UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17

  1. Awarding Institution /Body
/ University of Central Lancashire
  1. Teaching Institution
/ AAS (Applied Arts Studies), Thessaloniki, Greece.
  1. University Department/Centre
/ Design
  1. External Accreditation
/ Not Applicable
  1. Title of Final Award
/ BA (Hons) Photography Commercial & Creative
  1. Modes of Attendance offered
/ Full-Time
  1. UCAS Code
/ Not Applicable
  1. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
/ Art and Design
  1. Other external influences
/ Not Applicable
  1. Date of production/revision of this form
/ June 2009
  1. Aims of the Programme

  • To facilitate the acquisition of knowledge, understanding and skills in creative thinking and innovation in the use of photographic media

  • To foster critical evaluation and contextual awareness and the development of unique creative identity.

  • To prepare students who are able to operate as practising photographers or students who wish to undertake post graduate studies in related fields

  • To create a context which promotes experimentation, evaluation and synthesis in relation to photographic problem solving

  • To foster an environment which presents a diversity of approaches to encourage highly independent and flexible individuals

  • To develop a range of transferable skills including communication, presentation, team working and organisational abilities.

  1. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A.Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Demonstrate a high level of critical and contextual awareness through practical and written work
A2. Understand and employ a range of creative problem solving techniques
A3. Demonstrate an ongoing personal dialogue with visual practice
A4. Realise ideas and concepts from a variety of research sources, question perceived notions and gain confidence in extending their own work
Teaching and Learning Methods
Acquisition of knowledge is achieved through workshop sessions and directed student-centred learning through practical demonstrations, exercises, lectures, research visits to exhibitions, technical induction and informed tutorial guidance. Understanding is reinforced through tutorial seminar or group critiqued work using a range of briefs to further the students’ personal practice.
Assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding will be assessed through project work, both practical and written.
There is assessment at differing times for each module or project, as specified in the brief.. Assessment will be based upon the success of each student in meeting the learning outcomes of the module. Submission of written work and seminar presentations are highlighted where applicable.
B.Subject-specific skills
B1. Demonstrate a high level of ability to produce photographic related work, potentially suitable for public exhibition/distribution
B2. Organise and communicate ideas and solutions and develop analytical and critical abilities
B3. Develop and realise ideas and concepts from a variety of contemporary research sources, personal source material and the work of other visual practitioners
B4. Manage project work effectively
B5. Understand and utilise the range of media and techniques used in photography and related areas.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Skills acquisition will be developed throughout the programme using practical briefs as a vehicle for both delivery and assessment.. Basic practical skills, together with analytical and research skills begin to be developed at Level 1. These skills are further enhanced at Level 2. Level 3 concentrates on developing students’ individual and professional approaches to the production of an independent body of work. Students will be required to listen to and take part in individual and group critiques and to complete evaluations of the work they have done for each brief.
Assessment methods
A variety of assessment methods will be used to assess these skills including completion of work by set deadlines, presentations, degree show assessment of work presented for exhibition. Individual tutorial sessions will encourage students to carefully consider the critical comments that have been made and received. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their individual acquisition of these skills through their Personal Development Plan.
C.Thinking Skills
C1. Integrate theory and practice
C2. Demonstrate the creative thinking skills necessary to plan generate and develop ideas and concepts and present creative photographic work.
C3. Develop the skill to criticise constructively
C4. Demonstrate a personal dialogue, concept development and presentation techniques
C5. Utilise critical evaluation and visual literacy
Teaching and Learning Methods
Intellectual skills are developed through practical work, tutorial seminar work and coursework assignments. Practical and project work is designed to allow students to demonstrate achievement of all the learning outcomes in this category
Assessment methods
Cognitive skills will be assessed through project work, both written and practice based. Assessment will evaluate student’s understanding of ideas, briefs, their ability to think creatively and problem solve, and their ability to make connections and contextualise their practice work. Group and individual critiques will provide students with feedback on their skill acquisition
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Work independently to produce an individual body of work
D2. Develop enquiring, open minded and creative attitude tempered with social awareness
D3. Work safely and confidently and be able to follow current and appropriate guidelines and legislation on Health & Safety
D4. Communicate effectively
D5. Document their ongoing practice and be able to present this in an orderly format in line with understanding professional conduct and codes of practice
Teaching and Learning Methods
