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PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Final
PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION
Course summary
Final award
FdA Creative Metalworking
Intermediate award
FCert Creative Metalworking
Course status
Proposed
Awarding body
University of Brighton
Faculty
Arts
School
Plumpton College
Location of study/ campus
Plumpton College
Partner institution(s)
Name of institution
Host department
Course status
1.
SELECT
2.
3.
Admissions
Admissions agency
UCAS
Entry requirements
Applicants will be required to show a portfolio of work at interview and
should meet the following criteria:
• Completion of a full Level 3 qualification for example: A levels (DD
or above), relevant BTEC Diploma (MPP) or Foundation Diploma in
Art and Design. In certain circumstances applicants may be
considered if they can provide evidence of prior learning.
• International students will be requested to provide a digital portfolio,
evidence of IELTS 6.5 and 6 in writing, and equivalent level 3
qualifications.
Include any progression opportunities
into the course.
Start date (mmm-yy)
Sep-14
Normally September
Mode of study
Mode of study
Duration of study (standard)
Maximum registration period
Full-time
2 years
5 years
Part-time
4 years
6 years
Sandwich
Select
Select
Distance
Select
Select
Course codes/categories
UCAS code
Page 1 of 12
Contacts
Course Leader (or Course
Development Leader)
Cath Laffan
cath.laffan@plumpton.ac.uk
Admissions Tutor
The Admissions Team
admissions@plumpton.ac.uk
01273 892082
Examination and Assessment
Name
Place of work
Date tenure expires
Amanda Bright
Central St. Martins
30/09/18
External Examiner(s)
Examination Board(s)
(AEB/CEB)
Land-Based AEB and CEB
Approval and review
Approval date
Validation
12/05/141
Programme Specification
12/05/143
Review date
2
July 154
5
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 1 (if
applicable):
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 2 (if
applicable):
Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 3 (if
applicable):
1
Date of original validation.
Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years).
3
Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September).
4
Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is
applicable to a particular cohort, please state here.
5
Date of most recent review by accrediting/ approving external body.
2
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PART 2: COURSE DETAILS
AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Aims
The aims of the course are:





To encourage and enable students to develop an individual, reflective approach to design and
innovative working practices, encompassing and developing individual visual languages and
styles, through practical skills and critical evaluation.
To enable students to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of metalworking
techniques and processes, both small and large scale, covering a wide variety of metals and
some additional materials, where appropriate to the design or line of investigation.
To promote the understanding and knowledge of both contemporary and historical working
practices in craft with an emphasis on creative metalworking.
To promote through guided work placements and professional studies a comprehensive
understanding of the modern working practices essential for the designer-maker.
To enable students to produce a body of work that can act as a springboard for future projects,
equipping and preparing students for continuing personal development and professional
practice.
Learning outcomes
The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are demonstrated by
students following the course. These are mapped to external reference points where appropriate6.
On successful completion of the course the graduate should be able to:
Knowledge and theory
1. Source and research relevant material, from both primary and
secondary sources, reflecting on and developing individualised
means of articulating findings.
2. Analyse information and experiences and formulate independent
judgments
3. Present and apply research as a means of concept generation.
Skills
Includes intellectual skills (i.e.
generic skills relating to
academic study, problem
solving, evaluation, research
etc.) and professional/
practical skills.
6
4. Study independently, set goals, manage workloads and meet
deadlines.
5. Develop proposals, solutions or arguments to set briefs and/or
self-initiated activities.
6. Generate and develop ideas and concepts.
7. Identify and solve design problems
8. Integrate concept development, research, reflective practice and
critical awareness in the development of designs.
9. Select, test and make appropriate use of materials, processes
and environments
10. Work creatively in the application of metalworking processes and
techniques.
11. Show knowledge and understanding of a wide variety of
metalworking techniques and processes, both small and large
scale, using additional materials where appropriate to line of
investigation.
12. Demonstrate safe working practices
13. Develop ideas through to outcomes
14. Realise and articulate ideas and information comprehensively in
visual, oral and written forms
15. Critically reflect on own and other’s work, formulating reasoned
responses to the critical judgments of others.
16. Identify personal strengths and needs and reflect on personal
development
Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details.
Page 3 of 12
17. Present ideas and work to audiences in a range of situations
18. Research and analyse contemporary and historical working
practices in craft with an emphasis on creative metalworking.
19. Plan, write, illustrate and present fully referenced formal written
academic research in the context of historical and/or
contemporary craft.
20. Describe modern working practices involved in the areas of
designer making and studio practice led careers.
21. Complete a successful work placement demonstrating a
reflective approach through the production of a journal.
