Foundation Studies (Art and Design)

LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY

Programme Specification

Foundation Studies (Art and Design)

Please note: This 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 full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in other programme documentation.

Awarding body / Edexcel
Teaching institution / Loughborough University
Name of the final award; / BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA in FOUNDATION STUDIES (Art & Design)
Date at which the programme specification was written or revised. / December 2005

1.Aims of the programme:

• To enhance students’ capacity to learn and develop those faculties and skills which lead to self-reliant learning.
• To develop students’ critical awareness of the contemporary visual world and related contexts.
• To develop students’ ability in the methods of creative production.
• To develop students’ understanding and awareness of the opportunities and demands of further study in art & design
• To provide a context in which students can identify and interpret their strengths and direction through progressive exploration of skills and concepts central to art and design practice.
• To promote a professional and responsible attitude to self, others, and all aspects of study.

• To develop students’ awareness and knowledge of the professional and ethical context within their discipline.

2.Relevant external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• Edexcel guidance documents
• Learning & Skills Council Quality Improvement documentation

• University Learning & Teaching Strategy
• Departmental teaching and learning policies
• The research interests and specialisms of the teaching staff and their professional involvement in the discipline

3.Intended Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:

On successful completion of this programme, students will have the knowledge and understanding required:

• to develop faculties and skills which lead to self-reliant learning
• develop awareness of the opportunities within art & design
• engage with concepts, contexts and values in art & design practice

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Every module uses studio practice projects as a means of exploring the individual students’ ideas and technical skills within their proposed area of study. The statement of intention is used to identify direction in the final stage and through tutorial guidance is used to synthesise the knowledge and understanding achieved in stages one and two. Tutorials and seminars/critiques are used to develop the students conceptual thinking and awareness. Students are given formative verbal feedback as to their progress and achievement during the course of learning. Formal course work presentations are used to assess the individuals acquisition of knowledge and understanding at which students are given written feedback. There are no formal timed paper based examinations.

Skills and other attributes:

a. Cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students will:

• demonstrate critical awareness of the contemporary visual world and art & design practice
• identify and interpret their own strengths and direction
• demonstrate the ability to develop ideas visually and verbally

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Tutorials and seminars are used for the analysis and development of the cognitive skills. All modules require an engagement with different approaches to thinking, which is central to the nature of the programme. The course work in the modules that require the submission of written work, visual presentations and student led seminars allow the students to demonstrate their abilities in using their knowledge art & design contexts.

b. Practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students will be able to:

• produce a range of art & design work appropriate to their goals
• explore skills & concepts central to art & design practice
• synthesise understanding and technical skills and articulate ideas

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

The students are required to produce an individual portfolio of art and/or design work, which reflects their future direction. Questions about the nature of the work and its achievement is based on module criteria and future strategies that might be adopted are discussed at each stage. The student’s ‘statement of intention’ will formulate a personal final project that demonstrates how they will further investigate and develop their studio practice.

c. Key/transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students will be able to:

• demonstrate a professional and responsible attitude to self,

others and all aspects of study

• communicate visually, verbally & in writing
• use research skills in developing working practice
• identify and exploit relevant research sources and information

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Both analytical and creative skills are developed and assessed throughout the.

programme. Personal development in communication and social skills generally is seen to be an essential ingredient of the programme The programme aims to encourage independence, resourcefulness and the ability to articulate by incorporating projects, seminars and critiques which focus on those skills generally recognised as transferable skills and which are applicable to any development of learning or career - they are not specific to Art and Design. Seminars and Workshops and supervised training are used to develop further the capacity of the students to undertake self-managed activities, as far as is possible.

The following table presents a survey of learning, teaching and assessment methods in the modules for the Foundation programme.

LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGIES / ASSESSMENT METHODS
Lecture / Tutorial / Seminar / Workshop / Critiques of Work / Studio Practice / Statement of Intent / Essay / Seminar Presentation / Presentation Studio Work
1. Information
& Research / x / x / x / x
2. Recording & Responding / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
3. Media
Experimentation / x / x / x
4. Information &
Interpretation / x / x / x / x
5. Combined
Experimental Studies / x / x / x
6. Media
Development / x / x / x
7. Preparation &
Progression / x / x / x / x / x / x
8. Integrating
Theory &
Practice / x / x / x
9. Personal
Confirmatory
Study / x / x / x

The following tables present a transparent matrix containing all the processes/main skills and their location within the Foundation programme.

