2009_10 Digital Media

A GUIDE TO YOUR COURSE





DIGITAL MEDIA





CONTENTS



Section 1: Course Specific Information





About this guide

Welcome

About the Course and Course Structure:

 BA (Hons) Animation

 BA (Hons) Computer Games Design

 BA (Hons) Digital Media

 BA (Hons) Interactive Media

 BA (Hons) Video and Film Production

Optional placement year with these courses (with Professional Placement)



Module Descriptions

Course Management

Staff Involved with the Programme

Health and Safety Issues

Employability & Your Personal Development Portfolio (PDP)

Career Opportunities and Future Study

Professional Placement

Academic Regulations





Section 2: School Specific Information



School Charter for Students

Where to get help with your course

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

Learning, Teaching & Assessment









This version is valid for the forthcoming academic year. The University reserves the right to change details in

this guide without notice.



1

Section 1: Course Specific Information

About this guide



This Course Guide will help you plan your Animation, Computer Games Design, Digital Media, Interactive

Media or Video and Film Production course. It tells you which modules you must study and pass, and lists

the optional ones which contribute to your award. The Guide also offers you brief descriptions of each

module, including general information about assessment tasks, and an overview of how the Course can be

used for future career choices.



You should read this Course Guide in conjunction with the Undergraduate Student Handbook; the

University’s Principles and Regulations; and, if you are studying a Joint award, the Course Guide of the

subject that forms the other part of your named award. Together these documents should provide you with

all the basic information that we think you will need for your period of study here.



You are encouraged to read this Course Guide through now. It will be a considerable advantage to you to

be familiar from the outset with the various aspects of your studies that are described. It may be that the

relevance of some of the sections will not be immediately obvious. Keep it somewhere accessible, so that

you can refer to it as needed. The answers to many of the questions that you will want to ask are contained

in it.



Obviously even in a document like this we have not covered every query and problem that you might have

about the course. If you find that there is something you need to know, please do not hesitate to approach

your course leader. You can also consult the University’s Student Support and Guidance Services as

appropriate. We are pleased to hear your views and welcome suggestions for ways of improving the

operation of the Course.



Please enter the contact details for

your Personal Tutor for your future

reference:



MK501

Your local Academic School Office is: 01902 321372

9am – 5 pm



ML058

Your Student Office is:

01902 323602





Please note that in order to develop and improve the Course, it may be necessary on occasions to amend or

revise the details given in this Guide to Your Course.









2

Welcome



On behalf of the Course Management Team I should like to extend to you a very warm welcome and we

would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success in your studies at the University of

Wolverhampton, and trust that your time at the University of Wolverhampton will prove to be enjoyable,

stimulating and rewarding.



The courses within the Digital Media division are among many run by the School of Art and Design which

has itself established an excellent reputation for the quality of its courses, for an innovative approach to

teaching and learning, and for the friendliness of its staff.



We believe it is important that you are encouraged to make your own contribution to the effective operation

and development of your chosen course. We are, therefore, keen to hear your views and would welcome

any suggestions that you may have about ways of improving any aspect of your course and/or the student

experience here at the University. In practice, you will have the opportunity to do this through our student

voice processes.



Remember that the outcome of your studies could affect the whole of your future career and therefore study

should certainly be your first priority. In resolving to work hard however, do not forget to have time for

recreation and social activities. Do take full advantage of the University facilities at your disposal.



Ross Winning

Digital Media Divisional Leader









3

Message to new undergraduate starters in September 2009



This handbook shows you how your course is structured and organised. However, the University is currently

reviewing its course provision and is planning to move to a 20 credit module framework from September

2010. This will mean that some of the module titles and content will change from academic year 2010/11.



There are several reasons why the University is proposing this change from September 2010. We are

drawing on past and current successes to ensure that all our courses are:



- focused on student needs and demand

- designed to offer all students the opportunity to participate in volunteering, mentoring or a work

placement

planned to distribute assessments more evenly across the academic year

- delivered through 6 more comprehensive modules per level rather than the present 8

- supported by consistently good teaching

- underpinned by effective resources.



Learning Works: Refocusing the Undergraduate Curriculum is the name of the project. Throughout the

academic year we will keep you updated on progress, and more importantly, on how your course will be

affected as a result of developments. E-vision will display updates on the project, and will be used to alert

you to any changes before they happen. The Students’ Union is working closely with the University on the

Learning Works: Refocusing the Undergraduate Curriculum project to ensure it remains student focussed.



If you have any concerns at any stage, please call in to your Here2Help office, speak to your course leader

or personal tutor or visit the Students’ Union.









4

Animation: About the Course



Animation may be studied as a Specialist subject and this Guide outlines the modules which are available,

teaching and learning styles and assessment tasks. If there is anything you need to discuss further, please

contact the Course Leader.



An optional professional placement is available for this course.



The degree programme aims to:



 (a) Balance the necessary cumbersome learning of methods and processes with creative

structural and aesthetic approaches to the subject.

 (b) Foster professional and transferable skills to an employable standard.



Through your course of study you will have the opportunity to:



 (a) Develop a broad range of technical skills, appropriate to the area of animation in which

you are most interested

 (b) Work in a variety of media, from cutouts to computer animation



These are achieved through the study of:



 (a) Animation

 (b) Movement









5

Course Structure for the Animation Specialist Degree

An optional placement year is available for this course on successful completion of Level 2.

See page 59 for details.

UG Academic Regulations

(This section does not apply to Higher Nationals, Foundation Degrees and RN/DipHE.)

Students studying Specialist Programmes will study:

 Between 60 & 90 credits of core/core option per level

 Students must be given a choice to include 30 credits of elective per level (except where statutory or

professional body requirements state otherwise)

 Students must study and pass 120 credits in total per level



NB All modules are worth 15 credits unless stated otherwise in brackets.



Semester One Semester Two

Level 1 Core

You must study and pass: You must study and pass:

AD1007 Research and Study Skills in Art and AD1104 Understanding New Media

Design DM1104 Pre-Production and Planning

DM1012 Introduction to the Principles of Animation DM1013 Animating the Human Form

DM1011 Drawing and Observation



N/A Core N/A

Option



DM1006 Introduction to Digital Sound Elective DM1103 Editing, Theory and Practice







Level 2 You must study and pass: Core You must study and pass:

AD2207 Narrative Forms AD2208 Theory, Context and Digital Practice

DM2018 Experimental and Alternative Animation DM2020 Animation and Experimentation with Sound

and Image

DM2019 Creative Compositing



Choose a minimum of 15 Credits from: Core N/A

DM2025 Advanced 2D Animation Option

DM2029 3D Modelling and Rigging for Animation



N/A Elective VC2003 Negotiated Project in Visual

Communications 2









Level 3 You must study and pass: Core You must study and pass:

AD3008 Extended Essay in Art and Design AD3009 Creative Industries and Opportunities in Art

DM3017 Negotiated Project in Animation A (30) and Design

DM3107 Negotiated Project in Animation B (30)



N/A Core N/A

Option



VC3002 Negotiated Project in Visual Elective VC3004 Negotiated Project in Visual

Communications 3 Communications 4









6

Computer Games Design: About the Course



Computer Games Design may be studied as a Specialist subject and this Guide outlines the modules which

are available, teaching and learning styles and assessment tasks. If there is anything you need to discuss

further, please contact Paul Hale, Course Leader.



An optional professional placement is available for this course.



The degree programme aims to:



 (a) Provide an appropriate level of undergraduate education, which enables the

development of subject skills/knowledge, creative practice and intellectual abilities,

coupled with an increasing level of independence in computer games design that will

enable the graduate to proceed into the games industry as a well-rounded professional

practitioner

 (b) Provide an educational experience that develops a professional and independent

profile for the student, adequately responding to the demands of computer games

design, cultural conditions of commercial markets and research/postgraduate centres

 (c) Provide an ability to function within a professional group dynamic, contributing to the

process through idea generation and concept development

 (d) Promote the practice of independent professional and academic development through

self-critical reflection

 (e) Develop an awareness of the symbiosis between theory, subject skills and professional

practice



Through your course of study you will have the opportunity to:



 (a) Train as games developers, designers and animators

 (b) Work collaboratively with colleagues on the Computer Games (programming) course in

the School of Computing and Information Technology



These are achieved through the study of:



 (a) Animation

 (b) Editing

 (c) Character design

 (d) 3D modelling

 (e) Interactive applications









7

Course Structure for the Computer Games Design Specialist Degree

An optional placement year is available for this course on successful completion of Level 2.

See page 59 for details.

UG Academic Regulations

(This section does not apply to Higher Nationals, Foundation Degrees and RN/DipHE.)

Students studying Specialist Programmes will study:

 Between 60 & 90 credits of core/core option per level

 Students must be given a choice to include 30 credits of elective per level (except where statutory or

professional body requirements state otherwise)

 Students must study and pass 120 credits in total per level



NB All modules are worth 15 credits unless stated otherwise in brackets.



Semester One Semester Two

Level 1 Core

You must study and pass: You must study and pass:

AD1007 Research and Study Skills in Art and AD1104 Understanding New Media

Design DM1018 Interaction and Behaviour

DM1110 Interactive Authoring

DM1024 Creating and Editing Gamespaces (30) (Yearlong)

N/A Core N/A

Option



DM1102 Digital Image Creation Elective DM1006 Introduction to Digital Sound







Level 2 You must study and pass: Core You must study and pass:

DM2109 Interaction Development AD2208 Theory, Context and Digital Practice

DM2029 3D Modelling and Rigging for Games DM2036 Games Design 30 Credits (30)

AD2207 Narrative Forms



N/A Core N/A

Option





Choose a minimum of 15 Credits from: Elective Choose a minimum of 15 Credits from:

CP2121 Windows Systems Programming DM2108 Project Management for Interactive Media

VC2002 Negotiated Project in Visual CP2119 Games Development 1

Communications 1 Choose a minimum of 15 Credits from:

VC2003 Negotiated Project in Visual

Communications 2









Level 3 You must study and pass: Core

You must study and pass:

AD3008 Extended Essay in Art and Design AD3009 Creative Industries and Opportunities in Art

DM3110 Interactive Media Practice 1 and Design

DM3021 Games Design Practical Project

DM3020 Computer Games 30 Credit Negotiated Project (30) (Yearlong)



N/A Core N/A

Option



Choose a minimum of 15 Credits from: Elective Choose a minimum of 15 Credits from:

CP3048 Games Development 2 VC3004 Negotiated Project in Visual

VC3002 Negotiated Project in Visual Communications 4

Communications 3 CP3065 Computer Graphics









8

Digital Media: About the Course



Digital Media may be studied as a Specialist subject and this Guide outlines the modules which are

available, teaching and learning styles and assessment tasks. If there is anything you need to discuss

further, please contact Jab Robbins, Course Leader.



An optional professional placement is available for this course.