QAA subject benchmark
statement (where
applicable)7
QAA Art and Design 2008
PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable)
Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements,
and what students are required to undertake, are included.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
Learning and teaching methods
This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours and any
specific requirements in terms of practical/ clinical-based learning. The indicative list of learning and
teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course delivered by each method and
details where a particular method relates to a particular element of the course.
This Foundation Degree will employ a wide range of approaches to teaching and learning based around
a core of studio and workshop tuition integrated with work-related learning.
Initially students will receive a series of inductions into the department’s workshop facilities,
metalworking techniques and processes.
Lectures will support and enhance the content and learning outcomes of modules and provide the
backbone of the Contextual Studies module.
Live practically based, creative projects centred on response to set briefs, combined with a series of
lectures and seminars covering Professional Practice and a placement (in year two) will provide workrelated learning and experience. Seminars and group critiques provide a vehicle for group discussion
and debate within the context of student presentations and reviews. Students will be supported
throughout their studies by regular tutorials with module leaders, course leaders and visiting lecturers.
Typically time will be divided following the table below:
Learning and Teaching Method
% of Student Effort
Lectures, tutorials, seminars, inductions, demonstrations, taught
practical workshop time
Normally 30%
Independent study
Normally 70%
7
Please refer to the QAA website for details.
Page 4 of 12
Work related learning, work placement and employer involvement
In the Work Placement module students will complete a work placement of 120 hours in their second
year. This module will be delivered in partnership with the Professional Practice module, covering
aspects of business and professional practice associated with studio based designer makers. Individuals
will be expected to research placements relevant to their interests and career aspirations in association
with their tutors. The placements are vetted and monitored ensuring effective learning opportunities that
enable the learning outcomes for the module to be realised. Students will keep and submit a journal
detailing their progress through the placement, evidencing reflective self-assessment.
Education for sustainable development
Students are invited to research and debate sustainable practices regarding the use of metals,
emissions from machinery and the use of potentially harmful materials in production and fabrication
processes. All practical modules will involve this continuing debate as students make choices on
materials and techniques to be investigated and used.
The use of recycled and responsibly sourced materials are positively encouraged in all practical modules
and the FdA in Creative Metalworking will equip students to deliver intelligent solutions to the problems
surrounding the use of materials in a sustainable manner.
This course is one that provides an appreciation of the environmental, social, political and economic
issues surrounding the concept of sustainability and introduces an understanding of what sustainability
means. The creative sector tends towards community projects and often involves individuals combining
resources for mutual support such as shared working spaces and community Arts Projects.
Course delivery will be supported through the use of Plumpton College’s VLE (Plumpton On-Line). POL
provides students with remote access to a broad range of programme materials and also centrally
administered materials such as e-mail facilities and information covering Health and Safety. We also run
a Facebook page ‘Plumpton Hammers’, providing images, information and an on-line forum for
discussion and peer exchange.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment methods
This section sets out the summative assessment methods on the course and includes details on where
to find further information on the criteria used in assessing coursework. It also provides an assessment
matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the volume of assessment in the course.
The assessment procedures will comply with the University's General Examination & Assessment
Regulations (GEAR)
Throughout the programme assessment and formative feedback will be given in the form of tuitions,
group critiques and on-going reviews. Summative assessment will be towards the end of each module.
Assessment consists of students submitting a range of work for scrutiny. Practical skills will be assessed
by objects fabricated alongside accompanying technical journals, reports and observation of
performance in the workshops. Intellectual work will be assessed through a range of studio projects,
presentations and written work.
Assessment for each module is holistic and the work presented will be marked as a whole against a
number of criteria from which a single mark will be derived. Written and verbal feedback will be provided
following assessment.
Award learning outcome
Assessment methods
Page 5 of 12
Modules
Number
of credits
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Source and research
relevant material, from
both primary and
secondary sources,
reflecting on and
developing individualized
means of articulating
findings.
Portfolio, practical, project, crit
PM106 Design/Make
Project 1
20
Portfolio, presentation, crit
PM103 Visual Research
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM204 Design/Make
Project 2
40
Analyse information and
experiences and
formulate independent
judgements
Portfolio, presentation, crit
PM103 Visual Research
20
Essay
PM104; PM203
Contextual & Historical
Studies 1 & 2
40
Present and apply
research as a means of
concept generation.
