Abstract:

This paper considers the process of reviewing and revalidating the common credit framework for all undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a new university for the creative arts. There is a constantly shifting framework for higher education that considers the industrial context (employability/ entrepreneurship/ inter and multi-disciplinary interests) as well as the regional context. The regional context is significant and increasingly so as the impacts of increased fees and costs of education are made evident: institutions have a responsibility to contribute to the local economy through provision for education and provision of an educated group of potential employees.

The philosophy underpinning the review is to enable pedagogy of the subjects and disciplines to underpin the new Credit Framework and support the design of courses within the university. The proposed credit scheme will enable the design of courses and the student experience to reflect the strategic aims [mission enablers] and objectives.

Specifically the new Credit Framework needs to support:
• The delivery of the highest standards of learning and teaching in the creative arts: creating the opportunity for subjects and courses to construct relevant student learning experiences
• Engagement in research and enterprise activities at the forefront of our disciplines: integrating research and enterprise activities within the course design for students at each level
• Fostering of creative talent and potential wherever it is found: enabling students and staff to take risks in their teaching and learning activities without non-achievement outcomes; including room for personal development and individual achievement into course design and assessment activities
• Forging relationships for the benefit of the University and its partners: enabling opportunities such as national and international exchange or work experience for students at undergraduate or post graduate level
• Sustaining a supportive creative community which has a positive impact on society, culture and the economy: through a credit structure that supports the nurturing of students and a greater understanding of their place in society through the design of curriculum activities that provide opportunities to engage with a range of communities from other course groups to local and regional communities
• Enhancing our international standing and reputation in the creative arts: by constructing courses that are accessible for diverse students and that recognise through their curriculum the diverse needs and cultures of students
• Championing the academic, economic and social value of the creative arts: through courses that are cross disciplinary, of flexible delivery and distinctive, high quality and innovative.

This paper analyses the framework with respect of key pedagogic theories to evaluate the degree to which pedagogy has been embedded in the framework and its ability to suport diverse disciplines from fine arts and crafts, through design disciplines of product, fashion; media disciplines of film, animation; communication disciplines of graphics and journalism, to architecture and interior design (the professional disciplines).

Keywords:

Curriculum design, learning and teaching, strategy, student experience.