Professional practice studies at level 5 is intended to introduce you to the skills required in transferring to a post academic environment through the identification of practice sector needs and demands. It considers the legal requirements and ethical principles involved in the manufacture and sale of goods and services, alongside the different roles of employer, employee and self-employment status. General principles of financial management are introduced, and issues of intellectual copyright and ownership are studied as a prelude to establishing a professional practice.
The ability to plan and manage a creative professional life is further supported through the opportunity to develop and present a portfolio of work and through integrated exhibition opportunities. The portfolio will reflect your chosen independent study and prepare you for an appropriate audience to facilitate career progression. The end of course exhibition will be your own selection drawn from your body of work, and informed by previous exhibitions and presentations. Work chosen must demonstrate an intelligent and coherent selection presented to the highest standards.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Lectures by staff and visiting professionals will provide the necessary professional practice context, which will be supported by seminar discussions and visits to appropriate sectors of the creative industries. Students will be encouraged to both theoretically examine and practically involve themselves in the development of professional networks. This module will be taught alongside the DS5001 and DS5002 modules to ensure that professional practice is informed by both studio practice and creative intentions.
The presentation and critical selection of work is consequently informed by the theoretical aspects of this module, in which students consider the presentation of their own practice in relationship to practitioners in the field. During teaching block one methods of presentation will include PDF files, presentation software, CD submissions, websites and podcasts. In teaching block two the module will focus on the professional presentation of work leading to a final portfolio and public exhibition.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures, seminars and workshops | 55 |
| Guided independent study | Self-directed study and access to workshops with technical support, and contextual visits | 245 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Students will produce a research report (2000-25000 words) on the creation of an individual professional network, and present their findings to the group, which will be formatively assessed. This will include appropriate legal, financial, ethical and professional issues relevant to their practice sector. The preparation of a CV that encapsulates both achievements and skills will also be formatively assessed, and both presented for final summative assessment.
Examples of portfolio selection and digital presentations will be formatively assessed during teaching block one and two as work progresses. Interim shows and public presentation of work will further receive formative feedback. A final portfolio in an appropriate form informed by work leading to a final public exhibition will contribute to summative assessment at the end of the module.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Produce a research project on the creation of an individual professional network, suitable to their practice and career ambitions. | Individual projects formatively assessed leading to written research report (2000-2500 words). Formatively assessed during presentation, and through tutorials, seminars and group discussions. |
| 2) Demonstrate knowledge of legal, financial, ethical and professional issues relevant to art and design practice. | Individual projects formatively assessed leading to final summative assessment. Formatively assessed during presentation, and through tutorials, seminars and group discussions. |
| 3) Prepare a CV that encapsulates their achievements, and identifies a skill set suited for a particular audience. | CV formatively assessed (during tutorials, seminars and group discussions) as skills develop, leading to final summative assessment as part of the research project. |
| 4) Critically appraise their own body of work, leading to an informed presentation at a public exhibition. | Formative assessment will support critical appraisal through critiques and discussions. Summatively assessed at the end of the module through portfolio submission, informed by work leading to the final exhibition. |
| 5) Organise selections of work for specific audiences, and be able to present their work in formats suitable to their practice, and career ambitions. | Formative assessment will support presentational methodologies through critiques and discussions. Summatively assessed at the end of the module through portfolio submission, informed by work leading to the final exhibition. |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Between 2000-2500 word research report with additional CV | Coursework | 50% |
| Submission of a practice-orientated portfolio, informed by work leading to the final exhibition". | Coursework | 50% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that the element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Holmes, K. (2009) Design (Careers Uncovered) 2nd Edition Trotman & Co
Lorenc, J., Skolnick, L., and Berger, C. (2007) What is exhibition Design (Essential Design Handbook), Rotovision, SA
Flint, M., Fitzpatrick, N. and Thorne, C. (2006) A User's Guide to Copyright 6th edition Tottel Publishing, Sussex
Hartnell-Young, E., and Morriss, M. (2007) Digital Portfolios - Powerful tools for promoting professional growth and reflection 2nd edition, Sage Publications, London
Romaniello, S. (2003) The Perfect Digital Portfolio, AVA Publishing