The degree programme aims to:



 (a) Provide a cohesive and independent learning environment for digital media specialists

to gain and progress skills to professional level across a range of contemporary new

media subjects

 (b) Develop an ability to function within the contextual variances of digital media and

actively engage in the relationship between practice, theory and reflection

 (c) Develop awareness of the undergraduate digital media area that increasingly demands

flexibility and a continuous currency of practice.

 (d) Achieve a level of subject skill to engage with postgraduate community aspirations



Through your course of study you will have the opportunity to:



 (a) Access the latest industry standard software and hardware

 (b) Tailor the course to meet the demands of this expanding and exciting area whilst

gaining insight into the significant elements that should make up a Digital Media

Professionals portfolio



These are achieved through the study of:



 (a) Modules from the specialist routes within the Digital Media division

 (b) Major projects that will best illustrate your previous achievement in the course









9

Course Structure for the Digital Media Specialist Degree

An optional placement year is available for this course on successful completion of Level 2.

See page 59 for details.

UG Academic Regulations

(This section does not apply to Higher Nationals, Foundation Degrees and RN/DipHE.)

Students studying Specialist Programmes will study:

 Between 60 & 90 credits of core/core option per level

 Students must be given a choice to include 30 credits of elective per level (except where statutory or

professional body requirements state otherwise)

 Students must study and pass 120 credits in total per level



NB All modules are worth 15 credits unless stated otherwise in brackets.



Level 3 You must study and pass: Core You must study and pass:

AD3008 Extended Essay in Art and Design AD3009 Creative Industries and Opportunities in Art and

DM3029 Digital Media Project Preparation Design

(Research and Development) (30) DM3103 Digital Arts and Media Project (30)



N/A Core N/A

Option



VC3002 Negotiated Project in Visual Elective VC3004 Negotiated Project in Visual Communications 4

Communications 3





Please note that this course is only available at Level 3 for this academic year. If you have any

questions, please contact the course leader.









10

Interactive Media: About the Course



Interactive Media may be studied as a Specialist subject and this Guide outlines the modules which are

available, teaching and learning styles and assessment tasks. If there is anything you need to discuss

further, please contact Dr. Faramarz Amiri, Course Leader.



An optional professional placement is available for this course.



The degree programme aims to:



 (a) Provide you with a balanced mixture of creative, practical and technical knowledge and

skills that prepare you for a career as a designer and developer of websites and

interactive artefacts.

 (b) Prepare you for the rapidly evolving interactive media industry by developing your life-

long learning skills

 (c) Provide you with opportunities to develop the necessary critical, analytical,

communication, and creative problem solving skills, and other transferable skills that

prepare you for employment or postgraduate study



Through your course of study you will have the opportunity to:



 (a) Develop your creativity, communication and design skills in interactive media

 (b) Learn how to design, develop and integrate animation, video, sound, images and text

to create interactive, dynamic and media-rich web sites as well as interactive media

CD-ROMs and DVDs



These are achieved through the study of:



 (a) The design, production, editing and effective use of interactive media assets such as

digital sound, animation, video, graphics and text

 (b) The creative design and production of interactive artefacts using a wide variety of

industry-standard software packages and technologies such as: Adobe Flash,

Dreamweaver, Director, Photoshop, Premiere, HTML, CSS, PHP and mySQL

 (c) Practice-based modules that will allow you to work on short and long projects with

preset or agreed topics in order to practice and experiment with ideas and skills to

create a rich portfolio of interactive work before you graduate









11

Course Structure for the Interactive Media Specialist Degree

An optional placement year is available for this course on successful completion of Level 2.

See page 59 for details.

UG Academic Regulations

(This section does not apply to Higher Nationals, Foundation Degrees and RN/DipHE.)

Students studying Specialist Programmes will study:

 Between 60 & 90 credits of core/core option per level

 Students must be given a choice to include 30 credits of elective per level (except where statutory or

professional body requirements state otherwise)

 Students must study and pass 120 credits in total per level



NB All modules are worth 15 credits unless stated otherwise in brackets.



Semester One Semester Two

Level 1 Core

You must study and pass: You must study and pass:

AD1007 Research and Study Skills in Art and AD1104 Understanding New Media

Design DM1100 Interaction Design

DM1110 Interactive Authoring

DM1025 Interactive Web Content (30) (Yearlong)

N/A Core N/A

Option



Choose 15 credits from: Elective DM1006 Introduction to Digital Sound

DM1102 Digital Image Creation

CP1122 Website Fundamentals







Level 2 You must study and pass: Core You must study and pass:

AD2207 Narrative Forms AD2208 Theory, Context and Digital Practice

DM2107 Scripting Interaction DM2106 Dynamic Web Content

DM2109 Interaction Development DM2108 Project Management for Interactive Media



N/A Core N/A

Option





DM2111 Streaming Media Elective VC2003 Negotiated Project in Visual

Communications 2









Level 3 You must study and pass: Core You must study and pass:

AD3008 Extended Essay in Art and Design AD3009 Creative Industries and Opportunities in Art

and Design

DM3112 Interactive Media Project (30) (Yearlong)

DM3028 Instructional Design and Development (30) (Yearlong)



N/A Core N/A

Option



DM3110 Interactive Media Practice 1 Elective DM3111 Interactive Media Practice 2









12

Video and Film Production: About the Course



Video and Film Production may be studied as a Specialist subject and this Guide outlines the modules

which are available, teaching and learning styles and assessment tasks. If there is anything you need to

discuss further, please contact Phil Nichols, Course Leader.



An optional professional placement is available for this course.



The degree programme aims to:



 (a) Provide a broad range of experiences in the practices of video and film production

which will prepare students for direct employment in the media industries or in other

industries where media play a part

 (b) Develop abilities in critical analysis of media texts and artefacts, skills in project

management and effective methods of working with third parties



Through your course of study you will have the opportunity to:



 (a) Draw on the traditions and language of film, yet embrace the latest communication

technologies

 (b) Study documentary, narrative and other forms in a predominantly practical course, but

with solid underpinnings in the theories and contextual studies needed to support your

work



These are achieved through the study of:



 (a) Programme production and studio-based and location-based video and film

productions

 (b) Documentary, dramatic forms and the use of video/film to facilitate communication in

community and commercial terms

 (c) Independent projects, when you will have the opportunity to experiment with styles and

techniques

 (d) Projects which show their commercial value or make a strong personal statement









13

Course Structure for the Video and Film Production Specialist Degree

An optional placement year is available for this course on successful completion of Level 2.

See page 59 for details.

UG Academic Regulations

(This section does not apply to Higher Nationals, Foundation Degrees and RN/DipHE.)

Students studying Specialist Programmes will study:

 Between 60 & 90 credits of core/core option per level

 Students must be given a choice to include 30 credits of elective per level (except where statutory or

professional body requirements state otherwise)

 Students must study and pass 120 credits in total per level



NB All modules are worth 15 credits unless stated otherwise in brackets.



Semester One Semester Two

Level 1 Core

You must study and pass: You must study and pass:

AD1007 Research and Study Skills in Art and AD1104 Understanding New Media

Design DM1101 Video and Film Production

DM1106 Principles and Practice of Video and Film DM1105 Creating Ideas for Screen: Scripts and

DM1103 Editing Theory and Practice Stories



N/A Core N/A

Option



DM1102 Digital Image Creation Elective DM1006 Introduction to Digital Sound







Level 2 You must study and pass: Core You must study and pass:

AD2209 Representations of Reality: Documentary AD2208 Theory, Context and Digital Practice

Theory DM2101 Documentary Production

DM2102 Empowering and Enabling with Video and

Film

DM2103 Narrative Production and Techniques (30) (Yearlong)



N/A Core N/A

Option





Choose a minimum of 15 Credits from: Elective DM2110 Client Based Video Production

DM2111 Streaming Media

AD2207 Narrative Forms









Level 3 You must study and pass: Core You must study and pass:

AD3008 Extended Essay in Art and Design AD3009 Creative Industries and Opportunities in Art

DM3105 Short Negotiated Video and Film and Design

Production 1 DM3106 Short Negotiated Video and Film

Production 2

DM3100 Negotiated Video and Film Production (30) (Yearlong)



N/A Core N/A

Option



VC3002 Negotiated Project in Visual Elective VC3004 Negotiated Project in Visual

Communications 3 Communications 4









14

Module Descriptions



LEVEL 1



AD1007 Research and Study Skills in Art and Design

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Jean Dyson

Telephone 01902 323526

Email J.Dyson2@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK214



Module description

This module provides generic and subject specific contextualisation for undergraduate study in Art and

Design and enables the learner to develop appropriate key skills.



Skills required for a successful pursuit and completion of modules and courses in the School of Art and

Design include:

 Cognitive and practical skills needed for university level work

 Knowledge of intellectual and practice-based traditions of Art and Design



The above combination is best achieved by catering to learning needs in a structured and integrated manner

within a module at the start of the undergraduate study.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Keep a progress record of tasks throughout the 20%

module related to the weekly programme, culminating

in an e-portfolio

2 Written piece of work of approximately 1,000 words 80%







AD1104 Understanding New Media

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Denise Doyle

Telephone 01902 322443

Email d.doyle@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The module aims to: use the history and context of new media art and design as a framework to explore the

impact of digital technologies on culture and society. Students will be introduced to developments in film,

animation, design, games design and interactive media within this context.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Module Diary and Visual Notebook (including a record 60%

of online discussion) to include weekly summaries (no

more than 200 words per week) of lecture/seminar

content and other research undertaken outside of

class time.

2 Essay of 1500 words in response to a given essay 40%

title.





15

CP1122 Website Fundamentals

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Matthew Green

Telephone 01902 321845

Email M.A.Green@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MI125



Module description

This module provides an introduction to some of the fundamental concepts of website development. The

lecture material covers the technologies involved in production and support of websites, as well as the

history, present and future uses of the World Wide Web. During workshop sessions, students have the

opportunity to practice lecture-taught material to develop their own sites,



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Coursework 50%

2 Test 50%







DM1006 Introduction to Digital Sound

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Jim Davis

Telephone 01902 323463

Email Jim.davis@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module introduces students to sound theory, audio recording techniques, digital audio processing,

editing and sound compositing.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Digitally record an unscripted and undirected interview Pass/Fail

accompanied by a transcription of the interview.

2 Create a digital audio composition between 2 and 5 100%

minutes in length, incorporating interview material and

additional non-verbal audio - foley, ambient

recordings.









16

DM1011 Drawing and Observation

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Ross Winning

Telephone 01902 321591

Email Ross.Winning@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK504



Module description

The aim of the module is to introduce the activity of drawing as an essential activity for Animation. Aspects

of drawing are also discussed in the wider context of art practice. Different approaches ranging from basic

mark making, and expressive drawing through to life drawing and a variety of analytical methods are studied.

