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
/ UCLan
  1. Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery
/ Main campus, UCLan
  1. University Department/Centre
/ School of Creative and Performing Arts
  1. External Accreditation
/ n/a
  1. Title of Final Award
/ Postgraduate DiplomaFashion Design
  1. Modes of Attendance offered
/ Full-time & Part-time
  1. UCAS Code
/ n/a
  1. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
/ n/a
  1. Other external influences
/ Reference to National Post Graduate Descriptors for Art and Fashion
  1. Date of production/revision of this form
/ March 2010
  1. Aims of the Programme

Specific aims for the PG Diploma course
  • To acquire and refine specialist skills, synthesising and applying embodied knowledge to a specialist practice within fashion, facilitated by reflective learning. (PG Cert)
  • To engage in research methods and professional practice that creates insightful awareness and innovative research within the area of fashion. (PG Cert)
  • To synthesise and apply embodied knowledge into fashion design and promotion practice and analysis through self awareness and direction. (PG DIP)
  • To develop personal approaches and realisation through the synthesis of academic, professional and subject specific knowledge, in the context of a broad review of cultural, social and political events. (PG Dip)
These aims support the general aims of the programme which are to:
  • create a postgraduate learning environment, which stimulates debate and the exchange of ideas through a multi-disciplinary approach to fashion, drawing on the Department’s unique position of cross-disciplinary programmes.
  • develop the students' intellectual, imaginative, creative and problem-solving skills to an advanced level through the synthesis of theoretical and practical approaches to learning.
  • enable students to define and conceptually extend and develop their knowledge and understanding within their chosen specialism.
  • develop students’ independence of judgement and foster an inquiring and analytical approach to the study of fashion in the wider global context of cultural, technological and economic change.
  • provide an opportunity for students to develop a personal and professional focus within their chosen specialism at postgraduate level, through the process of continual reflection, evaluation and planning.

