Overview

Workplace experience is central to the course, it allows students to experience working as a designer in a commercial environment. This module continues from the Year1 work placement module with further attention being given the use of a wider range analytical toolkits, a requirement for in-depth SWOT analyses, and to self-evaluation of professional development. The module gives students the opportunity to work with companies and industrial partners to gain valuable practical experiences. Students typically approach this series of work placement modules with the following strategies:

to gather a broad range of experiences by focusing on skill acquisition - for example, placements in design studios, small- or large-scale manufacturing companies, specialist CAD or graphic companies, or

to target specific companies where the student would like to work in future.

During the 6-week placement, students are tasked with compiling a comprehensive report and essay, focusing on specific aspects they observe and linking their analysis to their professional development. The report encompasses various facets including the company's ethos, vision, mission, and values, alongside insights into leadership and management styles, marketing strategies, political and consumer trends, as well as quality control and sustainability measures. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills through critical examination of these components. In contrast, the essay allows students to conduct a reflective self-evaluation of their work and contributions within the company, as well as an assessment of personal development and skills utilising the Bangor Employability Matrix toolkit. These tasks collectively foster a deeper understanding of the industry dynamics and facilitate the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience, thus enhancing the students' professional growth.

Assessment Strategy

-excellent -A- to A+ (70%+): Outstanding Performance. The relevant information accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

-good -B- to B+ (60-69%): Very good performance Most of the relevant information accurately deployed. Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

-another level-C- to C+ (50-59%): Much of the relevant information and skills mostly accurately deployed. Adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Some evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

-threshold -D- to D+ (40-49%): No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.

Learning Outcomes

• Design a document’s format and style suitable for commercial use and presentation.

• Explain the conclusions of a personal development review within the remit of future skills acquisition and employability.

• Reflect on the methods used to conduct an analysis and appropriate this to personal development.

• Review the structures, methods and systems within a company, and compare against industrial good practices.