The importance of observation will also be emphasised and this aspect is supported as a foundation for the

development of more personal approaches in Animation. Explorations into how drawing aids the creative

thought process are also pivotal to the module as the module sessions and assignment encourages the

wider benefits of keeping a sketchbook that develops over time.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Self- Evaluation: Written record of in-session activity 30%

(1000 words)

2 Portfolio of sketchbook work developed during the 70%

weekly sessions that has been expanded outside of

the class







DM1012 Introduction to the Principles of Animation

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Ross Winning

Telephone 01902 321591

Email Ross.Winning@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK504



Module description

An introduction to basic animation principles explored through drawn and digital approaches. The module

concentrates on developing an initial understanding of timing, movement through practical exercises in 2D

and 3D.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Completion of 2D animated sequences 50%

2 Completion of 3D (CGI) animated sequences 50%









17

DM1013 Animating the Human Form

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM1012

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Emily Mantell

Telephone 01902 322260

Email E.Mantell@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module aims to develop an understanding of human movement and how to animate lip synchronisation,

the walk cycle and gesture. To further develop skills in utilising various animation tools and processes.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Element 1: 2D walk cycle 50%

Element 2: Phonetic synchronisation.

2 CGI walk cycle 50%







DM1018 Interaction and Behaviour

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM1110

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Jab Robbins

Telephone 01902 321075

Email Jab.Robbins@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The module will introduce students to the principles of designing interactive content, behaviours and

integrating with an interface. From a basis in games theory, it will enable them to produce basic designs that

reveal the core concepts and interactive structure of computer games. It will involve study of theory and

design of small games and students will gain an understanding and practice of the parameters of visual and

interaction design for games.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Coursework 100%

2 Group criticism and individual feedback sessions Pass/Fail









18

DM1024 Creating and Editing Gamespaces

Credit value 30

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Brian Cattell

Telephone 01902 323448

Email B.Cattell@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module introduces the student to the design processes and production pipelines of current video

games. Through traditional design and art techniques, text-based and visual design, environment modelling

and game interaction the student shall gain a basic understanding of the foundation elements of games and

the parameters of their design.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Short demonstration and design log 0%

2 Environment design and asset files 0%

3 Prototype gamespace and test log 100%







DM1025 Interactive Web Content

Credit value 30

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Faramarz Amiri

Telephone 01902 323447

Email F.Amiri@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The module aims to develop students’ ability to design and develop interactive assets for online and offline

delivery, e.g. web, DVDs, mobile devices, using suitable industry authoring software packages.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Website 50%

2 Interactive Artefact 50%









19

DM1100 Interaction Design

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Jim Davis

Telephone 01902 323463

Email Jim.Davis@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module will enable students to explore and articulate interactive concepts utilising interaction design

methodologies, techniques and tools.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Investigate, deconstruct and articulate using Pass/Fail

interactive design methodologies, techniques and

tools, a given Interactive artefact.

2 Through the implementation of interactive design 100%

methodologies, techniques and tools identify, design

and visualise an interactive media concept.







DM1101 Video and Film Production

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Don Adamson

Telephone 01902 321928

Email d.adamson@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

In this module you will develop and produce a short video case study of a real person. You will work as a

member of a production crew which will research, plan, film and edit. In carrying out this task, you will be

learning skills in lighting, video photography and sound, and developing your knowledge of working with

others – both peers and third-party contributors to your production.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Portfolio submission – personal written account and 50%

reflection, to include peer review pro forma and risk

assessment pro forma

2 Group production of case study 50%









20

DM1102 Digital Image Creation

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Jab Robbins

Telephone 01902 321075

Email Jab.robbins@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The module aims to develop basic technical and creative skills in image manipulation and foster an

imaginative and creative approach to working with digital pictures. Participants will be encouraged to

generate original visual concepts, to the specified resolution and size, and apply a flexible approach in

developing visual solutions.



Participants will understand how to interpret a brief and the production of an image file to a specified format,

size and resolution.



These solutions will form a finished visual artefact of themed imagery that is digitally competent and

produced to a brief that requires both technical and creative interpretation.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Presentation at the tutorial session of the concept and Pass/Fail

developing practical work of the solution to the brief

2 Group discussion and presentation of initial concepts. Pass/Fail

3 Presentation of images on a CD to a set brief 100%







DM1103 Editing Theory and Practice

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited DM1006

combinations

Module Leader Tracy McCoy

Telephone 01902 322202

Email t.mccoy@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module introduces the ideas and techniques of video and film editing. You will learn how editing can

determine the way a visual story is perceived, and you will experiment with a variety of editing techniques.

You will apply your understanding to a series of editing challenges, and develop an appreciation of the

organisational and workflow aspects of editing.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Submission of selected edited sequences (at least 100%

three distinct sequences)

2 “Project file” of selected edited sequence (one Pass/Fail

sequence)









21

DM1104 Pre-Production and Planning

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Emily Mantell

Telephone 01902 322260

Email E.Mantell@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module aims to introduce an understanding of the pre-production and planning process, from

developing concept and finding a structure, to production design and making a story board. It should give

participating students all the skills they will need for an understanding of professional practice.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Presentation of initial idea 40%

2 Completed pre-production animatic 60%







DM1105 Creating Ideas for Screen: Scripts and Stories

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited DM1010

combinations

Module Leader Phil Nichols

Telephone 01902 322935

Email p.nichols@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module is about creating ideas for film and video production. All films begin with an idea which may

ultimately find its expression in narrative or non-narrative form, in fiction or non-fiction. The module will equip

you with a set of techniques you can use to come up with (and evaluate) ideas for future practical projects. In

the course of the module you will create several ideas, some of which you will develop into script or

treatment.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Folder containing a range of ideas, at least one of 100%

which will be developed into a treatment or script

suitable for the screen, and reflections on ideas.









22

DM1106 Principles and Practices of Video and Film

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited DM1007

combinations

Module Leader Don Adamson

Telephone 01902 321928

Email D.Adamson@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module will give you an introduction to the creative, technical and organisational aspects of video

production. Through a series of practical exercises, you will be introduced to the elements of visual

storytelling, camera operations, shooting for editing, and shooting as “live”.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Portfolio submission, to contain written account and 100%

reflection and selected visual/video evidence

2 Peer review pro forma. Pass/Fail

3 Risk assessment pro forma Pass/Fail







DM1110 Interactive Authoring

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Faramarz Amiri

Telephone 01902 323447

Email f.amiri@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The module aims to develop students’ skills in the use of industry standard time-based multimedia authoring

package to enable them to produce simple interactive artefacts.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Design and develop a prototype for an interactive Pass/Fail

artefact identified in the assignment brief using the

specified Multimedia Authoring software.

2 Finalise and document the prototype to ensure it 100%

meets the requirements of the assignment brief.









23

LEVEL 2



AD2010 Work Placement in Art and Design

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dave Colton

Telephone 01902 321977

Email D.Colton@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK208





Module description

This module will give students the opportunity to gain industrial experience in an area of personal interest

through the initiation of a placement or live project of their choice. Students will collaborate/negotiate with

professionals to gain industrial experience.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Provide evidence of live placement project i.e. via Pass/Fail

Work Placement Log Book or E-portfolio.

2 Written report and oral presentation based on 100%

experiences and activities undertaken as part of the

work experience.









AD2207 Narrative Forms

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites AD1104

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Denise Doyle

Telephone 01902 322443

Email d.doyle@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The module aims to: explore narrative structures in a range of digital media contexts. The module will

introduce students to linear, non-linear narrative forms associated with film, animation, games design,

interactive film and interactive media. It will enable students to identify genres and apply their knowledge and

understanding to a practical project.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Genre analysis of 2,000 words maximum, related to 100%

the seminar content, appropriately referenced and

with reference to the E-Portfolio module blog.









24

AD2208 Theory, Context and Digital Practice

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites AD1104

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Adam Kossoff

Telephone 01902 322935

Email adamkossoff@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module aims to introduce a range of developing and existing theories related to digital practice.

Students will examine key theoretical texts and explore the relationship between theory, context and practice

in their own and others work.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Presentation of a seminar paper of no more than 15 50%

minutes in length to the class group; to include audio-

visual material if relevant.

2 An essay of 2,500 words in a chosen research area of 50%

interest to the student.







AD2209 Representations of Reality: Documentary Theory

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM1101

Co-requisites None

Prohibited DM2014

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Adam Kossoff

Telephone 01902 322935

Email adamkossoff@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The documentary is currently undergoing a revival of interest; a large number of documentary films and

programmes have made headline news. This is due in part to a concern with the documentary being able to

creatively explore current social, political and personal issues and the new possibilities that digital technology

offers.



This module will open out the issues and debates that have surrounded the theory and history of the

documentary film, as well as introducing practical issues around the subject. What does the classical

definition of the documentary as the ‘creative treatment of actuality’ mean? What are the political and ethical

issues around notions of objectivity? What is ‘reflexivity’?



You will develop an essay exploring the issues, and also create a proposal for a short documentary which

could be filmed in a subsequent module.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Essay on a choice of topic within the area of 75%

documentary theory (2000 words max.), appropriately

referenced

2 Proposal for a documentary production on a topic of 25%

personal or social relevance (1000 words max.)









25

CP2119 Games Development 1

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites CP2121 Windows Systems Programming

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Check WOLF topic for details

Telephone

Email

Staff Room Number



Module description

This module covers development tools required to create computer games such as Visual C++ and DirectX.

It includes the architecture of computer games, Game AI and games engines such as Unreal. Skills

acquired include the use of state-of-the-art Games Development software. On completion of the module,

students will understand principles of game architecture and be able to produce their own computer games.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Coursework 30%

2 Coursework 70%







CP2121 Windows System Programming

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None for Computer Games Design Students

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Check WOLF topic for details

Telephone

Email

Staff Room Number



Module description

The module aims to bridge the students Java skills to C and C++ in order to allow the student to understand

the foundations of developing windows system level applications. The student will gain experience of

working with Windows GUI’s, interacting with aspects such as the system registry and developing graphical

applications using both standard Windows API’s and industry standard libraries.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Coursework 30%

2 Coursework 70%









26

DM2018 Experimental and Alternative Animation

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Samantha Moore

Telephone 01902 322068

Email S.Moore@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module aims to develop creative practice. Study and analysis of experimental films will be balanced

with practical workshops demonstrating various methods and approaches. Assessed work will consist of a

range of animated experiments and a final short film.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Development of a portfolio of experimental work 50%

2 Devise a coherent project for further development 50%







DM2019 Creative Compositing

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM1013

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Steve Arnott

Telephone 01902 322068

Email S.P.Arnott@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module aims to be an introduction to Creative Compositing for Animation and sets out to combine

traditional based animation and digital based animation together.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Written proposal/treatment Pass/Fail

2 Production of the three proposed footage files 40%

Compositing of the three footage files to create an 60%

animated film with sound









27

DM2020 Animation and Experimentation with Sound and Image

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM2018

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Ross Winning

Telephone 01902 321591

Email ross.winning@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK504



Module description

This module encourages development and further study in experimental processes that are both traditional

and current in Animation. Participants are expected to engage with notions of experimentation at a high

level to produce refined animated works that explore the use of sound and image. The use of experimental

approaches are encouraged through studies of professional and student work and their value as objects

discussed to form a strong critical awareness of the non-conventional.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Create three screened experimental digital artefacts. 60%

2 Refine and develop an experimental work that derives 40%

from the previous submission.





