Assessment 1: Project
You will plan, develop and realise an individual creative project that reflects your emerging interests within art, design, creative media, or music and sound. The project should demonstrate your ability to generate ideas, select appropriate methods, experiment with materials or processes, and produce a resolved creative output.

Your final output may take a range of forms (e.g. artefact, visual work, media piece, sound work, prototype or digital output) and should show evidence of creative decision-making, basic research, and reflection on feedback received throughout the project. The assessment focuses on process as well as output, recognising experimentation, development and problem-solving appropriate to Level 3.

Assessment 2: Reflective Report or Presentation
You will create a reflective report or presentation that reviews how your project has developed and what you have learned during the module. Your reflection should discuss your creative process, the skills you have developed, how you have used feedback, and how this project helps prepare you for Level 4 study or future creative opportunities.

You may submit your reflection in one of the following formats:

Option 1: Written reflection with supporting visuals – word count 900
Option 2: Audio recording with image folder – 3-5 mins
Option 3: Video reflection with supporting visuals – 3-5 mins

This allows you to present your learning in a format that best suits your strengths. The assessment focuses on self-reflection, honesty, and showing a growing understanding of academic and professional expectations.

Formative Assessment:
Midway formative feedback will be embedded within practical sessions, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support student development and progression.

- Introduction to independent project planning at pre-HE level
- Developing a simple project proposal based on personal interests
- Managing time, tasks, and creative workload
- One-to-one tutorials to support confidence and direction
- Developing a small body of resolved work
- Introduction to portfolio selection and presentation
- Preparing for progression to Level 4 study
- Understanding expectations of undergraduate creative study
- Developing a personal statement and progression plan
- Final exhibition or showcase (physical or digital)
- Reflecting on learning, strengths, and areas for development

1. Produce an independent creative project that demonstrates your personal direction and strengths.

Programme Learning Outcome: Application & Problem Solving

2. Conduct research to support decision-making in your project and progression pathway.

Programme Learning Outcome: Research Skills

3. Communicate your project effectively in a portfolio or exhibition format.

Programme Learning Outcome: Communication

4. Reflect on your development needs and progression goals within creative industries, identifying learning opportunities to develop your skills and competencies.

Programme Learning Outcome: Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

Sessions will include:
Lectures
Workshop/ Lab/ Studio activities
Seminar discussions
Tutorials
Drop-in support sessions

- Student Life https://www.youtube.com/@uniofstaffsstudentlife/videos
- University Careers https://staffs.careercentre.me/Members
- University Library https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/library
- Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant
- Specialist Spaces
- Smart Zone
- CAD Labs
- Print Bureau
- Media Store
- Betty Smithers Design collection

Bone, R. et al. (2012) Art fundamentals: Theory and practice. London: Thames & Hudson.

Carroll, H. (2014) Read this if you want to take great photographs. London: Laurence King Publishing.

Graham-Dixon, A. (2018) Art: The definitive visual guide. London: DK.

Shutter Sisters Studios Production (2024) Mastering audio production at home: The complete guide to creating professional sound in any space. [Place of publication unknown]: Latetotheparty LLC.

Willett, A. (2021) Media production: A practical guide to radio, TV and film. 2nd edn. London: Routledge.

Where older texts are included, they are retained as foundational texts within the discipline, remaining relevant where no more recent equivalent texts are available.

In this module, you will plan and realise a self-directed major project based on your interests and strengths. With tutorial support, you will develop an idea from proposal to final output, while building a portfolio suitable for progression to higher education. The module also supports you in preparing applications, statements, and presentations. This final stage consolidates your skills, confidence, and readiness for Level 4 study.