Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media & Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Studies

PM3075C

 

 

MODULE BOOKLET

Module Booklet Contents                                               

Section 1:             Staff teaching team details                                                                                               

 

Section 2:             Module specification

Section 3:             Timetable

Section 4:             Essential reading

Section 5:             Assessment details

Section 6:            Feedback pro forma

 

 

 

 

Section 1: Staff Teaching Team Details

Module Leader: Flora McLean Vincent           

Office Location: CR5-18                       

Email:            m.birkett-jones.co.uk@londonmet.ac.uk                                   

Telephone: 020 7320 1801                                   

Office Hours:            Available for student consultation during Wednesday and Thursday (with some exceptions). Please e-mail first.            

Name(s) of other staff: Sue Ginsburgh           

Office Location: CR5- TBC                       

Email:            s.ginsburgh@londonmet.ac.uk                                   

Telephone: 020 7320 TBC                                   

Office hours: TBC           

Name(s) of other staff: Gina Pierce           

Office Location: CR4- TBC                       

Email:            g.pierce@londonmet.ac.uk                                   

Telephone: 020 7320 TBC                                   

Office hours: TBC                       

 

Name(s) of other staff:

Office Location:                        

Email:                                               

Telephone: 020 7320 TBC                                   

Office hours: TBC                       

 

Name(s) of other staff: Heidi Yeo           

Office Location: CR5- TBC                       

Email: h.yeo@londonmet.ac.uk                                   

Telephone: 020 7320 TBC                                   

Office hours: TBC

           

Name(s) of other staff: Assa Ashuach           

Office Location: - TBC                       

Email:            a.ashuach@londonmet.ac.uk                                   

Telephone: 020 7320 TBC                                   

Office hours: TBC                                   

Section 2: Module Specification

PM3075 Professional Studies

Teaching Location	City
Teaching Semester	Spring
Module Level	H
Home Academic Department	JCAMD
Module Leader	Michael Birkett- Jones
Module Web Site	PM3075
Teaching Mode	day
Module Title	Professional Studies
Timeslot	City campus North campus
Credit Rating For Module	15

Module Summary

PM3075C
Professional Studies
This module provides a pathway for the transition from the student experience to professional life. Successful design practice requires a level of professionalism to complement creative activity. An awareness of best practice, commercial realities and the frameworks of working in which to carry out design activities will enhance any new designers chances of success after graduation.
SEMESTER: Spring
PREREQUISITE: None
ASSESSMENT: 100% Coursework
NOTES:

Prerequisites And Co requisites

None

Module Aims

The principal graduate attributes focused on in the module are A1, A2 and A3.

• Give students a clear understanding of the working structures of professional designers; including differing modes of working, financial and payment arrangements and the relationship with other professionals that they will encounter as designers. (A1, A2)
• Introduce and discuss the notion of professional practice, outlining the responsibilities of designers as competent professional practitioners whilst encouraging understanding of how that applies to one’s own work. (A1, A2, A3)
• Give an insight into the many factors involved in setting-up-in-business such as practicing business status, legal and financial matters, marketing, selling and networking. (A1, A2)
• Develop the necessary skills and confidence involved in the promotion of oneself and one’s work. (A1, A3)
• Encourage students to exercise professionalism within the module and develop confidence in time-management, organisation, self-management, evaluation, along with entrepreneurial resourcefulness. (A1, A2)
• Advise students on the variety of potential career paths open to them using the transferable skills gained through a design education. (A1, A2)

Syllabus

The module will cover the following issues:

• Various states of working.
• Designer/client relationship throughout the design process.
• Contractual and other documentation relating to professional design work, including Intellectual Property Protection.
• Sustainable design practice.
• Self-promotion: curricula vitae and portfolio presentation, letter writing skills, interview techniques, approaching potential clients/manufacturers/employees and obtaining appointments/interviews.
• Professional design organizations.
• How to look for employment.
• Setting-up in business; networking, marketing & PR, selling, premises, legal and financial matters.
• Management of design teams, decisions and projects.
• Quality assurance and product liability.
• Legislative and regulatory controls on design activity.
• Professional liability; indemnity and litigation.

Learning And Teaching

Topics are introduced through a lecture programme supported by seminars, presentation, research and reflection. Students will apply the taught information to their own project work giving the subject more relevance to the student. It is proposed that the main vehicle for this will be the student’s major project linking with the requirement that the major project is to be looked at as a complete design project to be used to the best advantage for employment seeking.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

1. Identify a variety of idioms in which design graduates work and understand the notion of professionalism. (A1, A2)
2. Recognise the role of the designer in relation to other people and organisations involved in the design process. (A1, A2, A3)
3. Understand the issues pertaining to the management of the professional design process. (A2)
4. Understand relevant current regulations and legislation that affect design activities and the implications this may have on design practice. (A2)
5. Approach prospective employers and clients in an appropriate, effective and
   professional manner, with the ability to promote oneself and one’s own work in an articulated and professional way, both visually and orally. (A1, A3)
6. Work independently, exercising self-management skills, including time-management, working to milestones and deadlines, setting goals and showing entrepreneurial resourcefulness. (A1, A2)
7. Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of the bodies and organisations whose remit is to support the creative industries. (A2)

 

Section 3: Timetable

The timetable details of the activities you will be undertaking over the course of the semester are attached in this MODULE OVERVIEW folder.  Included in it are the assessment deadlines.  You MUST ensure that work is submitted by the stated deadlines and to the appropriate location.  It is also essential that you submit all parts of the assessment.

Section 4: Essential Reading

Aldersley-Williams, M. (1995) Managing Design to Sharpen Effectiveness, C.S.D., London
Goslett, D. (1999) Professional Practice of Design, (4th. edition), Batsford, London
C.S.D. (1990) Code of Professional Practice, Chartered Society of Designers, London
C.S.D. (1991) Interior Design - A Guide to Business Practice and Conditions of Engagement, Chartered Society of Designers, London
C.S.D. (1991) Product Design - A Guide to Business Practice and Conditions of Engagement, Chartered Society of Designers, London
Hancock, M. (1992) How to Buy Design, Design Council, London
Kharbanda, O. and Stallworthy, E. (1990) Waste Management, Gower
Lydiate, L. (Ed.), (1992) Professional Practice in Design Consultancy, Design Council, London
Papanek, V. (1995) The Green Imperative: Ecology and Ethics in Design and Architecture, Thames and Hudson, London
Piotrowski, E. (1994) Professional Practice for Interior Designers, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York
Rhys, D. (1991) The Greening of Business, Gower
Topalian, A. (1980) The Management of Design Projects, Associated Business Press, London

NB. The above list is indicative as preparation for the module, more extensive reading lists and handouts will be issued at lectures and seminars throughout the module to support learning.

 

 

Section 5: Assessment details

Summary Description Of Assessment Items

Assessment type	Description of item	% Weighting	Qual Mark	Qual Set	Tariff	Week due
CWK	Research & recording of information	25	40%	1	-	13
CWK	Written exercises (inc. letter writing skills, CV, personal statement)	25	40%	1	-	13
CWK	Presentation (inc. portfolio, CV package and oral presentation)	25	40%	1	-	13
CWK	Studentship (professional practice)	25	40%	1	-	13

Assessment Strategy

Assessment for this module involves the submission of the Career Plan (week 12, 100%). This will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and either 3 or 4. Students will demonstrate either LO3 or LO4 dependent on pathway and career projection. The submission should represent a minimum of 140 hours of work. Students must submit and pass the module. Formative assessment will take place throughout the module through individual tutorials and work in progress seminars. Students will be asked to undertake self and peer evaluation on completion of each project brief.

 

 

Section 6: Feedback pro forma

STUDENT EVALUATION OF MODULES MODULE QUESTIONNAIRE

PURPOSE

The purpose of this questionnaire is to find out about students’ experiences and views of the module to which it applies, to inform any changes or improvements to it. The University requires all modules to be evaluated regularly, in order to maintain quality in teaching and learning. Student feedback is an essential and valued part of this process. 

All data collected will be treated anonymously, i.e. students’ names or personal details (if requested) will not be publicly revealed.

INSTRUCTIONS

·       Section B - complete if necessary - your tutor(s) will indicate whether this is required

·       Section C - provide a rating (see next page) for each item by ticking in the applicable column                    (or on the accompanying response form)

·       Section D - write your comments in response to any given questions.

SECTION A (complete if necessary - tutor will advise)

MODULE TITLE

MODULE CODE

DATE

SECTION B

REGISTRATION:

Full-time student

Part-time student

GENDER:

Female

Male

AGE:

20 or under

21 to 24

25 or over

AVERAGE MARK:	below 40%		40-49%		50-59%		60-69%		70+%
for work assessed on this module (so far)

ENTRANCE QUALIFICATION:
(e.g. A-level, VCE, NVQ, GCSE)

HOME  LANGUAGE(S):

NATIONALITY:		UK home		Other EU		Overseas
ETHNICITY: (select one from the first column, then tick  relevant cultural  background in column 2 or 3)	Asian			African		Irish
	Black			Bangladeshi		Pakistani
	Chinese			British		other		please specify
	Mixed			Caribbean				……………………………
	White			Indian

SECTION C

RATING SYSTEM
5 = Excellent	/ strongly agree	/ very helpful
4 = Good	/ agree	/ helpful
3 = Satisfactory	/ no strong opinion	/ no strong opinion
2 = Poor	/ disagree	/ of limited help
1  = Inadequate	/ strongly disagree	/ not helpful

AREAS	QUESTIONS	RATINGS
		5	4	3	2	1
Learning outcomes	I feel I have gained a better understanding of the subject matter.
	How useful were the assessment tasks for achieving the learning outcomes?
	Through this module I have developed knowledge/skills/qualities useful for future careers.
Curriculum	The topics studied were interesting / inspiring / exciting.
	How helpful were the lectures and seminars for doing the assessment(s)?
	How useful has this module been in terms of contributing to the overall learning required for the course you are studying?
Workload	The amount of work required is fair and manageable.
	I am able to manage the module workload so as to meet assessment deadlines.
	Rate your work on this module in terms of average number of hours study per week (excluding classes): 1 = 8+ hours; 2 = 8 hours; 3 =  6-7 hours; 4 =  5-6 hours; 5 = 4 or less hours
Teaching	The lectures were well presented/understandable/interesting/delivered at a pace I could follow.
	The lecturer stimulated my interest in the topics/module/subject.
	How helpful was the tutor in encouraging/assisting students to participate in class activities/discussions/debates?
Learning support	How helpful was the tutor in terms of giving guidance to [individual] students?
	I was usually able to see the tutor for help when I required academic advice.
	Having access to additional support through the library skills development was useful.

                       

AREAS	QUESTIONS	RATINGS
		5	4	3	2	1
Student participation	The way that lectures/seminars/pracs/labs/workshops were run facilitated student involvement.
	Adequate chances were provided for students to ask questions.
	I felt encouraged to make use of opportunities for active participation.
Feedback	How helpful was the feedback during the module [in terms of enabling you to understand strengths and areas for improvement]?
	The tutor's comments on assessed work were clear and helpful.
	Feedback on assessments has helped me to see how to improve and build on my strengths.
Learning resources	The guidance given in the module booklet helped to clarify module structure and content.
	How helpful were the study materials/reading packs/workbooks/glossary of concepts for aiding your learning in this module?
	There are sufficient copies of key texts/core readings (assuming that everyone does not leave the work until the last minute)
Teaching facilities	The rooms for lectures/seminars/pracs/labs are satisfactory/suitable.
	The computer/IT/lab equipment is adequate.
	How useful are computer & IT facilities for aiding your learning in this module?

                                                           

SECTION D Comments and Suggestions

1.   What did you enjoy most about this module? 2.   Did you experience any difficulties? If so, please explain. 3.   What suggestions would you make for improving this module? 4.   What have you gained from this module that is useful in preparing you for the world of work? 5.   How has this module contributed to your overall learning for the course you are studying? Student’s name (optional)