MFC4003 - Professional Development

Objectives:

Assessment tasks are designed to enable students to demonstrate the Learning and Employability outcomes for the relevant level of study. Level Learning Outcomes are embedded in the assessment task(s) at that level. This enables a more integrated view of overall student performance at each level.

Content:

This is a professional development module with weekly sessions, with special reference to the creative industries. In the first semester students will develop, understand and demonstrate teamworking skills through creative challenges, taught sessions, profiling and self-understanding. They will work on team presentation and pitching skills, and the ability to develop a professional persona through attitude, commitment and effective communications.. In the second semester students will be introduced to enterprise and sector analysis, especially where relating to being an independent creator. Solo presentation and pitching skills will be addressed. The emphasis changes from semester one from the details of getting employment and being an effective employee in the creative industries to the creativity and skills needed to start, maintain and grow their own production streams as independent creators.

Overall this module is designed to develop ‘soft’ or ‘people’ skills which the creative industries value and, in general, results in good professionals with an industry relevant work ethic and enquiring minds and who are engaged in the world around them.The ten Graduate attributes identified by the university form the core experience and development for the student. It is intended that activities be ‘badged’ so that students can identify the value in each.

These skills are evidenced and can be assessed in other modules consisting of group or teamwork, production or work which requires presentation or professional communications. They form a key part of the final assessment block which contains the Integrated Assessment Period at the end of the year

Learning and Teaching Information:

Lectures with breakout spaces
Hours: 32
Intended Group Size: Cohort

6 workshops
Hours: 12
Intended Group Size: Groups of no more than 16 (IT labs)

Individual support and consultancy
Hours: 6
Intended Group Size: 1

Professional Challenge Project or Work Placement
Hours: 20 (minimum)
Intended Group Size: 1

Guided independent study
Hours: 230

Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1 sees students creatively address a small team brief which is given early in the semester. It is through this they can demonstrate active understanding in the structure and dynamics of working within a team. It is expected that students present as a team, with dialogue and interaction, as well supply appropriate visuals and handouts.

Assessment 2 sees students individually assessed on a presentation. The student will demonstrate confidence, communication skills , initiative and organisation to present a limited (pecha kucha style) personal ‘story telling’ idea.

Assessment 3 sees students undertake a two-week Professional Challenge Project or a two-week work placement. Students will have the chance to opt which path they want to take during the course of the module. Guidance regarding the options will be included in the Module Handbook and supported by briefings at the beginning of Semester 2.

Assessment 4 sees students complete a Reflective Statement outlining their learning from the project/placement.

Early Assessment: there will be a formative assessment within the first 4 weeks and this will help unpack the assignment details for the 1st assignment as well as guide and inform student preparation and help introduce the University grading system.

Formative assessment is given for every assessment and throughout the module. The team presentation has a dress rehearsal in front of the tutor (where possible) and all of the marking panel, and direct feedback can be given before the final assessment is actually marked. During assessment two, students will be able to feedback to each other in small group exercises and will receive guidance on their subjects as they are working them up.

Assessment Component 003 Professional Challenge Project / Work Placement must be passed in accordance with University regulations.

Assessment:

001 Peer Adjusted Team Presentation; 5 min; 1 min per team member; end semester 1 45%
002 Individual Presentation; 5 min; end semester 2 40%
003 Professional Challenge Project or Work Placement; 20 hours minimum; end of semester 2 0%
004 Reflective Statement; 1,500 words; end of semester 2 15%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Elric Williams
Level - 4
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4YL

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