DM2025 Advanced 2D Animation

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites All Animation Level 1 Modules

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Ross Winning

Telephone 01902 321591

Email ross.winning@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK504



Module description

During this module the student will continue to develop skills in timing and movement. The module content

also explores digital processes for colouring frames and incorporating foreground, background and camera

in 2D animation through practical group projects.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Completion of key frames, inbetweens, line tests, 50%

backgrounds and production plan

2 Final sequence with fully rendered background, 50%

composited with expressive use of camera movement









28

DM2029 3D Modelling and Rigging for Animation

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited DM1013

combinations

Module Leader Brian Cattell

Telephone 01902 323448

Email B.Cattell@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The module aims to build on skills and knowledge gained on the core level 1 module DM1013 Animating the

Human Form. The module will provide the opportunity to practice on a more detailed and technical

approaches to the area of digital 3D modelling and rigging.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Course work 100%

2 Group criticism and individual feedback sessions Pass/Fail





DM2029 3D Modelling and Rigging for Games

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited DM1013

combinations

Module Leader Brian Cattell

Telephone 01902 323448

Email b.cattell@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The module aims to build on skills and knowledge gained on the core level 1 module DM1013 Animating the

Human Form. The module will provide the opportunity to practice on a more detailed and technical

approaches to the area of digital 3D modelling and rigging.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Course work 100%

2 Group criticism and individual feedback sessions Pass/Fail









29

DM2036 Games Design 30 Credits

Credit value 30

Pre-requisites DM1018

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Brian Cattell

Telephone 01902 323448

Email b.cattell@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The module will introduce students to the principles of designing interactive characters, and integrating with

behaviours. From a basis in games studies, it will enable them to produce designs that reveal the core

concepts and structure of computer games. It will involve study of theory and design of games and students

will consolidate an understanding and practice of the parameters of visual and dynamic design for games.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Proposal Pass/Fail

2 Coursework 100%

3 Group criticism and individual feedback sessions Pass/Fail





DM2101 Documentary Production

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM1101 and AD2209

Co-requisites None

Prohibited DM2014

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Adam Kossoff

Telephone 01902 322935

Email adamkossoff@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module extends your knowledge of documentary theory and traditions, to explore the issues of

documentary film making in practice, and enabling you to experience “the creative treatment of actuality”.

Working in a production team, you will produce a documentary on a subject with a personal or topical

relevance.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Group documentary production 75%

2 Personal written account and reflection 25%

3 Peer review pro forma Pass/Fail









30

DM2102 Empowering and Enabling with Video and Film

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM1101

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Tracy McCoy

Telephone 01902 322202

Email t.mccoy@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module places video production firmly within one of its major – and yet little known – contexts. By

looking at how video can offer a powerful voice, it explores the ways that individuals and communities can be

heard. You will explore issues of accessibility to communication technologies, and how the falling costs of

video technology have been enabling and empowering. You will demonstrate your grasp of the ideas of the

module by producing a short video that empowers or enables.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Seminar presentation Pass/Fail

2 Production of video, to include a version which uses 50%

one or more techniques to enhance accessibility

3 Documentation folder, to include reflections and copy 50%

of seminar notes (revised version permitted).





DM2103 Narrative Production and Techniques

Credit value 30

Pre-requisites DM1105 and DM1101 and DM1103

Co-requisites None

Prohibited DM2015

combinations

Module Leader Tracy McCoy

Telephone 01902 322202

Email t.mccoy@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module builds upon your experience of storytelling through the use of camera and editing, and develops

concepts of mise en scène, the development of story and character, and the production techniques

necessary to support the production of screen drama. You will work in a production team to realise a short

film.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Portfolio documenting development and evaluative 50%

work (to include character development and

interpretation of script or text)

2 Group production of short film. 50%

3 Completion of peer review pro forma. Pass/Fail









31

DM2106 Dynamic Web Content

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Faramarz Amiri

Telephone 01902 323447

Email f.amiri@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The module explores the concept of dynamic web pages and how they are designed, developed and

published. Students use Adobe Dreamweaver to experiment with linking web pages to a simple MySQL

database and manipulate that data through a web page. Any previous knowledge of Dreamweaver or web

design would be an advantage.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Designing and producing a prototype for a dynamic Pass/Fail

web page based on a brief using the specified

dynamic web development software and technologies.

2 Improving, fine-tuning and documenting the prototype 100%

to ensure it meets the requirements of the assignment

brief.





DM2107 Scripting Interaction

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Faramarz Amiri

Telephone 01902 323447

Email f.amiri@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The module gives students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the principles of multimedia scripting

and experiment with designing and scripting interactive artefacts for online and offline delivery. Any previous

knowledge of Flash, Director, or scripting languages would be an advantage.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Design and script a prototype that is fully commented Pass/Fail

and shows some level of experimentation with ideas

and techniques

2 Improve the prototype to ensure it meets the 100%

requirements of the assignment brief.









32

DM2108 Project Management for Interactive Media

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM1110

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Denise Doyle

Telephone 01902 322443

Email d.doyle@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module will enable students to plan, allocate, manage and monitor physical, human and digital

resources within the context of a collaborative multimedia project



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Design, art direct plan and manage a team of peers to Pass/Fail

produce an interactive media artefact.

2 Evidence using the previously generated / 100%

documented art direction, communication, production

schedule work load allocation etc and critically review

your performance reflecting upon both managerial and

production roles.





DM2109 Interaction Development

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM1100 Interaction Design AND DM1110 Interactive Authoring OR

DM1018 Interaction and Behaviour

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Jim Davis

Telephone 01902 323463

Email jim.davis@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module will enable students to develop and test interactive media concepts utilising usability testing

methodologies.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 For a given goal-driven (real world) activity explore Pass/Fail

and design an interactive treatment, including,

behaviour, interface and visual stylisation using

scamps, static renders linked to an interactivity flow

chart.

2 Identify, define and prepare a testing plan and 100%

accompanying prototype for the developed interactive

concept.









33

DM2110 Client-Based Video Production

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM1101

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Phil Nichols

Telephone 01902 322935

Email p.nichols@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

Nearly all real-world video production is carried out to a commission. There is an inevitable tension between

a programme-maker’s ideas and the client’s often mundane requirements. This module explores ways of

handling this tension. You will work on a group production for a real client, developing creative responses to

a real brief.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Folder containing negotiation/agreement 20%

correspondence with client.

2 Group production of video. 80%





DM2111 Streaming Media

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Jim Davis

Telephone 01902 323463

Email jim.davis@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module will enable students to design, acquire, post-produce and present time-based media for

streaming delivery over the web.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Design and produce one or more scamps, storyboards Pass/Fail

in response to audience and subject matter research.

2 Design produce, prepare and deliver one or more 100%

streaming media assets.









34

VC2002 Negotiated Project in Visual Communications 1

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Ben Kelly

Telephone 01902 322547

Email Ben.Kelly@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK302



Module description

The module aims to introduce students to negotiated project work. They will learn to negotiate and write a

brief, develop a work plan and go on to develop a body of work related to their specific area/s of interest.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Write a brief and devise a workload plan. Set 15%

deadlines

2 Production of negotiated project, with supporting 85%

research and development work.





VC2003 Negotiated Project in Visual Communications 2

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Ben Kelly

Telephone 01902 322547

Email Ben.Kelly@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK302



Module description

The module aims to give students the opportunity to negotiate a brief of their choosing. Enabling them to

develop a body of work dedicated to area/s of interest.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Write a brief and devise a workload plan. Set 10%

deadlines

2 Production of negotiated project, with supporting 90%

research and development work.









35

LEVEL 3



AD3006 Work Placement in Art and Design

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dave Colton

Telephone 01902 321977

Email D.Colton@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK208





Module description

This module will give students the opportunity to gain industrial experience in an area of personal interest

through the initiation of a placement or live project of their choice. Students will collaborate/negotiate with

professionals to gain industrial experience.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Provide evidence of live placement project i.e. via 0%

Work Placement Log Book or E-portfolio.

2 Written report and oral presentation based on 100%

experiences and activities undertaken as part of the

work experience. 2000 words









AD3007 Professional Placement in Art and Design

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dave Colton

Telephone 01902 321977

Email D.Colton@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK208





Module description

The professional placement provides an opportunity for professional development in the work place and as

such, greatly enhances your prospects of finding rewarding employment at the end of your studies.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 On-line journal and final placement report. 100%









36

AD3008 Extended Essay in Art and Design

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites AD2208

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Louise Fenton

Telephone 01902 328423

Email Louise.fenton@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK301a



Module description

This module is an opportunity to conduct an in-depth study of a topic of interest related to a student’s major

study. Individual, personal tutorials are used to generate and develop a student’s research strategy to

monitor progress and assist in the realisation of objectives. A written draft is used as a vehicle for feedback,

before the submission of a final version.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 5000 word extended essay 100%







AD3009 Creative Industries and Opportunities in Art and Design

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites At least 45 credits of DM-coded modules at level 2 or above

Co-requisites N/A

Prohibited N/A

combinations

Module Leader Louise Fenton

Telephone 01902 328423

Email Louise.fenton@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK301a



Module description

This module aims to:

 Familiarise students with a range of issues relating to the active pursuit of a career in art and

design.

 Enable students to effectively demonstrate current knowledge of the professional world and to

contextualise various practices.

 To assist the student to identify, understand research and reference information pertinent to their

personal career ambitions.

 To help and encourage students to utilise written, verbal and visual presentation techniques in

order to evaluate and to express an informed opinion.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Component 1: Research File 30%

Produce a research file using e-portfolio or equivalent

that includes relevant research, SWOT analysis, CV,

skills audit and personal action plan

2 Component 2: Produce one of the following: 70%

Business Plan:

Produce a business plan - prepare documentation,

including quotes, to show the process of setting up a

business.

Case study:

Prepare a case study of an existing business/sole

trader in a discipline related to your own practice.

Word Count: 2500?





