DE5025 - Design Placement 2

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will have the opportunity to complete either one or several placements working in the creative industries, which will enable you to explore possibilities for your future career within the sector. With the support of your Academic Tutors and the placement support staff you will be encouraged to source, apply and confirm your chosen placement(s). This will help you to develop a network and become confident in applying for opportunities within creative industries.



A single placement or series of placements can run continuously or sporadically throughout the placement period as long as a minimum of 15 weeks or 600 hours of design-related placement work and study is achieved. A placement can also seamlessly transfer into the Placement 2 module. This flexible opportunity offers you a potentially broad insight into how the design industry operates in differing market and innovation sectors. Being part of a design agency or in-house team means a greater understanding of design processes, market and product development cycles.



Through this work experience, you potentially gain exposure to design related professions such as brand strategy, marketing, social media content creation, manufacturing processes, as well as developing your own visual and general communication skills. Furthermore, the experience of applying your academic studies in a real work environment gives context and will help you to develop a confident and professional attitude and it will encourage you to become career ready, actively making informed decisions about your future. To consolidate this aim, you will be encouraged to maintain a digital diary of your learning, and professional experience, documenting the new skills and knowledge you acquire during your placement encouraging deep thinking, questioning and you will be asked to critically reflect and contextualise this learning in relation to your own professional practice.



Note, if you intend to continue with ‘Design Placement 2’ in semester 2 but are unable to complete or secure an industrial work placement in advance of the module starting you will be encouraged to switch to the 'Creative Studio' elective which connects to industry live design briefs, competitions and speculative design scenarios that thrive on mirroring real-world design.

How will I learn on this module?

The skills you potentially learn and develop from Design Placement 1 will be through being an integral part of a professional team. Working closely with your line manager and colleagues you will develop a greater understanding of company structures and processes. Undertaking a responsible role and working to critical deadlines will help you acquire time management skills and a professional attitude. Being part of a team will help you become more proficient in communicating your ideas, both visually and verbally. This type of experiential activity engages critical self-awareness and encourages reflection and autonomy. Additionally, enterprise placement students will develop the interpersonal skills and knowledge needed relevant to their own business idea.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The project is introduced at a briefing session, where it is fully explained and explored by both staff and students.

The university’s support team for Industrial Placements is available to register any placement at the end of year 2 from June onwards. Placement Academic staff will provide support during term time September – June. The lead Module Tutor will be available to answer queries in relation to the module via email and opportunities to meet you whilst on industrial placement. Further formal academic support is provided via information posted on the eLearning portal, which can be accessed on a range of devices.

Administrative and Academic Placement Co-ordinators will aid your transition from university to the workplace and offer support throughout your placement. Studio tutorials provide feedback on your project work, your progression on the module and offer direction on how to develop your work further, including guidance for student-led independent learning.

During this period of study, you will be required to maintain regular contact with Academic staff through telephone tutorials or visits.

Learning materials for this module are available on the university eLearning Portal, including the module documentation, announcements, presentations, reading list and timetable.

Additional study skills materials and workshops, that are available through Skills Plus at http://nuweb2.northumbria.ac.uk/library/skillsplus/topics.html?l3-0

Academic Language Skills (ALS) are available for international students.

Students requiring additional support are advised to contact their Personal Tutor for advice, who will be able to refer them to the relevant university services for specialist support regarding their personal circumstances.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:



Use critical discourse to analyse or question contemporary design issues or projects.



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:



Select and organise a portfolio and related promotional media for academic or professional assessment and feedback.



Demonstrate creative thinking through analysis and experimentation throughout the design process.





Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):



Participate in collaborative team working activities or projects to tackle problems that benefit from a multi-perspective approach to design.



Explain more specific career goals and professional directions based on emerging strengths and interests within the design-related fields.

How will I be assessed?

This is a Pass / Fail module.

You will receive regular formative feedback on your reflective digital diary through the course of your IP year.







Summative assessment



A reflective diary of your learning, and professional experience.

A shareable presentation communicating what you have learned and how this might influence your own development in your final year of study.

Your Placement Employer(s) will be asked to provide documented feedback in the form of a reference on your internship(s).

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Design Placement 2 is an experiential learning module which is an opportunity to gain a real-world experience of how the creative industries work. You will progress and develop your career readiness plan by working for one or more companies within creative industries. The duration of your time on placement in this module should equate to a minimum of minimum of 15 weeks or 600 hours of design-related placement work and study



Academic tutors and designated industrial placement support staff will help you to identify a variety of suitable placement roles and encourage you to apply for placements that align with your career interests and aspirations. The module supports the development of industry-specific skills, it will enable you to understand what it means to be a design-related professional, build your professional ambitions and networks, and prepare you for future employment.



During your placement you will be encouraged to be reflective and to analyse your experience through the keeping of digital diary. You will also be expected to share your learning, current practice and aspirations for your final year through a presentation. If you wish to complete a full year on placement you can follow this experience with the Design Placement 2 module.

Course info

UCAS Code W200

Credits 60

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Northumbria School of Design

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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