FOUNDATION STUDIES (ART & DESIGN) SKILLS MATRIX

Knowledge & Understanding

Modules contributing to intended learning outcomes: / Foundation Modules
On successful completion of this programme students will have the knowledge and understanding required to:
develop faculties and skills which lead to self-reliant learning
develop awareness of the opportunities within art & design
engage with concepts, contexts and values in art & design practice / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9
Information & Research / Recording & Responding / Media Experimentation / Information & Interpretation / Combined Experimental Studies / Media Development / Preparation & Progression / Integrating Theory & Practice / Personal Confirmatory Study
use a range of art & design working processes / x / x
record the environment, generate ideas and create solutions / x
analyse, evaluate and communicate attitudes and information / x
make reference to contemporary practice in developing ideas and solutions / x / x
apply critical judgement when prioritising approaches to meet objectives / x
exploit the potential and limitations of media and materials in developing work and the expression of ideas / x / x
present a rationale for the ‘statement of intention’ / x
reflect upon, evaluate and assess the outcomes of their studio practice / x / x
apply experience gained on the programme to develop working methods / x / x

Practical Skills

Modules contributing to intended learning outcomes: / Foundation Modules
On completion of this programme students will:
produce a range of art & design work appropriate to their goals
explore skills & concepts central to art & design practice
synthesise understanding and technical skills and articulate ideas / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9
Information & Research / Recording & Responding / Media Experimentation / Information & Interpretation / Combined Experimental Studies / Media Development / Preparation & Progression / Integrating Theory & Practice / Personal Confirmatory Study
experiment with a range of working processes and techniques / x / x
maintain records of working methods & practice / x
explore potential & limitations of media / x / x / x
manipulate media & technology safely / x / x / x
select media & materials to suit creative intentions / x / x
combine media techniques & technology in producing outcomes / x / x
outline & plan projects for producing work / x / x / x
select, prepare & display final work in a professional manner / x / x
develop & realise work within time available / x / x
integrate practical skills & technical understanding within a chosen direction / x / x

FOUNDATION STUDIES (ART & DESIGN) SKILLS MATRIX

Cognitive Skills

Modules contributing to intended learning outcomes: / Foundation Modules
On successful completion of this programme
students will :
demonstrate critical awareness of the contemporary visual world and art & design practice
identify and interpret their own strengths and direction / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9
Information & Research / Recording & Responding / Media Experimentation / Information & Interpretation / Combined Experimental Studies / Media Development / Preparation & Progression / Integrating Theory & Practice / Personal Confirmatory Study
clarify, plan & carry out thorough and wide ranging research from a broad range of sources / x
analyse and create a personal response to observations and set objectives / x
develop awareness of creative intentions when researching ideas / x
analyse others work in terms of ideas, feelings and information / x / x
analyse technical and aesthetic qualities of development work / x / x
identify aims and opportunities that match interests and aspirations / x
negotiate a brief which enables skills to be clearly demonstrated / x
demonstrate that they have researched their area of study and have identified the intentions and process required to achieve their goals / x / x
articulate a developing understanding of their own practice in both verbal and written forms / x
apply experience, skills and understanding when creating solutions to problems / x / x
evaluate working methods and outcomes identifying opportunities for development and improvement / x / x

Key/transferable Skills

Modules contributing to intended learning outcomes: / Foundation Modules
On successful completion of this programme
students will :
demonstrate a professional and responsible attitude to self,
others and all aspects of study
communicate visually, verbally & in writing
use research skills in developing working practice
identify and exploit relevant research sources and information / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9
Information & Research / Recording & Responding / Media Experimentation / Information & Interpretation / Combined Experimental Studies / Media Development / Preparation & Progression / Integrating Theory & Practice / Personal Confirmatory Study
take an independent role in developing work and working processes / x / x / x
develop skills in using visual language to communicate / x
develop skills in using words to communicate / x / x / x
use information technology to the required standard / x / x / x / x
demonstrate presentation skills / x / x
work to deadlines / x / x / x
apply critical judgement in the identification of practical and professional objectives / x / x / x

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Modules of assessment involve taught sessions, lectures, seminars and workshops followed by an assignment to generate evidence of learning through practical work. Self-directed learning is then supported and monitored via tutorial guidance. Assignment Briefs clearly give information under the following headings: Aims reflecting learning outcomes and assessment criteria, objectives specifying evidence required and tasks identifying the process of working and schedule. Students are expected to record and collate their work in preparation for assessment and keep a journal of ‘self reflective practice’. Assignments require an element of independent research, learning and evaluation of quantity and quality of achievement. Assessment methods will include submission of essays, oral presentations, and art and design portfolios.

4 Programme structure and requirements

The Foundation programme is structured by 9 modules, which divide into 3 main stages. Each module represents 60 guided learning hours involving student / staff contact (total 540hrs). Delivery is supported by coursework assignments and self-directed learning (total 180hrs). Students may attend full time over one year or part time over 2 years. In addition we have a programme of OCN units (Art & Design Extension Programme) offering further qualifications in specific process-based skills that provides flexible access to further achievement (total 150hrs). ( See ‘Timeline’ below)

Semester 1

STAGE 1 EXPLORATORY

Unit 1Information & Research

Unit 2 Recording & Responding

Unit 3 Media Experimentation

Semesters 1 and 2

STAGE 2 PATHWAY

Unit 4 Information & Interpretation

Unit 5 Combined Experimental Studies

Unit 6 Media Development

Unit 7 Preparation & Progression

Semester 2

STAGE 3 CONFIRMATORY

Unit 8 Integrating Theory & Practice

Unit 9 Personal Confirmatory Study

FOUNDATION STUDIES (Art & Design)

