Module: CAP6100-20 Professional Practice: independent project

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Matt Robertson

Module Tutor Contact Details: M.Robertson@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description of module

This module aims to prepare you for a career as a practitioner or employee within the creative industries.

This module aims to facilitate your personal ambition and develop your professionalism, entrepreneurialism and skills for life and work.

Through a self directed independent project supported by a range of teaching and learning strategies you will exercise your initiative and develop your confidence and communication skills.

2.Outline syllabus

Through tutorial support and individual initiative and research, you will consolidate your personal development/career plan so as undertake and sustain a suitable project from one of the following areas:

• Organising, participating in and/or curating an offsite public exhibition of work (as an individual or group).

• Producing a publication (as an individual or group).

• Undertaking a live performance (as an individual or group).

• Applying for and participating in an externally funded project.

• Undertaking work experience.

• Working within a community.

• Working with a school.

While undertaking this project you will be supported by tutors through regular tutorials and group seminars.

You will be expected to attend workshops from professionals and university careers advisors who assist you in identifying opportunities and developing relevant professional skills necessary for you to undertake your project.

Field of art seminars and lectures will also continue to provide you with practical information and guidance relevant to your ambition and career plans, by offering the following talks and seminars: applying for funding and residencies, artist survival strategies, managing a practice, self-employment, applying for further study, developing a CV and professional portfolio.

If you choose to undertake a placement you will need to complete all relevant placement forms. Throughout your placement you will need to ensure you adhere to the requirements of the University’s Work Placement Policy.

Working with schools and communities will require you to research appropriate ethical means by which you will be able to document and record your projects.

With tutor guidance will be required to complete relevant ethical and risk assessment forms according to university guidelines.

3.Teaching and learning activities

• Individual tutorial to develop and identify personal development/career plan and appropriate project.

• Independent study.

• Individual and peer group tutorials.

• Staff and student presentations and seminars.

• Lectures from visiting artists and professionals.

• Advice and support in developing career opportunities

• Peer and self-evaluation appraisals.

• Tutorial to assist develop written reflective evaluation of personal progress.

• Year group meetings.

• Study trips.

• Weekly student led group activities.

You will be introduced to and encouraged to investigate opportunities to develop and support your graduate career via the university’s careers and employability programme (for example Santander Enterprise funding opportunities, Bath sparks competitions, and BSU’s graduate venture fund, amongst others).

Students undertaking group work should clearly identify their input, role and responsibilities within the collaborative project.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description:  Project folder consisting of supporting work, relevant research and reflective journal.

• % Weighting: 80%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Critical evaluation of achievements and identification of acquired skills (1000 words)

• % Weighting: 20%