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

The course team have links with a number of industry professional who come in to speak to students.

We will also arrange sessions where graduates who have taken up work within the field come to speak with students about their experiences in the industry and how to prepare for these types of jobs.

• Fieldtrips

Research trips will be arranged for students to analyse costume pieces when appropriate to the module which they are working on.

• Work Placements

Work placements will be made available via our external Industry placement links, where possible. These are a combination of module work and extra-curricular. Some placements are not compulsory, or guaranteed, but students who have previously engaged in these have found the experience to be immensely positive and to have enhanced their employability skills and career prospects. Students engaging in voluntary placements not only gain relevant industry experience, but can usually secure references from costume specialists that are a sought after addition to applications for employment and training places in this field.

• Work-based Learning

The year two Costume for production module and year 3 Professional Working Practice was devised as a placement / live-brief project and allows for students to work within a simulated setting or work-placement (where available).

Assessments are devised so that work produced externally can be used as evidence for the module’s learning outcomes. Staff may visit off-site locations to record evidence of learning in these scenarios.

• Employer Forums

The course team maintain a regular links with a range of local and national employers and film studios. The course is closely involved with a wide variety of industry companies and specialists who are regularly invited to sit in on students’ presentations. This is most relevant to level 6-year 3 who have commented that they benefit enormously from meeting these specialists.

Means of Assessment

• Coursework
• Practical
• Work experience

Learning Support

• Induction

Following enrolment students are offered a detailed induction day with the course tutors to introduce them to the course team and course. Students are supported both at USW and within the college to make their welcome transition to their new environment as easy and enjoyable as possible. Course content and project overviews are presented with resources given.

• Personal tutor

Each student across all three years of the course is assigned a personal tutor. Additional tutor support from the team is also available and pastoral care available to access both at Coleg Y Cymoedd within the wider faculty structure and at USW through the Advice Zone.

• Office hours

Students can access tutors within office hours on site during taught sessions and on a one to one basis at their request and availability of the tutor. Email correspondence will also be available within these hours.

• Tutorials

This provides the student with the opportunity to discuss work with their course leader or module leader at a timetabled time and location. Tutorials accompany the learning content as support for the student but may also give them the opportunity to raise any other issues. Tutorials are recorded digitally as a record of discussion and progress.

• Seminars

This takes place within a module and as part of the curriculum content. It is an opportunity to bring the group together in a more formal session where critique and discussion can take place. Good practice amongst peers can be shared.

• Formative Assessment

This takes place as part of the in class delivery and could take the form of an informal presentation or task to measure learning progress and understanding.

• Progress meetings

Timetabled in within each module to ensure that the student stays on track with their coursework and workload and that they are progressing appropriately and to the best of their ability.

• Research Supervision

A meeting with the tutor to discuss a particular piece of work.

• Online Resources

Available to the student through USW UniLIfe, Coleg Y Cymoedd landing page and via Blackboard. Additional online resources can be accessed with tutor advice and at the LRC.

• Advice Centres

Available to the student on campus at Coleg Y Cymoedd and USW . Study skills at LRC locations and within the student advice and welfare departments are highlighted to the student at the start of each year and in their annual course handbook.

• IT/Library

Provision during office hours and late nights at Coleg Y Cymoedd and also at weekends at USW sites. A range of state of the art equipment and resources is available and listed within this document in more detail.

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

• Postgraduates study either at USW or HE provider 

• Costume design assistant 

• Costume supervisor 

• Costume trainee 

• Stitcher 

• Sewing assistant 

• Wardrobe mistress/ master 

• Dresser 

• Dye and breakdown 

• Milliner 

• Cutter 

• Wardrobe assistant 

• Touring wardrobe 

• Alterations hand 

• Costume hire 

• Bridalwear 

• Freelance maker 

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

For specific points tariff requirements for this award please see the UCAS website.

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