  1. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1.Source, critically analyse and evaluate information to inform the progress of a self initiated agreement. (FS4201)
A2.Describe a full range of research methodologies, appropriate to postgraduate study. (FS4202)
A3.Critically evaluate a range of research information sources, their appropriateness and application to personal study. (FS4202)
A4.Identify issues of ethics and sustainability in relation to their own field of study and how they can be implemented in their own practice. (FS4202)
A5.Display an awareness of the social, intellectual and professional contexts within which design or design related practice is located. (FS4206)
A6.Illustrate an in depth knowledge and critical awareness of market levels and consumer demographics. (FS4307)
A7.Demonstrate a critical awareness of current problems and /or new insights, much of which is at or informed by the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice. (FS4307)
Teaching and Learning Methods
The modules will be delivered through experiential workshops, peer group discussions and individual presentations, supported by lectures, seminars, case studies, visiting speakers and appropriate practical sessions. These will facilitate the development of knowledge and understanding of their chosen specialism and allow for a wide range of influences to impact on and inform their practice, most of which will be at the forefront of their discipline.
Assessment methods
Assessment will be through written submission, individual presentation and practical submission. Each module is weighted according to the learning outcomes. All assessment is referenced to the assessment criteria for the programmes.
B. Subject-specific skills
B1.Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the contemporary fashion industry, specific techniques together with a high level of skill in a chosen specialism. (FS4304)
B2.Apply diagnostic and creative skills and exercise professional judgement in the analysis of research in providing possible solutions to practical problems. (FS4304)
B3.Develop appropriate methods of working to allow an individual approach to research problems. (FS4304)
B4.To realise a creative body of work through self initiated personal study. (FS4307)
Teaching and Learning Methods
Subject specific skills will be developed through workshops, demonstrations, seminars and individual tutorials. Skill development will be encouraged and enhanced by the introduction of Atelier sessions and students will learn through example and practice. This experiential delivery is essential for disciplines that require a high level of industry relevance as identified through recent Skills Fast surveys. Peer group presentation will be a valuable tool to facilitate learning and the sharing of best practice.
Assessment methods
Assessment will be through portfolio submission, written reports and the submission of practical outcomes and 3 dimensional realisation, weighted according to the module requirements. Power Point presentations also form part of the assessment process .
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Describe an individual professional approach to the development of a research proposal. (FS4201)
C2. Identify and critically compare research models across disciplines. (FS4202)
C3.Demonstrate the process of in depth reflection, critical analysis and modification in relation to a post graduate research project. (FS4205)
C4. Illustrate the ability to diagnose, analyze and evaluate a variety of creative solutions to complex design problems, and communicate through professional presentation. (FS4307)
Teaching and Learning Methods
The nature of the subject encourages peer group discussion, questioning and critical analysis, which are facilitated through lectures, seminar discussion and individual tutorial. Students are expected to engage with the processes of analysis, reflection and the formulation of idea development and realisation. Academic report writing allows the student to synthesise the thought process and their research in order to formulate conclusions, solutions and future fashion hypotheses.
Assessment methods
Assessment will be primarily through written submission, research files, analysis of case studies and portfolios of evidence, weighted according to the requirements of the modules.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1.Develop appropriate methods of reflection and self analysis. (FS4201)
D2.Demonstrate the ability to professionally communicate ideas through a negotiated presentation format. (FS4201)
D3.Demonstrate a professional approach to the communication of ideas, concepts and solutions. (FS4304)
D4.Identify personal styles and attributes to allow the formulation of a well managed plan of action designed to achieve the final project in the subject area, within a theoretical framework. (FS4205)
D5.Evaluate a range of issues which impact on art and design, and adopt a critical perspective which will be articulated through an individual report. (FS4206)
Teaching and Learning Methods
Transferable skills are embedded in the programme curriculum and are intrinsic within each module. Students are encouraged to develop other/key skills through engagement in seminars, presentations and individual tutorials. Liaison with outside agencies is both encouraged and expected and through this professional contact key skills are fostered at a professional level. The management and planning of individual projects encourages time management and organisational skill development.
Assessment methods
Assessment of these skills will be through the written assignments, project proposals, project realisation and presentations linked to the module outcomes.
Key skills will be acquired via the visual, written and practical outcomes of individual modules. Development of key skills will be throughout the programme and students will be encouraged to develop an independent understanding of which and what to utilise to achieve appropriate solutions to project requirements.
13.Programme Structures* / 14.Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 7 / FS4201
FS4202
FS4304
FS4205
FS4206
FS4307 / Negotiated Agreement 1
Research Methods and Application
Personal Design Research
Negotiated Agreement 2
Professional Issues in Art and Design
Final Design Project 1 / 20
20
20
10
10
40 / Postgraduate Diploma Fashion Design
Requires a minimum of 120 credits at Level 7
Postgraduate Certificate Fashion Design
Requires a minimum of 60 credits at Level 7
15.Personal Development Planning
The development of a student’s individual profile and aspiration is embedded in the delivery of the Programme to enable student’s future career aspirations within the Fashion Industry to be realised.
Students are guided through tutorial PDP sessions, delivered primarily through negotiated agreements, to establish a personal audit of transferable skills against potential project management and employability in the fields of Fashion.
Students are encouraged through tutorial to set their own PDP targets focusing on targeted employability, within a professional fashion environment. They are also expected to promote their own individuality and personal career direction in a professional manner, for employment within the Fashion and Fashion Promotion Industry.
The Negotiated Agreements are designed to encourage and develop self evaluation, reflection and critical analysis of individual learning styles. Once this process has taken place students are expected to continually revisit and refine their agreements in order to maximise their potential in line with, and according to, their skills development.
PDP is designed to help students acquire the skills needed for a chosen career; and to evaluate strengths and plan to deploy them in a range of professional situations in the global workplace.
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.
A 2:1 or above classification at degree level in a fashion or fashion related subject, evidence of creative thinking/application and a clearly defined research proposal to include a study plan.
Additionally, an applicant with work experience in the industry or a closely related industry would find that experience very beneficial and helpful but it is not an essential requirement. Exceptionally an applicant who did not meet the above academic requirements but who had considerable appropriate work experience could be considered but would have to also demonstrate their ability to understand and be capable of fulfilling the academic and theoretical elements of the course. Advice will be given according to individual needs.
Students applying from overseas with English as a second language require ILETS 6.5 or equivalent
17.Key sources of information about the programme
  • UCLan website

  • UCLan prospectus

  • UClan factsheet

Academic Quality and Standards Unit

s:\val_rev\course approval & review\archive (prior to 2010-11)\aq&su 'reports'\rep 2009-10\1723 - pcr cpa\fashion\ma fashion courses\design pg dip - prog spec v2.doc

18.Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / A6 / A7 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5
LEVEL 4 / FS4201 / Negotiated Agreement 1 / Comp / X / X / X / X
FS4202 / Research Methods and Application / Comp / X / X / X / X
FS4304 / Personal Design Research / Comp / X / X / X / X
FS4205 / Negotiated Agreement 2 / Comp / X / X
FS4206 / Professional Issues / Comp / X / X
FS4307 / Final Design Project 1 / Comp / X / X / X / X

1

Academic Quality and Standards Unit

s:\val_rev\course approval & review\archive (prior to 2010-11)\aq&su 'reports'\rep 2009-10\1723 - pcr cpa\fashion\ma fashion courses\design pg dip - prog spec v2.doc