37

CP3048 Games Development 2

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None for Computer Games Design students

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Check WOLF topic for details

Telephone

Email

Staff Room Number



Module description

This module builds on the principles and methodologies introduced in Games Development 1. It covers

recent technologies such as Direct3D and the latest 3D modelling packages for rendering animated

characters and environments. An introduction is given to AI tools used to create intelligent behaviours in

games characters. A game application is developed by a team, involving specification, design,

implementation and critical evaluation.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Coursework 30%

2 Coursework 40%

3 Prototype and Presentation 30%







CP3065 Computer Graphics

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None for Computer Games Design students

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Check WOLF topic for details

Telephone

Email

Staff Room Number



Module description

This module looks at the principle algorithms that underlie Computer Graphics, through modelling and

viewing. In addition, it will look at current and future trends in computer graphics. The module has a

practical aspect to underpin the research and lecture material.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Coursework 40%

2 Exam 60%









38

DM3017 Negotiated Project in Animation A

Credit value 30

Pre-requisites DM2029 or DM2025, and DM2019

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Ross Winning

Telephone 01902 321591

Email Ross.Winning@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK504



Module description

Negotiated proposal to enable students to undertake a personally designed programme suited to their

individual animation interests, aptitudes and aspirations. To provide opportunities for the application of

investigative, creative, problem solving and technical skills demonstrated by the satisfactory completion of

previous Animation modules. During this module students will produce pre-production, production and/or

post production for an animated sequence. The solutions to the project/projects negotiated should

demonstrate creative responses and aesthetic and technical research skills, taking into account target

audience and fitness for purpose.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Completion of proposal form. Pass/Fail

2 Screening of work in progress Pass/Fail

3 A minimum of three tutorial forms signed by staff Pass/Fail

4 A submission of pre-production/production and/or 100%

post-production material for an animated sequence.









39

DM3020 Computer Games 30 Credit Negotiated Project

Credit value 30

Pre-requisites DM2036

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Jab Robbins

Telephone 01902 321075

Email Jab.Robbins@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The module provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and theoretical

thinking that they have acquired from the two previous Levels. In this module, they will be able to

concentrate on a project that embodies all of their theoretical and production experience acquired in previous

modules.



The finished work will demonstrate, at an advanced level, that the student is capable of sustaining a complex

piece of work with critical self-awareness, professionalism and skill.



The finished artefact will be in the form of a game-type interactive work and presented in a computer-

readable format. It will be supported by review documentation.



This module enables a degree of negotiation between the weighting of practical based and theory based

outcomes.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Complete a Games Design negotiated study proposal Pass/Fail

form to be approved by module leader

2 Group criticism and feedback session Pass/Fail

3 Presentation of ideas Pass/Fail

4 Presentation of work in progress Pass/Fail

5 Complete visual/written research and portfolio of work 100%

appropriate to 30 credits of Level 3 undergraduate

study. The work should include artwork and

sequences appropriate to identified outcomes in the

proposal.









40

DM3021 Games Design Practical Project

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM2036

Co-requisites None

Prohibited DM3021 in other semester

combinations

Module Leader Brian Cattell

Telephone 01902 323448

Email b.cattell@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

The module provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and theoretical

thinking that they have acquired from the two previous Levels. In this module, they will be able to

concentrate on a game-design production that embodies all of their learning experience acquired in previous

modules.



The finished work will demonstrate, at an advanced level, that the student is capable of sustaining a complex

piece of work with critical self-awareness, professionalism and skill.



The finished artefact will be in the form of a game-type interactive work and presented in a computer-

readable format.



The emphasis of this module is upon practice-based outcomes.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Completion of a Computer Games Design Practical Pass/Fail

Project proposal form to be approved by module

leader

2 Presentation of ideas Pass/Fail

3 Visual/written research and portfolio of work 100%

appropriate to 15 credits of Level 3 undergraduate

study. The work should evidence artwork and

sequences appropriate to identified outcomes in the

proposal.









41

DM3028 Instructional Design and Development

Credit value 30

Pre-requisites DM1110 Interactive Authoring OR DM2107 Scripting Interaction OR

equivalent

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Faramarz Amiri

Telephone 01902 323447

Email f.amiri@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module explores the area of e-learning and e-training. Students are introduced to the instructional

design process and the main theories of human learning. They also design, develop and document their own

interactive computer-based instructional or training material.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Write a detailed proposal for producing an interactive 50%

instructional artefact with clear pedagogical

justification for its suitability and effectiveness for the

chosen area of learning (1,500 words).

2 Design, develop, evaluate and document an 50%

interactive instructional artefact.







DM3029 Digital Media Project Preparation (Research and Development)

Credit value 30

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Jab Robbins

Telephone 01902 321075

Email Jab.Robbins@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

In this module, participants will be able to concentrate on pre-production work for a project that builds to a

professional level. The work undertaken should reflect and build upon the strands and previous learning

experiences previously met in the Pathway. The Module work should support preparation for the production

of a major project at level three of the Digital Arts and Media pathway by undertaking broad, deep, and active

research along with the production of prototypical artefacts. This project idea and goals will be negotiated

through a series of interactions between students their peers and tutors with the purpose of generating a

strong body of independent pre-production work. The finished work should demonstrate, at an advanced

level, the proposal for a complex piece of work that has been critically and reflectively developed including a

prototype or prototypes that support and rationalise proposal.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Proposal and initial concept pitch 0%

2 Presentation of initial development 25%

3 Visual/written research and prototype 75%









42

DM3100 Negotiated Video and Film Production

Credit value 30

Pre-requisites DM2101 and DM2102 and DM2103

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Tracy McCoy

Telephone 01902 322202

Email t.mccoy@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module provides the opportunity for you to apply your skills, knowledge and experience to a major

production project. The form, style and content of the film or video you make is negotiated between your

production team and your tutor. The production could be of something completely new, or it may take as a

starting point some of the ideas you created in level 2 modules. You will learn the importance of pulling

together as a team to co-ordinate resources, and devote a large part of the module to refining the finished

version of the film or video.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Group video or film production 50%

2 Personal written account and reflection, to include a 50%

critical review of the group product.

3 Peer review pro forma. Pass/Fail







DM3103 Digital Arts and Media Project

Credit value 30

Pre-requisites DM3029

Co-requisites N/A

Prohibited N/A

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Dew Harrison

Telephone 01902 321550

Email Dew.Harrison@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK504



Module description

This module supports the production of a project that reflects previous study within the Digital Media Course.

It will provide an opportunity for the student to develop finished work to a high standard and advanced level

that is aimed at the professional world that they are about to enter. It will be a complex and challenging

piece of work and will demonstrate that the student is capable of the kind of approaches to subject skills that

future employers will expect to see in a Digital Media graduate’s portfolio. It will also demonstrate the level

of self-criticism and professionalism that is also in demand.



The work will build on the work previously undertaken in the course and should also be a continuation of the

concepts initiated in semester 1 at level 3. It should encompass the skills and knowledge base of those

strands. (I.e. Video and Interactive Media, Animation and Video, etc. or other appropriate combination). It

should primarily expand the students learning experiences in those particular strands.



The finished work or series of works will be in a format that is appropriate to those strands already studied.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Proposal submission at tutorial/seminar session of the Pass/Fail

concept together with rationale, methodology, and

production process

2 Group criticism with tutor and group feedback Pass/Fail

3 Portfolio submission of work to initial proposal with 100%

evolutions and developments



43

DM3105 Short Negotiated Video and Film Production 1

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM2101 and DM2102 and DM2103

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Phil Nichols

Telephone 01902 322935

Email P.Nichols@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module provides the opportunity for you to apply your skills, knowledge and experience to a short

production project. The form, style and content of the film or video you make is negotiated between your

production team and your tutor. The production could be of something completely new, or it may take as a

starting point some of the ideas you created in level 2 modules. Your production will be designed to suit a

target audience which you will define.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Group video or film production 50%

2 Personal written account and support materials, to 50%

include theoretical underpinnings of the production

3 Peer review pro forma. Pass/Fail









DM3106 Short Negotiated Video and Film Production 2

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM2101 and DM2102 and DM2103

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Adam Kossoff

Telephone 01902 322935

Email Adamkossoff@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module provides the opportunity for you to apply your skills, knowledge and experience to a short

production project. The form, style and content of the film or video you make is negotiated between your

production team and your tutor. The production could be of something completely new, or it may take as a

starting point some of the ideas you created in level 2 modules. Your production will demonstrate your ability

to engage with major theories or debates, and your ability to use camera, lighting, sound or editing to a

professional standard.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Group video or film production 50%

2 Personal written account and support materials, to 50%

include theoretical underpinnings of the production

3 Peer review pro forma. Pass/Fail









44

DM3107 Negotiated Project in Animation B

Credit value 30

Pre-requisites DM2029 or DM2025, and DM2019

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Ross Winning

Telephone 01902 321591

Email Ross.Winning@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK504



Module description

Negotiated proposal to enable students to undertake a personally designed programme suited to their

individual animation interests, aptitudes and aspirations. To provide opportunities for the application of

investigative, creative, problem solving and technical skills demonstrated by the satisfactory completion of

previous Animation modules. During this module students will produce pre-production, production and/or

post production for an animated sequence. The solutions to the project/projects negotiated should

demonstrate creative responses and aesthetic and technical research skills, taking into account target

audience and fitness for purpose.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Completion of proposal form. Pass/Fail

2.1 Screening of work in progress supported by a Pass/Fail

minimum of three tutorial forms signed by staff

2.2 A submission of pre- production/production and /or 100%

post-production material for an animated sequence.

with written evaluation of 500 words







DM3110 Interactive Media Practice 1

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM2109 (or equivalent)

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Jim Davis

Telephone 01902 323463

Email jim.davis@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module provides a framework and opportunities for students to consolidate, enhance and fine-tune their

existing knowledge and skills through sustained practice through designing and developing interactive

artefacts based on ‘live’ client-based requirements or a given design brief.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Write a ‘terms of reference’ in response to a Pass/Fail

verbal/written brief.

2 Design and develop an artefact based on the agreed 100%

‘terms of reference’









45

DM3111 Interactive Media Practice 2

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites DM2109 (or equivalent)

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Faramarz Amiri

Telephone 01902 323447

Email f.amiri@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module offers the students the opportunity to consolidate, enhance their existing knowledge and skills

by taking either an existing prototype, or an already established ‘terms of reference/brief’, and develop an

interactive artefact.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Design, develop and document an interactive artefact 100%

based on an existing prototype, or based on an

established ‘terms of reference’.







DM3112 Interactive Media Project

Credit value 30

Pre-requisites DM2109

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Dr. Jim Davis

Telephone 01902 323463

Email jim.davis@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK510



Module description

This module provides an opportunity to work on a year long practical negotiated interactive media project

culminating in the production of an interactive media artefact. From an initial agreed concept the project idea

will be explored and refined into a firm proposal through audience and subject matter research, prototype

and usability testing. An interactive media artefact will then be produced based on this project proposal.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Project Concept Pass/Fail

2 Proposal, prototype, testing plan 50%

3 Artefact & Documentation 50%









46

VC3002 Negotiated Project in Visual Communications 3

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader Paul Tovey

Telephone 01902 321934

Email P.Tovey@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK301a



Module description

The module aims to give students the opportunity to negotiate a brief of their choosing. Enabling them to

develop a body of work dedicated to their area/s of interest.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Write a brief and devise a workload plan. Set Pass/Fail

deadlines

2 Production of negotiated work, with supporting 100%

research and development work.