TIMELINE

Semester 1 / Semester 2
weeks / 5 / 10 / 15 / 5 / 10 / 15
Information & Research
8 hrs per week
Recording & Responding
(Life Drawing)
8 hrs per week
30 hrs total
Media Experimentation
(Photography)
8 hrs per week
30 hrs total
Information & Interpretation
6 hrs per week
Combined Experimental Studies
(Drawing Application)
6 hrs per week
30 hrs total
Media Development
(Option Unit 1)
(Option Unit 2)
6 hrs per week
30 hrs total
30 hrs total
Preparation & Progression
6 hrs per week
Integrating Theory & Practice
12 hrs per week
Personal Confirmatory Study
12 hrs per week

5 Criteria for admission to the programme:

• 5 GCSE passes, grade C or above to include English
• Completion of a two year programme post GCSE ( A levels, AVCE, National Diploma)
• A portfolio of work showing potential and commitment to art & design
• Students over 21 may be an exception and will be considered on merit

6 Information about assessment regulations:

6.1 Students are required to submit a ‘Statement of Intention ‘ for their final stage examination. This statement identifies direction and methodology for the final stage of the programme.

6.2 All taught modules provided by the School of Art and Design will be assessed on the basis of coursework.

6.3 Each module must be passed to achieve the Diploma. Each module is achieved by satisfying the assessment criteria stated in each module specification. Students may not proceed to final stage examination until all previous modules are passed.

6.4 Modules are assessed at the end of each stage and students are given written

feedback regarding progress.

6.5 Final stage work is assessed using the grading criteria specified by Edexcel.

6.6 Students are awarded an overall grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction for the

programme.

6.7 In accordance with both the University Assessment Regulations and Edexcel guidance, candidates who fail a module have the right of re-assessment and will be offered an opportunity to be re-assessed in a special re-assessment period.

7.Particular support for learning:

i) Departmental Support

The department has an integrated structure for the management, appraisal and planning of teaching and learning. This is comprised of

a Co-ordinator of Teaching and Learning (who manages teaching committee and has overall responsibility for teaching matters),

Programme Co-ordinators have responsibility for the academic content and the general organisation of the course, and the academic welfare of the students),

Year Co-ordinators monitor students performance and attendance and

Personal Tutors who are responsible for matters relating to academic welfare.

A tutor to co-ordinate support for international students

The Department prepares a handbook for students, which is available via the internet with important information including the management structure of the department, programme and module specifications and general points relating to coursework, assessment and student advice and support.

Students are also assigned a personal tutor who is responsible for their personal welfare who arranges to see them regularly during the first semester. Thereafter the personal tutor arranges to see their tutees at important times, such as after assessment, at the start of a new year or when problems have been raised in respect to the tutees by Year Coordinator, Programme Director or Director of Teaching.

The Internal examiners for each module meet with students after every semester to discuss performance, to give constructive feedback and to indicate possible additional sources of help.

ii) Technical Support

The School has well equipped workshops with experienced technical staff in all programme areas, which are available to all students, irrespective of their programme specialisation. In addition, it is often possible to find specialised technical advice from staff in other university departments.

ii) University Support

Careers Service:

The Careers Service provides support and advice for students seeking careers guidance and help with job-searching techniques, together with a library of careers resources, careers fairs, employer presentations, management and skills courses and a comprehensive website containing vacancies and information. In the UK Graduate Careers survey, sponsored by the Times Newspaper, Loughborough University Careers Service was rated as one of the most impressive with over 80% of students rating it as good or excellent. The service has also been identified by employers as the amongst the top ten Higher Education careers services in the 2003 Association of graduate Recruiters/Barkers survey.

Library:

The University Library provides advanced support for student learning in a purpose-built building and electronically via the web. It is open for upwards of 80 hours per week during semester and holds a stock of more than half a million volumes and an extensive serials collection. Numerous PC workstations (100+), networked printing facilities and self-service photocopiers are also available. The Library is designated EDC (European Documentation Centre). The Library catalogue is available on-line, as are electronic versions of reading lists. Over 180 subject-specific electronic databases can be accessed by users both on campus and elsewhere. The Library organises induction sessions for first year students and librarians can provide flexible training for students and researchers throughout their time at Loughborough. User support is also available from the Library information desks, via printed and online guides and through a series of ‘Lunchtime in the Library’ and other training sessions. There are a variety of study environments in the Library, including individual and group study desks, private carrels and group study rooms

Computing Services:

Computing Services provides the University IT facilities and infrastructure. General purpose computer resources across campus are open 24 hours and more specialist computer laboratories are provided in partnership with departments. Students in halls of residence are supported in connecting their computers to the high speed network. The University’s virtual learning environment “LEARN” provides on and off campus access to web-based teaching materials provided by lecturing staff.