DE5022 - Creative Studio 1

This module uses a ‘work integrated learning’ (WIL) approach, providing you with the opportunity to apply what you have learned in your academic study so far to real-world or speculative design contexts.

In line with this experiential approach, you will learn in the following ways:

• Undertake live or simulated design projects that emulate professional practice.

• Working co-operatively or collaboratively, you will experience how to conduct research, develop concepts, and communicate outcomes.

• Use self-reflection and portfolio building to critically understand your own current knowledge, skills, and professional direction.

• Participate in interactive online lectures and workshops that will help you learn how to work effectively, building your appreciation of collaborative learning as well as your confidence and independence as a more autonomous learner.

• To prepare and deliver visual communication material either individually or in selected groups at interim or final delivery stage. This could be presented to staff, industry partners or collaborators related to the project brief.

• The project is introduced at a briefing session, where it is fully explained and explored by both staff and students. You will be asked to select one or more of the briefs that connect with our industrial partners / national or international competitions.
• Students will work individually and/or in small groups, be invited to attend a series of workshops, practical sessions. Tutor guided independent learning activities will be strategically implemented to support your studies.
• The lead Module Tutor will be available to answer queries in relation to the module via email and opportunities to meet you whilst on industrial placement. Further formal academic support is provided via information posted on the eLearning portal, which can be accessed on a range of devices.
• During this period of study you will be required to maintain regular contact with Academic staff through tutor guided learning, practical classes or workshop activities.
• Learning materials for this module are available on the university eLearning Portal, including the module documentation, announcements, presentations, reading list and timetable.
• Additional study skills materials and workshops, that are available through Skills Plus at http://nuweb2.northumbria.ac.uk/library/skillsplus/topics.html?l3-0
• Academic Language Skills (ALS) is available for international students.
• Students requiring additional support are advised to contact their Guidance Tutor for advice, who will be able to refer them to the relevant university services for specialist support regarding their personal circumstances.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Analyse and debate contemporary design issues from economic, environmental, ethical, historical, political, social, cultural, technological and legal perspectives.

• Use critical discourse to analyse or question contemporary design issues or projects.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

• Demonstrate creative thinking through analysis and experimentation throughout the design process.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

• Demonstrate a professional attitude through active participation in live projects, simulated briefs, field trips or fieldwork.

• Explain more specific career goals and professional directions based on emerging strengths and interests within the design field.

This is a Pass / Fail module.

You will receive regular formative feedback on your reflective digital diary through this module.

Summative assessment
At the end of the placement year, you will submit a learning portfolio of work which may include:

1. A reflective diary of your learning, and professional experience.
2. A detailed portfolio of creative project work undertaken during your module.
3. A shareable presentation communicating what you have learned and how this might influence your own development in your final year of study.

Tutors will assess the learner’s overall performance holistically with a pass/fail.

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Creative Studio 1 is a blended learning module where you will have the opportunity to collaborate and work on one or more live or simulated industry related briefs, international competitions or speculative design scenarios. The module is characterised by an intensive period of collaboration followed by a shorter period of independent reflection and portfolio building.

The projects will be varied and will provide you with the opportunity to hone your specialist skills, professional, enterprise and entrepreneurial capabilities through real-life scenarios – providing an authentic learning experience. You will be encouraged to develop a flexible and imaginative enquiry-based approach to the design projects. You will become an active participant, integrating your design practice with distinguishable practical and intellectual skills whilst recording your process for summative assessment. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, and professional experience, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your placement year encouraging deep critical thinking and reflection. At the end of the module, time will be given to allow you to complete and develop this work into your own professional portfolio allowing an opportunity for independent and autonomous study.

This module supports the development of industry-specific skills it enables you to understand what it means to be a design professional, build professional ambition. It encourages you to work autonomously, and to actively prepare for future employment.