VC3004 Negotiated Project in Visual Communications 4

Credit value 15

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Prohibited None

combinations

Module Leader John Clementson

Telephone 01902 321978

Email johnclementson@wlv.ac.uk

Staff Room Number MK302



Module description

The module aims to give students the opportunity to negotiate a brief of their choosing. Enabling them to

develop a body of work dedicated to their area/s of interest.



Assessment

Description Weighting or Pass/Fail

1 Write a brief and devise a workload plan. Set Pass/Fail

deadlines

2 Production of negotiated work, with supporting 100%

research and development work.









47

Course Management



Divisional Leader Ross Winning 01902 322717



Divisional Assistant Jo Mills 01902 321372



Undergraduate Programme Manager Don Adamson 01902 321928



Admissions and Student Support Officer Sharon Raybould 01902 328426



Administrative Assistant, Student Support Natasha Bloomfield 01902 322427





Staff/Student Liaison



At the beginning of each academic session students will be invited to nominate a student representative per

course per level.



Staff/Student liaison meetings occur once per semester.



Student Council meets twice per year.



Course meetings between staff and students are held twice per year.



Student representatives are invited to School Committees



Student Voice



The involvement of students in the assessment of course quality is an established part of the University’s

procedures. The Students’ Union and your Course leaders will be able to tell you about the representative

roles available to students and the communication processes in the School. These are important roles that

benefit you and other students. Further information about student representation and the Student Voice is

available at the Students’ Union website: http://www.wolvesunion.org/pages/voice/









48

Staff Involved with the Programme



These Awards operate within the Division of Digital Media. The Divisional Leader is Ross Winning who can

be contacted on telephone extension 2717 or on email Ross.Winning@wlv.ac.uk.



The Divisional Assistant is Jo Mills who can be contacted on telephone extension 1372 or on email

jomills@wlv.ac.uk .



Academic Staff Associated with Digital Media:



Tel: Room: Email:

Don Adamson Undergraduate Programme 1928 MK517a D.Adamson@wlv.ac.uk

Manager; Lecturer, Video

Dr. Faramarz Amiri Course Leader, Interactive Media 3447 MK510 F.Amiri@wlv.ac.uk

Steve Arnott Course Leader, Animation 1549 MK510 S.P.Arnott@wlv.ac.uk

Brian Cattell Senior Lecturer, Computer 3448 MK510 B.Cattell@wlv.ac.uk

Games Design

Colin Davies MA Programme Manager; 1998 ML109 Colin.davies@wlv.ac.uk

Lecturer, Contextual

Dr. Jim Davis Course Leader, Digital Media 3463 MK510 Jim.Davis@wlv.ac.uk

Denise Doyle Senior Lecturer, Interactive Media 2443 MK510 D.Doyle@wlv.ac.uk

and Contextual

Paul Hale Course Leader, Computer Games 2413 MK510 P.Hale@wlv.ac.uk

Design

Dr. Dew Harrison Associate Dean, Postgraduate, 1550 MK505a Dew.Harrison@wlv.ac.uk

Research and Enterprise

Dr. Adam Kossoff Senior Lecturer, Video 2202 MK510 Adamkossoff@wlv.ac.uk

Emily Mantell Senior Lecturer, Animation 2260 MK510 E.Mantell@wlv.ac.uk

Tracy McCoy Senior Lecturer, Video 2202 MK510 T.McCoy@wlv.ac.uk

Samantha Moore Senior Lecturer, Animation 2068 MK510 S.Moore@wlv.ac.uk

Phil Nichols Course Leader, Video and Film 2935 MK510 p.nichols@wlv.ac.uk

Production

Jab Robbins Senior Lecturer, Digital Media 1075 MK510 Jab.Robbins@wlv.ac.uk



Technical Staff Associated with the Division



Tel: Room: Email:

Martin Evans Principal Technician 1996 MK201 M.A.Evans@wlv.ac.uk

Martin Kelly Senior Technician 1985 MK201 Martinkelly@wlv.ac.uk

Amo Jandu Senior Technician 2538 MK201 a.jandu3@wlv.ac.uk

Karen Mills Senior Technician 1981 MK201 K.L.Mills@wlv.ac.uk



Other School Staff



Tel: Room: Email:

Dave Colton Employment and Placements for 1977 MK302 D.Colton@wlv.ac.uk

SAD

Dr. Jane Cooksey Centre for Learning Development 3526 MK214 h.j.Cooksey@wlv.ac.uk

Jean Dyson Centre for Learning Development 3526 MK214 j.dyson2@wlv.ac.uk

Vinod Govindbhai Stores Technician 1993 MK004 v.govindbhai@wlv.ac.uk

Sheila Hind School Manager (Administration) 3399 MK501b s.hind@wlv.ac.uk

Dr. Lindsey Marshall Learning and Teaching Co- 3423 MK502 l.marshall@wlv.ac.uk

ordinator

Stewart Mason Superintendent Technician 2549 MK501a s.h.mason@wlv.ac.uk









49

Health & Safety issues



YOU MUST NOT USE MACHINERY UNTIL INDUCTED IN THE

SAFE WORKING PRACTICES FOR YOUR AREA.



Undergraduate students will receive the appropriate health and safety induction for their specific subject

areas as part of their curriculum.



Postgraduate students should discuss with the Postgraduate Programme Manager their specific needs for

health and safety induction. It is important that this takes place as soon as possible after registration.



ROOM DESIGNATIONS: A Students may work unsupervised

B Occasional checks by supervisors required

C Supervision is required

D Supervision at all times



THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL:

Eating and Drinking Only in designated areas. This is because of the inherent risk of fire and

ingestion of harmful materials

Smoking is not allowed anywhere on University property.



VENTILATIONS & EXTRACTION: Must be turned on at all times



ELECTRICAL APPLICANCES AND MACHINERY:

Turn off when you have finished using them. Turn off if you are the last to leave.



LEAVE THE AREA YOUR ARE WORKING IN SAFE:

When leaving insecure or risky work unattended always put a sign to warn others.



CLEAN UP SPILLS: Dispose of in the correct manner.



DO NO MAINTENANCE TO MACHINERY: See a member of staff – do not do it yourself.



REPORT ANY ADVERSE CONDITION: When using chemicals, powders or thinners etc.



NOTE POSITIONS OF FIRST AID BOXES, FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIRE EXITS:

Do not obstruct fire exits and remove any obstacles you find from the path of an exit.



ALWAYS OBEY FIRE ALARM:

The staff are not given prior warning for any fire drill. It is imperative that you know the assembly

point for your building. Alarm bell testing is carried out, you will be notified when this occurs and

you will not have to leave the building.



FIRE SAFE ‘REFUGE’ AREAS:

These are on each floor and are situated directly adjacent to the lift under the viewing windows.

They are intended primarily for wheelchair users but any casualty should be placed here.

Reassure them, then make your own way down the stairs and inform the Fire Co-ordinator as to

exactly which floor the person is on.



EMERGENCY INTERCOMS:

These are found on the landing adjacent to the lift. They alert SAD security. Misuse will lead to

disciplinary action.









50

REPORT ALL ACCIDENTS:

No matter how small as it may need to go into the accident book.

Accidents should be reported via the University’s Accident Report Form which is available on-

line from the Department of Risk, Health and Safety:

http://asp.wlv.ac.uk/Level3.asp?Level3=2136





Additional information which may not directly to certain subjects.



HASAWA: Health and Safety At Work Act. The University is bound to provide a safe and suitable

place of work. This is a EU directive to Parliament. The University is breaking the law if it

does not comply with the HSAWA. As such, the School’s technical staff, under the

guidance of SAD Safety Committee, and the SAD Safety Advisor, have to do a great deal

of preparatory background work to conform to the HASAWA. This is done on your behalf

and for your wellbeing:



CODES OF These are Health and Safety policy statements that emanate from the

PRACTICE: Vice Chancellor down to the various Health and Safety management groups.



MANUAL Learn how to bend and stand correctly when lifting heavy objects that are

HANDLING: deemed to be within your capabilities, and to assess when to use lifting equipment, or

seek help as necessary.



COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. All materials have to be verified to see how safe

they are to handle and use, before we purchase them.



RISK Evaluate all risks and exposures, with materials, machinery and the working

ASSESSMENT: environment.



WORKING Are step-by-step actions and operations that are ascertained from doing the

PROCEDURES: COSHH and RISK ASSESSMENTS. They take into account the aforementioned

regulations to ensure safe working practices. Therefore, all of the precautions that we

implement must be adhered to, or you will not be allowed to work. This is particularly

pertinent with the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), i.e. eye, face, ear,

hand, feet and body protection. All are to British Standards.





All of this information is available to staff and students and is kept in the relevant Subject Technician’s Office.

Copies are also kept in the Superintendent Technician’s Office, MK011.









51

Employability & Your Personal Development Portfolio (PDP)



What is ‘Employability’?

‘Employability’ is concerned with the development of skills aimed at enhancing your employment prospects

throughout your time here at the University of Wolverhampton. Developing specialist subject and academic

knowledge is important for employers but they also want to employ individuals who are able to:

 Communicate effectively,

 Work in a team and have good interpersonal skills.

 Solve problems

 Work on their own using their own initiative and are able to adapt to changing situations

 Be self-confident



How Will You Develop Your Employment Skills?

At the School of Art and Design we aim to provide you with the opportunity to develop these through the

modules you will be studying. The assessments you do for your modules are designed to help you develop

Subject specific skills through the research you undertake for the assignments. In addition, they are also

designed to help you develop other key skills such as your written communication skills. Where you have

formal presentations, this will build your self-confidence in addition to helping you develop your skills of

verbal communication. Working as part of a team will develop vital group-work skills. Attending your classes

regularly will further ensure that you have the opportunity to develop other skills.



Throughout your time at the University, you will develop and be able to demonstrate a number of skills, some

of which are listed below:



 Working as part of a group

 Demonstrating teamwork skills and leadership skills

 Effective communication

 Written (via reports etc.)

 Oral (through formal presentations)

 Problem-solving

 IT skills (which include use of basic packages for word processing, spreadsheets, use of email

etc.)

 Time management

 Attending classes on time

 Handing in your assignments by the deadline date



You may also be working part-time. The experience you gain within a work environment is a very worthwhile

one and also helps you to develop key skills. Dave Colton is the School of Art and Design Student

Placement Co-ordinator and he has a WOLF topic – Employment and Placements for SAD. This is another

good way of developing skills which are valued by employers.



