What will I learn on this module?
This module will give you the opportunity to undertake a semester abroad studying at a partner university completing the equivalent to 60 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. With the support of the Study Abroad team you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm the course of study abroad. This opportunity will allow you to network and become confident in applying for opportunities within partner institutions. Your module credits, performance and attendance will be recorded by the host University via your learning agreement. The module will be assessed by conversion of graded marks from the host University.
Learning outcomes on any year-long modules on which you are unable to attend via the home institution must be met at the host institution, and marks from the host are incorporated into the modules as part of the overall assessment.
You will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your study abroad period encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.
How will I learn on this module?
The skills you will learn on this module will be dependent on the course and module you choose and in accordance with partner university / programme of study
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Pre-departure: You will be asked to attend relevant presentations and to meet with Study Abroad Tutor to satisfy specific requirements.
On Study Abroad placement: Support will be provided by the host University.
During this period of study, you will be required to maintain regular contact with Academic staff through a Microsoft Teams tutorials or visits. There will be at least three contact tutorials with staff.
Additional study skills materials and workshops, that are available through Skills Plus at http://nuweb2.northumbria.ac.uk/library/skillsplus/topics.html?l3-0
If you require additional support, you are advised to contact your Personal Tutor or the equivalent within the partner university for advice. They will be able to refer you to the relevant university services for specialist support regarding your personal circumstances.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
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)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
Use critical discourse to analyse or question contemporary design issues or projects.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
Select and organise a portfolio and related promotional media for academic or professional assessment and feedback.
Demonstrate creative thinking through analysis and experimentation throughout the design process.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
Participate in collaborative team working activities or projects to tackle problems that benefit from a multi-perspective approach to design.
Explain more specific career goals and professional directions based on emerging strengths and interests within the design related fields.
How will I be assessed?
This is a Pass / Fail module.
1. Formative Assessment process: In accordance with host University
2. Summative Assessment process: Transcript of Results from the partner institute.
The module assesses your academic performance on modules studied at the host University and is graded via an appropriate marks conversion.
3. Feedback process: Varies according to host University
Returning to NU:
A reflective diary of your learning, and professional experience.
A shareable presentation communicating what you have learned and how this might influence your own development in your final year of study.
Pre-requisite(s)
Attend pre-departure briefings and training workshops as required.
Successful completion of Level 4
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
The Study Abroad module is a semester 1 based 60 credit module which is available on degree courses which facilitate study abroad within the programme. You will undertake a semester abroad at a partner university equivalent to 60 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. The course of study abroad will be constructed to meet the learning outcomes for the programme for the semester in question, dependent on suitable modules from the partner and will be recorded via the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria). The module will be assessed by conversion of graded marks from the host University.
Learning outcomes on any year-long modules on which you are unable to attend via the home institution must be met at the host institution, and marks from the host are incorporated into the modules as part of the overall assessment.
If applicable this module can be chosen as part of your Industrial Placement year (IP). The skills acquired during the full IP year will underpin the remainder of your Level 6 study. The IP year is split into two semesters, and plans conceived in year 2 of the programme are realised, allowing you to personalise and tailor your experience autonomously. After this semester, you will be encouraged to be reflective and to contextualise your experience into your professional practice. The IP year will help you to prepare for future employment, self-employment, or post-graduate study. The IP university support team is available to register any placement at the end of year 2 from June onwards. Placement Academic staff will provide support during term time September - June.
Course info
UCAS Code W232
Credits 60
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Northumbria School of Design
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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