This module supports students in developing their reflective practice and defining areas for personal professional development, in the context of a growing awareness of the broad scope of creative media production. Students will define and implement personal professional development plans; through an investigation of the skills necessary to successfully pursue a career in the creative industries.

This module includes

Historic development of creative media production: Filmmaking Television Radio Web App Games.
Contemporary creative media production: Media/platform conversion New technologies Multi-skilling.
Creative media production professions: Designer Producer Director Scriptwriter Developer.

Careers in creative media production
Organisational structures in creative media production: Roles, Company structures, Freelance versus employed.

Defining career goals
Planning and conducting a skills audit
Employability skills and qualities Subject-specific skills
Transferable skills
Type of professional development activities
SMART target setting

The role of reflection for creative practitioners
Importance of updating professional development plans regularly
How reflective practice can assist lifelong learning.

1 Hour Lecture per week
1 Hour Workshop per week

1. Explore the creative media production professions, through research into historic and contemporary precedent Enquiry
2. Discuss personal career goals in relation to the range of roles and subjects in the creative industries Communication
3. Define personal development plans, highlighting areas to support specific career goals and general skills
Learning
4. Critically reflect on the achievement of personal development goals and plan for the future.
Reflection

mindtools.com Mind Tools Homepage (General Reference)
nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk National Career Service Homepage (General Reference)
skillsyouneed.com Skills You Need Homepage (General Reference)

BARTON, G. (2016) Don't Get a Job... Make a Job: How to make it as a creative graduate. London: Laurence King. COTTRELL, S. (2015) Skills for Success: Personal Development and Employability. 3rd ed. London: Palgrave.
DAVIES, R. (2013) Introducing the Creative Industries: From Theory to Practice. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. HESMONDHALGH, D. (2012) The Cultural Industries. 3rd ed. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
HOWKINS, J. (2013) The Creative Economy: How People Make Money from Ideas. 2nd ed. London: Penguin.
KIRTON, B. (2012) Brilliant Workplace Skills for Students and Graduates. Harlow: Prentice Hall/Pearson.
TROUGHT, F. (2012) Brilliant Employability Skills. Harlow: Pearson.

The creative industries are always changing in response to development in technology, social change and cultural conditions. Developing an awareness of the breadth of the industry; and the opportunities and challenges within, is a key skill for those entering the field. Evaluating one’s own aims and ambitions, in relation to the roles within the industry, allows for planning and growth toward a desired future.

As well as defining and pursuing career goals, creative practitioners must schedule time, both to reflect and plan for personal professional development. This can help those working in creative industries to find inspiration and innovate, as well as prepare for external factors, such as keeping up with trends and new developments in their specialist field.

Profile Analysis Report - Select a notable figure in media production and draft a 500-word piece about their historical and current influence. (L01) Weighting 25%

• Self-Reflection Document - Create a 700-word introspection on your suitability for the creative media industry, focusing on your competencies, passions, and goals. (LO2) Weighting 25%

• Personal Development plan - Create a career development plan looking at a specific area of the games industry you wish to pursue. This will be done using Trello.(LO3) Weighting 25%

• Reflective Video Presentation - Create a 10-minute presentation video in which you outline your personal development plan and a defined set of goals (LO4) Weighting 25%