A useful introduction to PDP is incorporated in AD1007 Research and Study Skills module.









52

Career opportunities and Future Study



Animation Students:

A number of students have gained employment in software related jobs – one student has started working

for a local CAD company due to his modelling skills. Another student, although not animating, is currently

working for a company in London, Telemagination as a graphic designer. This demonstrates that the BA

(Hons) Animation course provides students with a range of vocational skills that are quite diverse – the

animation job market is very competitive and often, graduating students take on other jobs where their skills

are relevant, outside of this sector.



Other students are undertaking post graduate study at the University of Wolverhampton, continuing their

studies at the National Film and Television School, and working in production companies.



Computer Games Design Students

Despite the current structure of the course, it is still able to support dedicated students and their

achievements, details of which are only recently acquired.



Recent information indicates that three graduates from 2008 are now working for a high-end game company.

Two students have just completed placements at another high-end game company and four students have

been awarded the brief to create a game each for a Wolverhampton Wanderers football club promotion, as

part of their level 3 studies.



Digital Media Students

Examples of student progression to Postgraduate study at NCCA Bournemouth. Since graduating, one

student has worked on collaborative research projects with staff members including the ‘Trail Balls’ project at

Compton Verney with Dr. Dew Harrison.



Interactive Media Students

Level 3 students took part in a live client-based project sponsored by Peter Weldon Iron Designs Ltd

(http://www.peterweldon.co.uk/) in our module DM3110. The resulting design ideas were reviewed by the

client and one student received a paid commissioned to complete their proposal to produce a promotional

interactive artefact for the company.



Our students also took part in the Interaction Design competition sponsored by Optimise Consultancy Ltd

and one of our level 1 students won the main prize for her innovative use of sound in her work in DM1109

and a level 2 student won the runner-up prize for his work in DM2107. There prizes were given out during

the Degree show by the director of the company.



From the contact we have had from some of our graduates we know that some are working in the following

areas:



 Music publishing

 Freelance Interactive work including some work for University of Wolverhampton and

commissioned client project

 Freelance Interactive media / web designer

 Working for the Family business



One student is planning to start an MA and another has immigrated to Canada. Two students have been to

interviews and waiting for the results.



Video and Film Production Students

Students completed a number of successful client-based productions at level 2 and three, and including one

project which was completed by a collaborative team across level two and three. The success of this latter

project led to the creation of the MDTi Prize, an award for Best Commercial Video Production.



Several final-year student productions were submitted for film festivals and other competitions, including one

film winning an award at the Underdog Festival at Staffordshire University.



Two final year productions were submitted to the Royal Television Society for consideration for the Midland

Region Student Awards. One of these was shortlisted (and subsequently, in early 2008-9, won two of the

RTS Awards.)





53

Student destinations include working as a runner/production assistant with London-based production

company, a production team member on The Gadget Show, and undertaking further study within the

University of Wolverhampton or elsewhere.





Careers Advice Unit Simon Brandwood



SAD Student Placements Dave Colton





Future Study:



Postgraduate Courses:

 MA Art and Design

 MA Fine Art

 MA Design for Advertising



All postgraduate enquiries to Colin Davies on ext. 2266



Thinking of applying for AHRC funding for postgraduate study? Students should make it known to tutors

they are considering applying for funding by the close of semester one of the academic year of proposed

application. This will allow staff to coordinate and rationalise the application process.



Research opportunities:



 MPhil and PhDs in Art and Design (interdisciplinary combinations available)



All research enquiries to Dr. Dew Harrison or Emma Angus







Professional Placements and Work Placements

An optional Professional Placement is available for your course. A placement in your chosen specialism can

give you valuable experience, build your confidence and give you a head start in gaining employment in your

chosen field.



The placement can either be a one semester work experience or a full one year placement.



For the full year placement the aim is to start in the September after the successful completion of your

second year. You will then return to University the following September to complete your final year.



For more information see the Professional Placement Handbook or contact Dave Colton, Employability Co-

ordinator. Telephone extension: 1977 email: d.colton@wlv.ac.uk.







Academic Regulations

This course adheres to the University’s academic regulations for students undertaking an undergraduate

degree, commencing after October 2002. A full version of these regulations can be found on the University

web site: www.wlv.ac.uk/polsregs. These regulations govern your course and will be binding on you. It is,

therefore, important that you read and become familiar with them.









54

Section 2: School Specific Information

School of Art and Design – Prize List



The Caparo Prize for Creative Enterprise

The Craftline Award for Excellence in Ceramics

Daler Rowley Prize for Excellence in Graphic Communication

Daler Rowley Prize for Excellence in Painting

The Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Design & Applied Arts

The Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Digital Media

The Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Fine Art & Photography

The Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Visual Communications

The Express & Star Award for Excellence in Journalism & Editorial Design

Keith Cummings Award for Excellence in Kiln Glass Casting

The Light House Photographic Award for best Documentary in Collaboration with the University of

Wolverhampton

MDTi Prize for Excellence in Commercial Video Production

The Optimise Consultancy Award for Interaction Design

The Potclay Award for Outstanding Work in Clay

The RotoVision Award for Excellence in Editorial Graphic Communication

The Sandvik Prize for Excellence in Photography

The Sandvik Prize for Excellence in Sculpture

Simon Bruntnell Award for Best Glass Work in Show

Toppots Award for Achievement in Ceramics

The Valentines Studentship Prize for Ceramics

Watsons Glass Award for Best Commercial Glass Design









School of Art and Design Shop and Media Store



The School of Art and Design have a shop and a Media Store which are located on the ground floor of MK

building. The shop sells a wide variety of materials at reasonable prices. The Media Store has a range of

cameras, videos, lights, tripods and other multimedia equipment which you can borrow.









55

CHARTER FOR STUDENTS STUDYING IN THE SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN



The School of Art and Design is a working partnership between its students and staff. Students of the School of Art

and Design are expected to have high aspirations. Studying in this supportive environment offers you the opportunity to

develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours that will enhance your career opportunities.









In order to help you achieve your objectives we shall endeavour to provide

 A stimulating and well-planned learning opportunity

 Appropriate resources, including books and computers/software

 Well-defined and appropriate programmes of study

 Opportunities to plan and review your progress

 Access to learning support

 Qualified, experienced and approachable technical and academic staff









We shall ensure that



 Written and verbal feedback will be provided on all assessments within 2-3 working weeks

 There are opportunities for you to comment on and influence your University and School experience, e.g., via

student forums, student-staff liaison meetings, module questionnaires and student representation on School

committees

 You will have access to information that you need to progress on the course, e.g., through module guides and

award/pathway guides

 All staff treat you with courtesy and respect

 Equal opportunities is promoted

 We deal promptly and fairly with issues of concern raised by you









We expect you to:



 Review your progress

 Show courtesy and respect to staff and other students

 Attend all learning sessions, including tutorials, and act appropriately at all times

 Understand the requirements of your programme of study

 Understand the requirements of each module you are studying on (sessions to attend, assessment

procedures etc)

 Respect and abide by the University regulations, e.g., Equal Opportunities Policy, ID Cards, quiet areas, no

smoking, plagiarism, student conduct etc

 Bring all necessary equipment to studios and workshops

 Abide by health and safety procedures, including wearing personal protective clothing when required

 Hand in assessments on time and in line with assessment procedures

 Switch off mobile phones when in class

 Behave considerately in lectures and participate in group activities

 Keep your tutor informed if you have personal problems that affect your work. If any problem makes it

necessary for you to seek an extension on the date on which your assessment should have been submitted,

then do so before the deadline date.

 Seek approval for any change in your programme and submit the record to your tutor/lecturer within the

deadlines. It is your responsibility to submit the form to your student registry

 Inform the Registry Administrator if your address/personal details/sponsor changes/or other contact details

change

 Notify your personal tutor/module leader of any sickness or absence

 Support your student representative in their work on your behalf





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Where to get help with your course



General Enquiries

Divisional Assistant at the University - School of Art and Design office in room MK501



Module Related

Module Tutor/Leader

SAD Undergraduate Programme Manager



Programme/Academic Related

Personal Academic Tutor (College or University)

University Course Leader

University Divisional Leader



Extensions/Mitigating Circumstances/Course Transfer

SAD Undergraduate Programme Manager or Admissions and Student Support Officer

Forms can be downloaded from e-vision (www.wlv.ac.uk/evision).



Study Issues and Support

University Study Skills Advisor LRC

wlv.ac.uk/skills

SAD Centre for Learner Development MK214



Students with additional support needs

SAD: Dr Jane Cooksey 321957

University: Student Enabling Centre 01902 321074



Personal Issues

Personal Tutor

University Student Gateway 322572



Student Gateway

University Careers and Employment Services 321414

SAD Placements: Dave Colton 321977.



Complaints/Suggestions

College Reception Desk/Student Services or on line at: http://www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/standards/index.html

University Reception desks, School Offices or on line at: http://www.wlv.ac.uk/PDF/ind_compl_proc.pdf



Getting involved

Have your say!

There are many activities you can get involved in by:

 Becoming a student representative

 Helping out at Open Days

 Helping out with school activities









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Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)



The contacts for APL consideration within the School of Art and Design are:



Undergraduate – Don Adamson

Postgraduate – Colin Davies



Courses are based on the principle of accumulating sufficient ‘credits’ at appropriate levels. The usual

means to gain a Foundation Degree is to complete the level 1 credit requirement, then move on to achieve

the level 2 requirement. In order to obtain the required credits for your targeted award you need to study

(and pass) a set of modules. Each award specifies the modules (the ‘core’ or ‘core option’ modules) which

must be studied as part of this set of modules. A single module is normally worth 15 credits. However, it is

not uncommon for students to have gained the knowledge and skills developed in some of our modules

through previous study at another institution, by virtue of their normal work experience or via some other

interest or activity. Clearly, where this is the case, it would not be sensible or desirable for you to repeat this

learning experience during your student for one of our awards. Where we can clearly substantiate a student

claim to already have the relevant knowledge and skills to have satisfied the Learning Outcomes for one of

our modules, it is possible to accredit that achievement and thereby possibly shorten the period of student

required for the target award.



APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning) is a process for recognising and assessing students’ prior learning.

This recognition may give the learning a credit-value in a credit-based structure and enable it to be counted

towards the completion of a programme of study and the award(s) or qualifications associated with it. APL

includes:

 APEL- accreditation of experiential learning normally learning for which the student does not

have a formal certificate from a recognised body, or

 APCL - accreditation of prior certificated learning normally previously assessed and certificated

learning recognised for academic purposes.



Normally students will request consideration for APL prior to starting their course. Retrospective claims are

considered but may not be successful.



University information and guidance on APL can be found at:

http://asp2.wlv.ac.uk/registry/qasd/HPGandT/HandG/APL%20Guidelines.pdf





Learning, Teaching & Assessment: What Can You Expect?