Portfolio, presentation, crit
PM103 Visual Research
20
Portfolio, practical, project,
presentation, critiques
PM106 Design/Make
Project 1; PM103 Visual
Research
40
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM201 Batch Production
20
Essay
PM203 Contextual &
Historical Studies 2
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM204 Design/Make
Project 2
40
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM204 Design/Make
Project 2
40
Portfolio, practical, project, crit
PM106 Design/Make
Project 1
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM201 Batch Production
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM204 Design/Make
Project 2
40
Portfolio, practical, project, crit
PM106 Design/Make
Project 1
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM201 Batch Production
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM204 Design/Make
Project 2
40
Portfolio, practical, project, crit
PM106 Design/Make
Project 1
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM201 Batch Production
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM204 Design/Make
Project 2
40
Portfolio, practical, project, crit
PM106 Design/Make
Project 1
20
Study independently, set
goals, manage workloads
and meet deadlines.
Develop proposals,
solutions or arguments to
set briefs and/or selfinitiated activities.
Generate and develop
ideas and concepts.
Identify and solve design
problems
Page 6 of 12
8.
9.
Integrate concept
development, research,
reflective practice and
critical awareness in the
development of designs.
Select, test and make
appropriate use of
materials, processes and
environments
10. Work creatively in the
application of
metalworking processes
and techniques.
11. Show knowledge and
understanding of a wide
variety of metalworking
techniques and
processes, both small and
large scale, using
additional materials where
appropriate to line of
investigation.
12. Demonstrate safe working
practices
13. Develop ideas through to
outcomes
14. Realise and articulate
ideas and information
comprehensively in visual,
oral and written forms
15. Critically reflect on own
and other’s work,
formulating reasoned
responses to the critical
judgments of others.
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM201 Batch Production
20
Portfolio, practical
PM101 Blacksmithing
techniques and processes
20
Portfolio, practical
PM102 Jewellery
techniques and processes
20
Samples, journal, practical
PM105 Welding and
Metallurgy
20
Portfolio, practical
PM101 Blacksmithing
techniques and processes
20
Portfolio, practical
PM102 Jewellery
techniques and processes
20
Portfolio, practical
PM101 Blacksmithing
techniques and processes
20
Portfolio, practical
PM102 Jewellery
techniques and processes
20
Samples, journal, practical
PM105 Welding and
Metallurgy
20
Portfolio, practical
PM101 Blacksmithing
techniques and processes
20
Portfolio, practical
PM102 Jewellery
techniques and processes
20
Samples, journal, practical
PM105 Welding and
Metallurgy
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM204 Design/Make
Project 2
40
Portfolio, practical, project, crit
PM106 Design/Make
Project 1
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM201 Batch Production
20
Portfolio, presentation, crit
PM103 Visual Research
20
Essay
PM104; PM203
Contextual & Historical
Studies 1 & 2
40
Essay
PM202 Professional
Practice
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM204 Design/Make
Project 2
40
Portfolio, practical, project, crit
PM106 Design/Make
Project 1
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM201 Batch Production
20
Portfolio, presentation, crit
PM103 Visual Research
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM204 Design/Make
Project 2
40
Page 7 of 12
16. Identify personal strengths
and needs and reflect on
personal development
17. Present ideas and work to
audiences in a range of
situations
18. Research and analyse
contemporary and
historical working
practices in craft with an
emphasis on creative
metalworking.
19. Plan, write, illustrate and
present fully referenced
formal written academic
research in the context of
historical and/or
contemporary craft.
20. Describe modern working
practices involved in the
areas of designer making
and studio practice led
careers.
21. Complete a successful
work placement
demonstrating a reflective
approach through the
production of a journal.
Portfolio, practical, project, crit
PM106 Design/Make
Project 1
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM201 Batch Production
20
Portfolio, presentation, crit
PM103 Visual Research
20
Journal
PL206 Work Placement
20
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM204 Design/Make
Project 2
40
Portfolio, project,
presentation/crit & exhibition
PM201 Batch Production
20
Portfolio, presentation, crit
PM103 Visual Research
20
Essay
PM104 Contextual &
Historical Studies 1
20
Essay
PM203 Contextual &
Historical Studies 2
20
Essay
PM104 Contextual &
Historical Studies 1
20
Essay
PM203 Contextual &
Historical Studies 2
20
Essay
PM202 Professional
Practice
10
Journal
PL206 Work Placement
10
SUPPORT AND INFORMATION
Institutional/ University
All students benefit from
Plumpton College induction week
Student Handbook
Course Handbook
Extensive library facilities
Computer pool rooms (12 laptops available in department; 24 in library)
HE computer room with 16 computers and printing facilities
A1; A2 printer; A3 scanner
HE common room
2 x quiet study rooms for HE use
HE student support officer
Plumpton VLE (POL) with HE study skills area
E-mail address
Welfare service
Personal tutor for advice and guidance
Page 8 of 12
Course-specific
Additional support, specifically
where courses have nontraditional patterns of delivery
(e.g. distance learning and
work-based learning) include:
In addition, students on this course benefit from:
Extensive workshops and metalworking tools and equipment
Individual lockers for storage of work
Shared design studio
Staff with full range of skills and expertise to deliver the programme content
and assessment
PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
COURSE STRUCTURE
This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and
progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here.
The detailed programme structure is shown on the following page.
Students must achieve a minimum of 240 credits to achieve the full award. By the end of Year 1,
students will have a minimum of 120 credits at Level 4. At this stage they may opt to accept the
Foundation Certificate as an exit award. This award is offered at Pass Level.
Live projects centred on response to set briefs, combined with a series of lectures and seminars
covering Professional Practice and a placement (in year two) will provide work-related learning and
experience.
Students will complete a work placement of 120 hours in their second year. Individuals will be expected
to research placements relevant to their interests and career aspirations in association with their tutors.
The placements are vetted and monitored ensuring effective learning opportunities that enable the
learning outcomes for the module to be realised. Students will keep and submit a journal detailing their
progress through the placement, evidencing reflective self-assessment. Work placement providers are
required to provide a reference for students detailing aspects of the student performance.
This Foundation Degree programme provides a progression route to other qualifications. Students can
progress to Level 6 of an appropriate honours degree.
Students who wish to top up to a full degree can apply to the BA (Hons) Design and Craft at the
University of Brighton. Other top up options include the BA Artist Blacksmith degree currently offered at
Hereford Art College.
The Art and Design QAA Subject Benchmark has been referred to closely when writing the Aims of the
programme.
Modules
Status:
M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award)
C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award)
O = Optional (optional modules)
Level
4
4
4
4
4
Module
code
PM101
PM102
PM103
PM104
PM105
Status
Module title
Sem
C
C
C
C
C
Blacksmithing Techniques and Processes
Jewellery Techniques and Processes
Visual Research
Contextual and Historical Studies 1
Welding and Metallurgy
Page 9 of 12
1
1
Year
Year
2
Credit
20
20
20
20
20
4
PM106
C
5
5
5
5
5
5
PM201
C
C
C
C
C
C
PL206
PM202
PM203
PM204
Batch Production
Faculty Options – various
Work Placement
Professional Practice
Contextual and Historical Studies 2
Design/Make Project 2
Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
PM101 Blacksmithing Techniques & Processes
(20 credits)
PM105 Welding & Metallurgy
(20 credits)
PM102 Jewellery Techniques & Processes
(20 credits)
PM106 Design/Make Project 1
(20 credits)
PM103 Visual Research (20 credits)
PM104 Contextual & Historical Studies 1 (20 credits)
Year 2
Semester 1
Semester 2
Faculty Option (UoB)
(20 credits)
PM204 Design/Make Project 2
(40 credits)
PM201 Batch Production
(20 credits)
PM202 Professional Practice (10 credits)
PL206 Work Placement 2 (10 credits)
PM203 Contextual & Historical Studies 2 (20 credits)
Page 10 of 12
2
20
1
1
Year
Year
Year
2
20
20
10
10
20
40
AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION
Award type
Final
Award* Title
FdA
Intermediate FCert
Level
Eligibility for award
Total credits8
Minimum credits9
Classification of award
Ratio of marks10:
Class of award
Creative Metalworking
5
Total credit 240
Minimum credit at level of Level 5 marks
award 90
Foundation degree
Creative Metalworking
4
Total credit 120
Minimum credit at level of Level 4 marks
award 90
Not applicable
Select
Select Total credit Select
Minimum credit at level of Select
award Select
Select
Select
Select Total credit Select
Minimum credit at level of Select
award Select
Select
Select
Select Total credit Select
Minimum credit at level of Select
award Select
Select
*Foundation degrees only
Progression routes from award:
Award classifications
Mark/ band %
Foundation degree
Honours degree
Postgraduate11 degree (excludes
PGCE and BM BS)
70% - 100%
Distinction
First (1)
Distinction
60% - 69.99%
Merit
Upper second (2:1)
Merit
Lower second (2:2)
Pass
50% - 59.99%
40% - 49.99%
Pass
Third (3)
8
Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award.
Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award.
10
Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding
class of award.
11
Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters.
9
Page 11 of 12
EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS
Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section.
The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the
University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available
from staffcentral or studentcentral).
Specific regulations
which materially affect
assessment,
progression and award
on the course
e.g. Where referrals or repeat
of modules are not permitted
in line with the University’s
General Examination and
Assessment Regulations for
Taught Courses.
Exceptions required by
PSRB
These require the approval of
the Chair of the Academic
Board
Document template revised: 2010
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