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.
  1. Awarding Institution / Body
/ University of Central Lancashire
  1. Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery
/ University of Central Lancashire
  1. University School/Centre
/ Art, Design and Fashion
  1. External Accreditation
/ N/A
  1. Title of Final Award
/ BA(Hons) Ceramics
  1. Modes of Attendance offered
/ Full-time Part-time
  1. UCAS Code
/ E294, W294
  1. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
/ Art & Design
  1. Other external influences
/ N/A
  1. Date of production/revision of this form
/ July 2009
  1. Aims of the Programme

  • To equip the graduate with a set of unique skills applicable to a range of employment opportunities within the ceramic field of the creative industries develop innovative, creative thinking to ceramic design problems.

  • Provide clear context for idea development by forging explicit links between historic, cultural and social factors which influence ceramic design and making.

  • Recognise the essential key and personal skills possessed by the individual and develop them further to the point where they benefit future opportunities.

  • To develop and focus the individuals personal and professional aspirations.

  1. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A.Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Context and methodologies of the Design and Ceramic making processes.
A2. Recognise the role of the designer-maker within the Creative Industries.
A3. Limitations of manufacturing process and technical content.
A4. Theoretical and practical concepts appropriate to the activity of ceramic production.
A5. Develop own personal ceramic style / philosophy.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Studio practice activity, demonstrations, power points and seminars. Project briefs and crits.
Assessment methods
Assessment will be through project work (which typically includes a visual and/or oral presentation supported by 2D drawings and technical notes) students will be expected to not only display taught knowledge but also demonstrate their ability to manipulate ideas within their own areas of activity.
B.Subject-specific skills
B1. Apply research by selecting appropriate materials, making processes and finishing techniques.
B2. Demonstrate a range of practical and conceptual skills necessary to the realisation of successful and innovative ceramic solutions.
B3. Demonstrate growing working knowledge and creative application of materials, aesthetic properties and fitness for purpose.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Assignments are given to students in the form of a project brief. Formal briefing sessions will introduce students to the particular requirements and problem set of each brief. The student will then undertake research and produce their own concept solutions. Group seminars, presentations and critiques followed by individual tutorials enable the students to review their progress.
Assessment methods
Coursework: Students will present a personal body of ceramic solutions in answer to the brief. These will be supported by research evidence and applied through idea development, design sketches, technology notes, trials, samples and models.
C.Thinking Skills
C1. Develop the knowledge and ability to research and source both visual and technical reference material.
C2. Clearly explain the development of ideas from concept to finished solution while contextualising the work.
C3. Recognition of complex technical / manufacturing issues and how to address them.
C4. Apply creative thought to a given problem.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Studio practice activity demonstrations. Power point and seminars. Project briefs and critiques.
Assessment methods
Course work: Research reference file & written report (2000 words) or equivalent
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. To articulate personal aspirations and rationalise your work.
D2. Develop presentation skills and professional awareness.
D3. Promote your own personal strengths.
D4. Recognise and utilise acquired key and personal transferable skills.
D5. Develop ability to function independently and with others.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lecture and seminar based presented by staff and visiting lecturers.
Peer learning and group projects, seminars will allow students to customise the information gathered to their own needs and aspirations.
Assessment methods
Coursework: Research reference file & written report (2000 words) or equivalent
13.Programme Structures* / 14.Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 3 / CR3001
DD3992
DD3000
TI3013 / Advanced Practice
Honours Project
Contextual Studies – Design Future
Professional Practice Business Awareness / 40
40
20
20 / Bachelor Honours Degree
Requires 360 credits including a minimum of 120 at Level 3and must include the Honours Project
Bachelor Degree
Requires 320 credits including a minimum of 180 at Level 2 or above and 40 at Level 3
Level 2 / CR2010
CR2011
DD2000 / Ceramic Practice 1
Ceramic Practice 2
Contemporary Contextual Studies
Elective Free Choice / 40
40
20 / HE Diploma
Requires 240 credits including a minimum of 120 at Level 2 or above
Level 1 / DD1101
CR1031
CR1032
DD1000 / Creative Thinking
Ceramic Crafts 1
Ceramic Crafts 2
Historical Contextual Studies
Elective Free Choice / 40
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. The student will be asked to keep a portfolio of work to track their development as a designer towards the goals they set for themselves in consultation with their personal tutor. We aim to train students to take responsibility, for their own learning and career development; to be able to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and conduct a skills audit to develop a critical practice. This would cover an analysis of their general key skills base, for example: use of English, literacy and writing skills, numeracy, communication skills and use of IT. Students will be encouraged to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses on a continual basis as they progress through different points during the course. Students will be directed by the tutor to resources/workshops as appropriate.
PDP is designed to provide students with an opportunity to develop the skills required for their chosen career. This staged approach enables continual review and evaluation so that students can progressively enhance their skills and plan to direct their learning towards success upon graduation.
PDP starts at the beginning of the first year, where students will be introduced to building up their portfolio of work, taking into consideration their long-term aspirations. In the second year, they will continue to develop their portfolio to a professional standard, re-evaluating solutions and progressing ideas as students’ skills develop further. In the final year, all level three modules will form the basis of project work specifically designed to develop their professional practice and appropriate career ambitions. On graduation they will be well prepared for industry, demonstrating their skills through a public exhibition and portfolio of project work ready for interviews.
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.
General entry requirement for admission to undergraduate courses
Applicants must have 5 GCSE passes at Grade C or above plus a profile which can be comprised of either:-
  • Two subjects at Advanced level (A2) or;
  • Two subjects at AVCE or;
  • One subject at Advanced level (A2) and one subject at AVCE or;
  • One double AVCE award or;
  • A successful Art & Design foundation year or;
  • Equivalent professional experience
Department requirements for admission to undergraduate courses
  • An interview
  • A portfolio presentation
  • Evidence of a proficiency level of English Language equivalent to a minimum of IELTS 6.0

17.Key sources of information about the programme
  • Fact Sheet

  • University Website

  • School Website

  • Student Course Handbook

  • University Prospectus

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 / B1 / B2 / B3 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5
e.g. LEVEL 3 / CR3001 / Advanced Practice / COMP / X / X / X / X / X / X
DD3992 / Honours Project / C / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
DD3000 / Design Futures / C / X / X
TI3013 / Professional Practice & Business Awareness / COMP / X / X / X / X / X / X
e.g. LEVEL 2 / CR2010 / Ceramic Practice 1 / COMP / X / X / X / X / X / X
CR2011 / Ceramic Practice 2 / COMP / X / X / X / X / X / X
DD2000 / Contemporary Contextual Studies / C / X / X / X / X
Elective / O
e.g. LEVEL 1 / DD1101 / Creative Thinking / C / X / X / X / X
CR1031 / Ceramic Crafts 1 / COMP / X / X / X / X
CR1032 / Ceramic Crafts 2 / COMP / X / X / X / X
DD1000 / Historical Contextual Studies / C / X / X / X / X
Elective / O

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