Learning and Teaching (L&T)



Undergraduate Student Guide - http://www.wlv.ac.uk/default.aspx?page=13158



Learning & Teaching Resources

There is a wide range of resources available for your learning, including on-line materials, web-based

information and, importantly, the online resources provided by the Learning Centres. Module information will

direct you to specific information sources, but there is an expectation that you will research your own sources

in order to enhance your achievement of the learning outcomes for the programme. In order to locate

resources relevant to Art and Design directly, visit the Learning Centre’s home page at www.wlv.ac.uk/lib,

select ‘Subject Starting Point’ from the left hand menu and use the links to navigate through e-books, e-

journals, databases and information on the web. If you require further subject-specific help with resources,

contact SAD Librarian, Tom Hicks.



Technology Supported Learning



Technology supported learning is useful for many aspects of your studies at the School of Art & Design. The

e-portfolio system, PebblePAD, is useful for personal development planning, for storing, recording and

reflecting on all aspects of your work and life here. Tutors are increasingly using technology supported

learning in many aspects of their teaching and as a means of communication with individuals and groups.

You will be introduced to both PebblePAD and WOLF (the university’s virtual learning environment) at the

outset of your studies. The Centre for Learner Development (MK214) offers support to students in the use of

technology such as WOLF and PebblePAD.



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Assessment



Types of assessment

The main source of information about assessment tasks are the module guide and assessment task brief.

The module tutor will provide a detailed briefing for each assignment. There is a wide range of assessment

tasks (further details can be found in the Undergraduate Student Guide), including:



 Project work

 Presentations

 Reports

 Team work exercises

 Work placement

 Written assignments



Marking of Assessments

The marking and grading of your work is a comprehensive exercise involving first-marking by tutors,

moderation by other tutors and the submission of assessments to independent external examiners who

monitor and advise, thereby ensuring quality and standards.



The normal return period for feedback on your marked (summative) work is three weeks after the date of

submission. You will receive a grade achieved and comments on whether and how you have achieved the

learning outcomes.



The processing of grades is outlined in the Undergraduate Student Guide. Assessment grades follow the

‘Grade Point Scale’ format outlined in the Guide. Grades range from A16 (outstanding) to F0 (fail, no resit

permitted). For the majority of modules the average achievement level will be in the C category which is

‘average-good’; grades above this are ‘above average-very good to outstanding’, and grades below are from

‘satisfactory’ down to ‘uncompensatable fail’. Thus, an ‘upper’ C grade (e.g. C10) is comfortably a ‘good’

grade within the A to F distribution.



Marking Criteria

In order to pass a module you will need to meet the criteria indicated on the assignment brief. These criteria

will be selected from the School of Art and Design assessment criteria which is listed below:



Level 1

 Creative Synthesis - Show the ability to produce creative responses to identified

opportunities and/or requirements.

 Research - Show the ability to identify and access appropriate research and

experimental methods in order to gather relevant material/data.

 Reflection - Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of evaluating one’s own

practice.

 Communication - Show the ability to identify an appropriate range of methods of

communication visual, verbal and written.

 Visual analysis - Show the ability to identify an appropriate range of tools required in

order to undertake visual analysis.

 Contextualisation - Be able to identify the importance of locating one’s own activity within

an identified wider context.

 Organisation - Show the ability to identify the necessity and value of organisation in a

personal and professional context.

 Learning - Demonstrate a familiarity and engagement with appropriate modes of

learning.

 Working with others - Show an understanding of the importance, significance and

potential challenges of working with others.

 Production - Show the ability to identify and select appropriate making and

manufacturing processes.









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Level 2

 Creative Synthesis - As Level 1 but, additionally: develop appropriate strategies to

enhance and enrich one’s own learning style. Also: demonstrate the use of appropriate

strategies showing an awareness of intended audience, users and other external

considerations.

 Research - As Level 1 but, additionally: demonstrate an ability to employ and interrogate

an appropriate range of sources or data.

 Reflection - As Level 1 but, additionally: reflect on your own work in the context of that of

others.

 Communication - As Level 1 but, additionally: take into account the intended

audience/context and the role that communication might play during, and on completion

of, the work process.

 Visual analysis - As Level 1 but, additionally: employ and articulate methods of visual

analysis taking into account users and audiences.

 Contextualisation - As Level 1 but, additionally: develop an awareness of the historical,

theoretical, critical, cultural, environmental and technological contexts.

 Organisation - As Level 1 but, additionally: demonstrate an ability to plan and implement

actions, identify targets and deadlines and organise resources.

 Learning - As Level 1 but, additionally: develop appropriate strategies to enhance and

enrich one’s own learning style.

 Working with others - As Level 1 but, additionally: demonstrate an understanding of the

strategies necessary to work successfully with others.

 Production - As Level 1 but, additionally: demonstrate an ability to employ a variety of

approaches to production that demonstrates the development of an appropriate range of

skills.



Level 3

 Creative Synthesis - As Levels 1 & 2, but, additionally: demonstrate the ability to identify

and produce effective solutions, showing creative initiative in selecting responses

appropriate to the opportunities and/or requirements. For written work, creative

synthesis is substituted by information analysis and involves the ability to compound

knowledge in a creative way through reading, research and other independent learning

strategies.

 Research - As Levels 1 & 2 but, additionally: demonstrate the application of research

methods to interpret, synthesise and draw conclusions from research for future work.

 Reflection - As Levels 1 & 2 but, additionally: draw conclusions from your evaluation in

order to inform and develop one’s own practice.

 Communication - As Levels 1 & 2 but, additionally: demonstrate the ability to explain,

debate and persuade, adapting to circumstance and audience.

 Visual analysis - As Levels 1 & 2 but, additionally: employ visual analysis in an

intelligent, appropriate and creative manner in order to inform one’s own practice.

 Contextualisation - As Levels 1 & 2 but, additionally: demonstrate the ability to locate

any given activity within the multiple contexts of art and design practice.

 Organisation - As Levels 1 & 2 but, additionally: demonstrate the ability to manage

effectively one and others.

 Learning - As Levels 1 & 2 but, additionally: demonstrate the ability to undertake

independent learning as a basis for academic study, life-long learning and personal

professional development.

 Working with others - As Levels 1 & 2 but, additionally: demonstrate the ability to work

harmoniously and effectively with others, accepting responsibility in a variety of roles.

 Production - As Levels 1 & 2 but, additionally: identify and perfect skills necessary for

the successful production of your own work.

 For written work this is substituted by intellectual skills, which are the ability to marshal

and express a clear and rational argument, in accordance with academic conventions

(i.e. referencing, footnotes and bibliography).









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What Should You Avoid? What Should You Seek to Achieve?

 Remember that you are writing for another reader or readers. Do not assume that the

reader will fill the gaps in your work.

 Use the introduction to establish what you are doing in your assignment.

 Use examples to support your analysis.

 Be objective and aim for reasoned argument. Phrases such as ‘in my opinion’ or ‘in my

view’ are of little value because they are subjective. Do not use them. You should aim

to support your points with evidence and reasoned analysis.

 Always acknowledge the use of someone else’s work, using the appropriate system of

referencing. Also, it is a very serious offence to use someone else’s work, especially

word-for-word or paraphrased contents of other’s work. This is called “plagiarism” and

will be covered throughout the programme to ensure that you are aware of how to avoid

it.

 Always keep copies of the sources or keep a note of each source as you use it, so that

you can reference it in your bibliography at the end of your assignment.

 Plan your work in advance so as to meet the hand-in (submission) date. Writing up your

research is often more time-consuming than you expect.

 Get help from tutors and mentors if you are unsure.

 Above all, do not ‘suffer in silence’; the Course Leader, Student Advisor and tutors will

be able to provide guidance so please use them.



Why are ethical considerations important when researching for assignments?

Research is an essential and vital part of learning and teaching. Most research uses existing material, that is

publicly and legally available e.g. books, journals, periodicals, and web-based material for which formal

approval is not normally required.

However some research may involve interaction with people or organisations. You should ensure that you

do NOT conduct any research that could be intrusive or sensitive or could cause psychological harm or

suffering to others.



Ethical Monitoring of Modules, Projects and Assignments

For many modules, projects or assignments you will be using literature based research, for which formal

approval is not normally required.

However when your research brings you into contact with people or organisations (e.g. Email contact,

interviews, questionnaires, photographing or video or audio taping) then you need to be fully aware of and

rigorously and consistently apply the School of Art Ethical Monitoring Procedures. In such cases you will

need to discuss your intentions with your module tutor who will need to approve what you are doing before

you make any contact.



However if your research or project involves any of the following you will have to get written permission from

the School of Art and Design, Learning, Teaching & Ethics Sub Committee. Your tutor will discuss the

research with you and complete the relevant Ethical Monitoring Form and forward it for the approval of this

Committee.



Written permission is needed from the SAD Learning Teaching & Ethics Sub Committee for research or

project work that,

 involves covert procedures

 uses any procedures that may be considered likely to be physically or psychologically harmful

 may be offensive or produces material that may be offensive

 is contentious and may bring the University into disrepute

 requires access to, or creates data about individuals of a highly confidential nature

 involves participants who are considered vulnerable

 requires the administration of substances (legal or otherwise)

 requires the approval of another Professional Ethics Committee









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What Feedback Can You Expect?



What can you expect from your tutors whilst you are preparing your work?

 Normally tutors will advise you, as a group, on the assessment at or near the start of the module.

 Thereafter, you may consult your tutors by emailing them.



What should you not expect from your tutors?

It is not the role of a tutor to read drafts of your work and correct them with a view to your obtaining a ‘good

mark’. An assignment should reflect your effort and input, and the role of the tutor is to guide and advise. It

is then your responsibility to assess this advice and guidance and use it accordingly. Tutors provide this in

good faith, but its use - or lack of it - by you is not an automatic route to a good or a poor grade. Other

factors, particularly those pertaining to your skills and efforts, will play a vital role in your achievement.



After completion of the assignment

The main feedback is through a copy (to you) of the assessment feedback sheet by email from

tutors/administrative support staff.



How You Can Comment on Learning & Teaching and Assessment

We greatly value your feedback; students’ views are collectively influential in how we deliver L&T and are

gathered through staff-student meetings and via questionnaires, particularly the Module Evaluation

Proformas (MEPs) that you are asked to complete towards the end of a module. Such feedback is analysed

for annual monitoring of modules, subjects and courses.



External Examiners

External examiners are assigned to modules, for which they see a representative sample of student work.

Their job is to ensure that modules, assessment procedures and marking standards are fair and on a par

with other degree awarding institutions; and to ensure that individual students are awarded grades that are a

fair reflection of their performance. External examiners may request to meet with students and are required

to produce an annual report which is considered by the University’s Quality and Enhancement Committee.









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