prototype, painting, sculpture)
• Sessions to include research and planning, practical workshops and studio time, self-directed study, specialist support, and 1-2-1 tutorials with study supervisor