UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution & Location of
Delivery
University of Central Lancashire
3. University Department/Centre
Art, Design and Fashion
4. External Accreditation
Not Applicable
5. Title of Final Award
BA (Hons) Contemporary Crafts
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full Time Study (with part-time infill)
7. UCAS Code
W700
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
Art and Design
9. Other external influences
Not Applicable
10. Date of production/revision of this
form
April 2011
11. Aims of the Programme


To provide a programme of study into contemporary and future design crafts
To facilitate the acquisition and application of knowledge, understanding and skills in idea
generation, creative thinking, experimentation and product realisation for the design and making
of artefacts
 To provide context for creative making from cultural, social, ethical, technological and
sustainability perpectives
 To foster critical and contextual awareness and the development of a unique creative identity
 To develop craft practitioners who are equipped with personal attributes necessary for future
employment or creative entrepreneurship
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Context and methodologies of the design and craft making processes.
A2. Recognise the role of the designer maker within the creative industries.
A3. Limitations of manufacturing/production and technical content.
A4. Theoretical and practical concepts appropriate to their chosen craft activity.
A5. Develop their own personal style and philosophy.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Studio practice activity, demonstrations, lectures, seminars, project briefs and critiques, self study.
Assessment methods
Assessment will be through project work (which typically includes a visual and/or oral presentation,
supported by 2D and technical notes) students will be expected to not only display taught knowledge
but also demonstrate their ability to manipulate ideas within their own areas of activity.
B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Apply research by selecting appropriate materials, making processes and finishing techniques.
B2. Demonstrate a range of practical and conceptual skills necessary to the realisation of successful
and innovative craft solutions.
B3. Demonstrate growing working knowledge and creative application of materials, aesthetic
properties and fitness for purpose.
B4. Demonstrate within all aspects of creative study, an understanding of the requirements of
professional practice
Teaching and Learning Methods
Assignments are given to students in the form of a project brief. Formal briefing sessions will
introduce students to the particular requirements and problem set of each brief. The student will then
undertake research and produce their own concept solutions. Group seminars, presentations and
critiques followed by individual tutorials enable the students to review their progress.
Assessment methods
Coursework: Students will present a personal body of their chosen craft solutions in answer to the
brief. These will be supported by research evidence and applied through idea development, design
sketches, technology notes, trials, samples and models.
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Develop the knowledge and ability to research and source both visual and technical reference
material.
C2. Clearly explain the development of ideas from concept to finished solution while contextualising
the work.
C3. Recognition of complex technical / manufacturing issues and how to address them.
C4. Apply creative thought to a given problem.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Studio practice activity demonstrations. Power point and seminars. Project briefs and critiques.
Assessment methods
Portfolio of work which will include a Research reference file .
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. To articulate personal aspirations and rationalise your work.
D2. Develop presentation skills and professional awareness.
D3. Promote your own personal strengths.
D4. Recognise and utilise acquired key and personal transferable skills.
D5. Develop ability to function independently and with others.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lecture and seminar based presented by staff and visiting lecturers.
Peer learning and group projects, seminars will allow students to customise the information gathered
to their own needs and aspirations.
Assessment methods
Coursework: Research reference file & written report (2000 words) or equivalent
13. Programme Structures*
Level
Module
Module Title
Code
Level 6
DD3992
Honours Project
14. Awards and Credits*
Credit
rating
40
CR3201
Advance Practice
40
DD3000
Contextual Studies – Design
Futures
20
CR3202
Extended Sustainable Design
20
Bachelor Honours Degree
Requires 360 credits
including a minimum of 120
at Level 6, which must
include DD3992.
Bachelor Degree
Requires 320 credits
including a minimum 180 at
Enterprise
Student Initiated Module (20
credits, level 6)
Student Initiated Module (10
credits, level 6)
20
CR2201
Craft Practice & Material Studies
40
CR2203
Design Practice for Contemporary
Crafts
40
CR2202
Sustainable Design Enterprise
20
DD2000
Contemporary Contextual Studies
20
DD2920
Student Initiated Module (20
credits, level 5)
Student Initiated Module (10
credits, level 5)
20
DD1101
Creative Thinking
40
CR1201
Introduction to Making Skills &
Materials
40
CR1202
Digital Skills and Presentation
20
DD1000
Historical Contextual Studies
20
DD1920
Student Initiated Module (20
credits, level 5)
Student Initiated Module (10
credits, level 5)
20
DD3920
DD3910
Level 5
DD2910
Level 4
Level 5 or above and 40 at
Level 6
DD1910
10
HE Diploma
Requires 240 credits
including a minimum of 120
at Level 4, or above
10
HE Certificate
Requires a minimum of 120
credits at Level 4 or above
10
15. Personal Development Planning
Art and Design courses are increasingly tailored to the individual student as they progress through
levels 4, 5 and 6. You will be asked to keep a portfolio of work to track your development as a
designer/maker towards the goals you set for yourself in consultation with your personal tutor. We aim
to train you to take responsibility for your own learning and career development, to be able to evaluate
your strengths and weaknesses and conduct a skills audit to develop a critical practice. This would
cover an analysis of your general key skills base, for example: use of English, literacy and writing
skills, numeracy, communication skills and use of IT. You will be encouraged to evaluate your
strengths and weakness on a continual basis as you progress through different points during the
course. Students will be directed by the tutor to resources/workshops as appropriate.
PDP is designed to: enable you to work towards a point you would like to be at on graduation; to help
you require the skills needed for your chosen career; evaluate your strengths and plan to deploy them
in a range of situations at University and after graduation.
PDP starts at the beginning of the first year, where you will be introduced to building up your portfolio
of work, taking into consideration your long term aspirations. In the second year, you will continue to
develop your work to a professional standard, re-evaluating solutions and progressing ideas as your
skills develop further. In the final year, all level three modules will form the basis of project work
specifically aimed to develop your design practice and appropriate career ambitions. On graduation
you will be well prepared for working with the creative industries, demonstrating your skills through an
exhibition and portfolio of project work ready for interviews.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic
qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study.
These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to
entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you
should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
UK Applicants:
Except in exceptional circumstances, UK applicants must attend an interview with portfolio.
Once your application has been processed you will be sent a letter stating the date you that
you are required to attend, and what will be required of you
If it is not possible for you to attend on the date proposed, please contact us to rearrange a
date or agree alternative arrangements.
All successful candidates must have achieved the following:
 Achieve a minimum of 240-300 UCAS tariff points at A2 or equivalent
 Grade C in GCSE Maths and English or an equivalent; UK equivalents include key
skills level 3 or functional skills level 2
European Applicants:
European applicants may not be able to attend an interview in the UK. Once your application
has been processed, you should submit an e-portfolio, CD or DVD of your recent work; this
will be followed by a telephone interview.
International Applicants :
International applicants may not be able to attend an interview in the UK. Once your
application has been processed, you should submit an e-portfolio, CD or DVD of your recent
work; this will be followed by a telephone interview.
Additionally International students for whom English is not your first language, will be
required to evidence an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent. Equivalences include:
 TOEFL Written examination score of 550 plus a test of written English (at 4)
 TOEFL Computer Equivalent score of 213 and TWE at 4
Proficiency in English (Cambridge) at Grade C or above
17.





Key sources of information about the programme
University website
School of Art, design & Performance website
Student course handbook
The Disciples of Design Blog : http://www.thedisciplesofdesign.co.uk/
Other promotional material : pdfs, powerpoints and portfolio of work
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Programme Learning Outcomes
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
Compulsory
Core
LEVEL 4
LEVEL 5
LEVEL 6
Module
Level Code
Module Title
CR3201 Advance Practice
DD3992 Honours Project
Extended Sustainable Design
CR3202 Enterprise
Compulsory
DD3000 Contextual Studies – Futures
Core
CR2201 Craft Practice
Compulsory
CR2203 Design Practice
Compulsory
CR2202 Sustainable Design
Compulsory
DD2000 Contemporary Contextual Studies Core
DD1101 Creative Thinking
Core
DD1000 Contextual Studies - Historical
Core
Introduction to Making Skills &
CR1201 Materials
Compulsory
CR1202 Digital Skills & Presentation
Compulsory
A1
X
X
X
X
X
X
Knowledge and
understanding
A2
A3
A4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Subject-specific Skills
B4
B1
B2
B3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
C1
X
X
Thinking Skills
C2
C3
C4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Other skills relevant to
employability
and personal
development
D1
D2 D3 D4 D5
X
X
X X X
X
X
X X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X