As appropriate to the individual student

Students are expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities available within the University; keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate periodicals, websites/blogs and being aware of the work of major practitioners in their subject.

Design studios
Appropriate ceramic workshops and related materials.
Specific Computing workshops

Non-specialist computing facilities for email, internet access, word processing, database, spreadsheet and basic presentations will be available through LLRS/ITS facilities on campus, not from within the School itself - the exception being the School's Student Browsers based in studios which will support email and internet access.

Specialist skills for Art and Design modules are delivered, at the appropriate level, within dedicated workshop units. These skills packages have been developed to be offered to all students across awards to enhance and develop their abilities and also to underpin workshop use with the necessary health and safety training.

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

The learning activity is centred on project based independent study. This is supported by a range of tutor led strategies including group seminars and individual tutorials. An appropriate level of academic guidance with assistance from relevant learning support staff (LST) in workshop practices.

In practice-based modules, appropriate student supervision beyond the stated contact learning hours is determined by the number of students enrolled on the module per semester, and will be in accordance with current health and safety requirements.

This module will provide you with an opportunity to undertake a negotiated programme of personal design research and development leading to a substantial body of design work. You will exercise appropriate research, design and craft skills in demonstrating your ability to synthesise your acquired knowledge, experience and expertise. The theme of the project will be determined by you in negotiation with your supervisory team. You will be expected to define its subject and context within the spectrum of international ceramic design practices and markets, and to identify and agree a schedule for its completion. The project may where applicable involve dialogue and communication with an external partner/company.

The chosen theme should be closely allied to your proposed career path and you would be expected where appropriate to exploit the knowledge and experience gained during the period of work experience.

100% coursework. The presentation of a cohesive body of research and design practice supplemented by a written design report (to include as applicable, documentation of the industrial placement experience), consistent with the aims and objectives of the module.
[Learning Outcomes 1-10]

The submission of work for the project, including:
All research and exploratory ideas [Learning Outcomes 1-3]
Portfolio and related mood/story boards [Learning Outcomes 2-5]
Ceramic developments and conclusions [Learning Outcomes 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 8, 10]
A written report, outlining the project aims, rationale and conclusions [Learning Outcomes 1,5,6,7,8,9]
A verbal presentation [Learning Outcomes 3,7,8]

To achieve a Pass grade in this module you must have completed and submitted on time all the work detailed in your negotiated masters project, demonstrating achievement of all the learning outcomes consistent with the specific rationale, aims and objectives of your project. The design work produced should be of an appropriate professional level. Your ceramic conclusions should demonstrate innovation and creativity and show a sympathetic translation from your original ideas. The realisation of the work should demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions and an analysis of appropriate media and process and and be able to articulate sensibly the relationship within a professional ceramic design context. The work will be ably supported by a written and verbal presentation in locating your work in an appropriate industrial and market context.

Additionally, to achieve a Distinction you must demonstrate an outstanding level of innovation and originality in your ceramic design work. The artistic and design merit of your work will be beyond question. You would also be expected to demonstrate an exceptional level of professionalism in communicating and debating the particular location of your work.