Transferable skills are embedded in the programme curriculum and are intrinsic within each module.Course assignments and associated work seek to encourage the development of personal transferable skills and related competencies. Presentations, case studies and problem solving exercises, and research help this process along. Assignments in a module will provide opportunities for practical project work, research appropriate to the level of study, the development of problem solving skills and critical thinking.
Assessment methods
Assessment of these skills will be through the project briefs, written assignments,case studies, problem solving exercises, and presentations linked to the module aims. The successful achievement of the learning outcomes will be evaluated through the students ability to articulate their aspirations, function independently, safely, considerately, and professionally.
13.Programme Structures* / 14.Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 3 / DD3000
PV3002
PV3992
DD3992 / Contextual Studies
Photography Practical 3
Research Project
Honours Project / 20
40
20
40 / Bachelor Honours Degree
Requires 360 credits including a minimum of 120 at Level 3
Bachelor Degree
Requires 320 credits including a minimum 180 at Level 2 or above and 40 at Level 3
Level 2 / DD2000
PV2002
PH2020
PV2007
PV2004
ECTV
TI 2012
DD2177
FA2004
PH2100 / Contemporary Contextual Studies
Photographic Practical 2
Photographic Critical Theory
Optional modules
Photography & the (un) known City
Open Practice
Elective (Free Choice from the following selection)
Surface Design
Student Initiated Module
2D Studies – Drawing
Fashion Photography / 20
40
20
20
40
20
20
20
20 / HE Diploma
Requires 240 credits including a minimum of 100 at Level 2
Level 1 / DD1000
DD1101
PV1021
PV1020
ECTV
FS 1111
DD1133
PV1022
PH1000
PH1060
FA1004 / Historical Contextual Studies
Creative Thinking
Digital Photography
The Photographic Image – Practical 1
Elective (Free Choice from the following selection)
Fashion Illustration and Presentation Techniques
Student Initiated Module
The Photographic Print
Introduction to Editorial Photography
Documentary Photography Practice and Theory
Drawing / 20
40
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20 / HE Certificate
Requires 120 credits at level 1 or above
15.Personal Development Planning
Art and Design courses are increasingly tailored to the individual student as they progress through levels one, two and three. You will be asked to keep a portfolio of work to track your development as an artist, photographer or designer towards the goals you set for yourself in consultation with your personal tutor. We aim to train you to take responsibility for your own learning and career development, to be able to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and conduct a skills audit to develop a critical practice. This would cover an analysis of your general key skills base, for example: use of English, literacy and writing skills, numeracy, communication skills and use of IT. You will be encouraged to evaluate your strengths and weakness on a continual basis as you progress through different points during the course. Students will be directed by the tutor to resources/workshops within the university as appropriate.
PDP is designed to: enable you to work towards a point you would like to be at on graduation; to help you require the skills needed for your chosen career; evaluate your strengths and plan to deploy them in a range of situations at AAS and after graduation.
In the first year [level one] you will be asked about your long term aspirations through the use of the studio/resources tutorials and the first year induction week questionnaire.
In your second year [level two] these will be tracked and revised as appropriate, the Module content of PV2002, PV2004 and PH2100 are designed to develop a range of personal and professional skills, career development and direction.
In your third year [level three] your personal aspirations will form the basis of project work and planning and the modules DD3992 and PV3002 are specifically designed to develop professional practice and appropriate career ambitions.
PDP is not assessed but will be monitored by scheduled tutorials with your the personal tutor. There will be one tutorial per semester, a Departmental pro-forma to complete, a copy of this will be kept by the member of staff, you will be encouraged to collate a personal file based on the reports and reference material you collect throughout the course modules and studio discourses.
16.Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
Entry to the Degree Programmes validated from UCLAN will require:
  • A successful Art & Design foundation year or equivalent professional experience
  • Minimum requirement is evidence of a proficiency level of English Language to IELTS 6
  • An interview
  • A portfolio presentation

17.Key sources of information about the programme
  • Course Factsheet

  • AAS Website

  • AAS Prospectus

  • Student course handbook

18.Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP)or Option (O) / Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / B5 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / C5 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5
LEVEL 3 / DD3000 / Contextual Studies / Core / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
PV3002 / Portfolio Development / COMP / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
PV3992 / Research Project / COMP / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
DD3992 / Honours Project / Core / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
LEVEL 2 / DD2000 / Contemporary Contextual Studies / Core / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
PV2002 / Photographic Practical / COMP / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
PH2020 / Photographic Critical Theory / COMP / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
PV2007 / Photography in the City / O / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
PV2004 / Open Practice / O / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
ECTV / Elective / O
LEVEL 1 / DD1000 / Historical Contextual Studies / Core / / / / / / / /
DD1101 / Creative Thinking / Core / / / / / / / / / /
PV1021 / Digital Photography / COMP / / / / / /
PV1020 / The Photographic Image / COMP / / / / / / / / / / / /
ECTV / Elective / O

Note:Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks