Course Summary

The FdA Creative Practice is a brand-new programme that marks the beginning of an exciting partnership between Derby College and The Open University. As part of this unique programme, students will work with subject specialists in one of four strands (music, performing arts, media and art/fashion) to develop their technical and creative skills and knowledge in their chosen discipline. Student will then use these skills to collaborate with students from other disciplines to enhance their creative work and develop employability skills. This collaboration sets the course apart from other more specialist degrees and allows students the opportunity to broaden their set of skills, cultivate good working relationships with other creative professionals, and develop a comprehensive portfolio of work that is ready to show to potential clients in industry. As well as the opportunity to take part in vibrant practical projects, students will learn skills and knowledge that are essential to succeed in an industry that is one of the fastest growing areas of the economy. Students will learn how the creative industries are structured, funded and governed, and crucially how to be work-ready in an industry where nearly half of all practitioners are self-employed. On completion of this two-year FdA, students can then progress to the one-year Level 6 top-up and claim a full BA (Hons) degree.

Course Details - Modules

Each of the two years of the FdA has a theme which runs through each of the practical and theoretical units. Year 1 The first year allows students to take a ‘snapshot’ of practitioners within their discipline and beyond. Students will reflect on how their work fits into the wider creative landscape by gaining a grounding in how the creative industries are structured, regulated and funded. Students will reflect on how change in creative practice has been driven, and will continue to be affected, by the digital revolution. The end of Level 4 will culminate in a creative symposium or event that showcases students’ creative work in a way that is collaborative. Students who successfully complete this year will be eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education. Year 2 The second year forces students to push the boundaries of their creative practice and expand their own skills and competencies through study of “Creative Practice and Creative Techniques”. Students will examine practitioners within their fields that are on the creative fringes by engaging with “Critique and Analysis” which will highlight both self-approaches to creative work, but also the impact on culture and society. They will also study the monetisation of creative work, and the relationship between creativity and commerce through “Entrepreneurial and Business” studies. This will culminate in another end-of-year symposium or show that will be creatively more adventurous in terms of content, themes or potential commercial value. Students will take control of the marketing of this event by engaging with the module in “Marketing” and “Experimental Practitioner Event” and will gain first-hand experience of attracting an audience to creative works that are more challenging. Students who successfully complete this year in addition to Year 1 will be eligible for a Foundation Degree.

Course Details – Assessment Method

Assessment will be through a range of practical projects, group projects, academic writing and presentation work. Other assessment methods may be used to better meet student need.

Course Details – Professional Bodies

Open University Validation Services

How to Apply

26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application Codes

Course code: C200

Institution code: D38

Campus Name: Joseph Wright Centre

Campus code:

Points of Entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.

International applicants

Standard Qualification Requirements

You need a minimum of 64 UCAS points from creative Level 3 programmes (either A-levels or vocational routes). Applicants will be considered without formal qualifications if they can demonstrate equivalent industrial experience. Students will also need to take part in an audition or be prepared to show a portfolio/showreel.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.

English language requirements

Test Grade AdditionalDetails
English Language Entry Requirement Information are not listed for this Course.

Unistats information

Student satisfaction : 0%

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs): 0%

Go onto work and study: 0%

Fees and funding

EU 6500.0 Year 1
England 6500.0 Year 1
Northern Ireland 6500.0 Year 1
Scotland 6500.0 Year 1
Wales 6500.0 Year 1
Channel Islands 6500.0 Year 1
International 12000.0 Year 1

Additional Fee Information

The cost of the course is £6500. Most prospective students can apply for a loan through Student Finance to cover this cost. Students may need to provide their own materials for specific projects or purposes.

Provider information

The Roundhouse
Roundhouse Road
Pride Park
Derby
DE24 8JE

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