Curriculum Information

Document Version

QAA Benchmarks

Educational Aim

Learning Outcomes

Course Structure

Level 4 Modules

Level 5 Modules

Level 6 Modules

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

Visiting Speakers 

A range of speakers will be invited from related disciplines as well as cognate areas such as technology, gaming and special effects. When working on projects that touch on areas such as education, health or government, speakers from those areas will be invited. 

The Faculty of Creative Industries also contains the Schools of Media, and Music and Performance. Both these schools regularly invite inspirational speakers from the worlds of TV, film, music, theatre and beyond, and all students are encouraged to attend these. In addition, faculties in the rest of USW often host speakers from a range of disciplines and in keeping with the spirit of engaged, interdisciplinary designers, the course team will pass on information regarding these as they come up. Students are encouraged to keep any eye on announcements from the University, and to connect with networks in Cardiff and beyond, such as IgniteCardiff, UX Wales, and the RSA, which often have events scheduled. 

Volunteering 

In keeping with the philosophy of socially engaged design, the course team often work with local and national charities on projects to raise their profile, spread their message and support their work. Students are encouraged to build on these relationships and to develop their  own. The value of volunteering, whether in a design capacity, or in other roles, cannot be overestimated for the benefit it brings in terms of developing key skills, as well as supporting good causes. 

Fieldwork 

The Design Safari module has been created to give students an opportunity to engage with external organisations in the role of active observer. This will be a key opportunity to engage with employers but in a different way from traditional work placements. 

Fieldtrips 

We plan a series of field trips to a range of destinations which have included Bristol and London. These are generally free unless accommodation is involved. In addition, there are opportunities throughout the course to participate in international trips. Previous destinations have included New York and Tokyo. There is an additional fee for international trips, and they depend on uptake from students to proceed. In all cases, trips for which fees are required are not compulsory. 

Work Placements 

Students are encouraged to explore opportunities for work placements, which can take a variety of forms, from vacation-based work to in-term activities which must be planned carefully to ensure you can fulfil the requirements of modules. We have designed the Design Safari module to provide a form of work placement where possible, which will contribute towards learning on the course. 

Work-based Learning 

The course does not offer formal work-based learning. 

Sandwich Years 

The course does not offer a formal sandwich year at the time of writing. 

Employer Forums 

The course team maintain a regular dialogue with a range of local and national employers, including from beyond the traditional design industry. The Faculty of Creative Industries has a formal employer forum which contributes to course and extra-curricular developments. 

Other 

We make use of expertise from a range of practising designers who contribute to the course either as part-time lecturers, or as guest speakers. This allows for topical expertise and insight from current practice. 

In addition, many staff are engaged in scholarly activity and research that examines current and emerging design practice in related industries, or are practising designers themselves. 

Means of Assessment

Learning Support

Induction 

You will be given a full induction to the course in your first week to help you plan your studies and understand how the university works. 

Inductions to workshops take place over a longer period and you will be given a ‘passport’ that allows you to use certain equipment (e.g. 3D Printer) without supervision. 

The first module forms an ‘immersive learning’ experience that as well as developing core skills for the rest of the course, includes activities that help you become familiar with the course, university and city. 

Personal tutor 

You will be allocated a personal tutor who follows their academic progress throughout the course, and pastoral guidance where appropriate.  

Personal tutors may change to reflect changes in staffing, or to ensure the best support. 

Office hours 

The course team will inform you when they are available for drop-in tutorials to discuss course work or other issues. 

Tutorials 

A tutorial is a one-to-one discussion with a tutor to discuss progress on the module. Each module may be delivered in different ways depending on the content. The nature of the creative process means that we aim to be flexible, so while tutorials may be scheduled at the start of the module, the timetable may adapt to suit your changing needs. 

Seminars 

A seminar is normally a many-to-one discussion with a tutor in which a small group of students can discuss their progress together. This is often more beneficial as you get an opportunity to see what other students are doing, and build your confidence in providing constructive support to others. 

Formative Assessment 

Some modules will provide the opportunity to submit work for feedback (e.g. a first draft of a piece of written work). However, the nature of the studio environment means that you will regularly receive formative feedback on your work in a less formal way – during seminars and workshops, for example. 

Progress meetings 

A progress meeting may be arranged following a tutorial to check on progress on any issues that have arisen, rather than wait until the next scheduled tutorial. 

Research Supervision 

For some modules, e.g. Research Project, where you are expected to be working largely independently, you will be allocated a supervisor who will guide you throughout your research. You and your supervisor will keep in touch using a variety of methods including email and occasional face-to-face meetings. Some may operate ‘office hours’ for drop-in discussions while others may schedule meetings with you. 

Online Resources 

As well as the course VLE (virtual learning environment) where we keep copies of briefs and module handbooks, the course team uses a variety of methods to provide and link to online resources including blogs, Twitter, and Instagram. We encourage you to develop your own online presence and to share useful resources with others. 

Advice Centres 

The Student Advice Zone is in the Learning Resource Centre on the ground floor of the Cardiff campus. You can have most queries answered here, or make an appointment to see a specialist advisor on matters relating to finance, health and wellbeing, as well as support with study skills. 

DDS Service 

The Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDS) provides a confidential and professional service where you can discuss individual requirements on your terms. So whether you have a physical, sensory, mental health or unseen disability, DDS is here to support you. 

We are committed to providing a quality support service and always appreciate any feedback about your experiences as a disabled student. 

Responsibility for your education remains with you, and your choices and preferences will be respected. 

IT/Library 

IT and media resources are a common thread behind many of the activities which help to enhance your learning experience, such as your online student account (giving you access to email, printing and payments and more), Blackboard (your online learning environment), open access to computers on each campus, printing services, and media equipment. 

We have a strong commitment to providing technology-based learning environments to support you as a student. Whether you are studying on campus, at home or elsewhere, you have web access to your course materials anytime and anywhere. 

Our recently refurbished Library is where you can get the help of librarians who can offer advice on finding resources for your course. The library contains a wide range of books including copies of every set or recommended text for each of your modules. We also provide access to journals related to your discipline so you can keep up to date with the latest thinking and developments. There is also a periodicals collection with newspapers and magazines. Many of our resources are also available digitally. 

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

Graduates will be able to progress in to a range of graduate-level roles in advertising and cognate areas, including account management, art direction, copywriting, account planning and marketing.Progression to further study at MA or professional qualifications such as Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Certificate in Professional Marketing.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

The standard entry requirements are:

A Levels: BCC
A Levels + Welsh Baccalaureate: BC+C@WB
BTEC: Distinction/Merit/Merit
Plus
GCSEs: Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English language (or equivalent qualifications)

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A