1. Demonstrate a methodical understanding of theories, concepts, and professional practice to support your continued professional development in Sound Design. Knowledge & Understanding Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

2. Undertake in-depth research and experimentation to develop, test, and refine original creative ideas or technical solutions in response to complex professional or conceptual challenges. Research Skills Application & Problem Solving

3. Produce a resolved professional-standard creative portfolio, prototype, or exhibition to suit your specialism within Sound Design. Digital Literacy Application & Problem Solving

4. Critically evaluate and develop your creative practice in response to real-world professional and societal challenges in Sound Design, working independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others. Knowledge & Understanding Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

Assessment 1: Project Proposal or Pitch

A project proposal or pitch outlining the intended project and its feasibility.

The proposal should include:
- project concept and aims
- initial contextual and practice-based research
- preliminary sustainability considerations
- proposed methodologies and production approach
- indicative project timeline and resource planning
- Research questions informing the development of your practice

Option 1: A written proposal approx. 500 words.
Option 2: A 5-minute verbal presentation.

Assessment 2: Portfolio

A resolved body of work appropriate to the student’s discipline, demonstrating creativity, technical competence, professional standards, and critical engagement with sustainability as outlined in your proposal/pitch.

Assessment 3: Reflective Journal

A curated and reflective body of evidence documenting the development of the project from conception to resolution, submitted either in written or verbal form.

This assessment emphasises critical reflection, decision-making, and engagement with sustainability throughout the creative process.

This should demonstrate:
- conceptual development and evolving intentions
- contextual and disciplinary research
- awareness of sustainability considerations relevant to the project
- methodologies and production approaches
- experimentation, iterations, and testing
- material, digital, or technical development
- problem-solving and adaptation
- reflective documentation of key decisions
- sustainability engagement (materials, processes, context, ethics)

Option 1: Written reflection with supporting visuals – word count 2400
Option 2: Audio recording with image folder – 10-12 mins
Option 3: Video reflection with supporting visuals – 10-12 mins

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.

By this stage of your degree, you will have developed a clear sense of the creative or professional direction you want to pursue.
You will have growing confidence in the methods and processes that support your practice.
The module helps you advance this understanding through a self-directed project that reflects your creative identity, showcases your specialist skills, and aligns with contemporary Creative Industries expectations. Building on prior learning, the module requires a strong commitment to independent study.
You will undertake extensive research, concept development, and iterative testing as you move through the full cycle of creative practice.
You will begin by negotiating a project proposal or set of research questions with staff, outlining:
- your intentions
- contextual framing
- a realistic timeline
- any technical and/or material needs
You will then complete a sustained period of development, addressing creative and practical challenges while refining your work to a professional standard.
Throughout the module, you will use appropriate visual /audio, material, digital, or theoretical methods. You will consider how your work communicates to relevant audiences or industry contexts. Effective time management, communication, and reflective practice will be crucial for evaluating your progress and identifying areas for improvement.
The module concludes with the presentation of a coherent, well-resolved body of work demonstrating your readiness for professional practice or further creative development.

In this self-directed module, you’ll develop a major project that reflects your specialist skills, creative ambitions, and professional direction. Through independent research, concept development, and creative outputs, you’ll work through the full cycle of creative practice, from proposal to resolved outcome. You’ll consider audience, context, and industry relevance while refining your work to a professional standard, preparing you for future creative practice or progression within the Creative Industries.

- Lectures
- Specialist workshops
- Seminar discussions
- Tutorials
- Drop-in support sessions
- Group work
- Independent and self-directed learning
- Reflective practice

Crouch, C. and Pearce, J. (2020) Doing research in design. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

Leonard, N. and Ambrose, G. (2020) Design research: Investigation for successful creative solutions. Lausanne: AVA Publishing.

Tharp, T. (2006) The creative habit: Learn it and use it for life. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Tracy, B. (2014) Time management. 1st edn. New York: American Management Association.

Williams, K., Woolliams, M. and Spiro, J. (2020) Reflective writing. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

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

- 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
- University recording studios
- University Music & Sound Apple Mac labs
- Logic Pro X, Ableton Live Suite, Pro Tools Ultimate software
- NI Komplete & McDSP software
- University Media stores and SISO
- PSE SoundQ