What will I learn on this module?
This module enables you to learn first-hand within a cultural or creative industry organisation. It will enhance your knowledge of how a cultural or creative industry organisation functions, and your ability to critically analyse its structures and processes. You will observe the principles of organisational management through your placement duties within a working organisation. You will gain an appreciation of how an organisation’s governance, structures and systems are influenced by values, motivations, practices and working cultures on the ground.
How will I learn on this module?
The module begins with two initial seminars, and will conclude with a final group sharing and analysis session. At the core of this module is an eight week work-based experience within a cultural or creative industry organisation or practice. You will (1) participate in and observe management and systems within the working environment, and (2) develop or conceptualise an outcome-focused project of relevance to the organisation. We feature technology-enhanced, group and one-on-one approaches to teaching & learning, emphasising student-centred and practical activities. Technology is central to this process as a tool supporting the everyday learning activities (through audio and visual materials, discussion boards, collaborations, blogs and student websites), which offers equal opportunities for both Campus and Distance Learning students.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your module tutor will play an active role in guiding you through initial module sessions, e-learning resources and one-on-one electronic and academic tutorial support. The tutor will also be available for one-on-one support during the work-based component of the programme. All course materials will be made available on the relevant module e-Learning Portal sites.
At Department and Faculty level, the Student Administration and Support Centre (SASC) provides a place to ask questions (eg. regarding timetables, late submissions and personal extenuating circumstances). SASC will refer you to the correct university service if it cannot directly help you.
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. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowldge & Understanding:
1. Selection of an appropriate host organisation
2. Critical consideration of the strategic aims, management structures and operating modes of the identified organisation.
Intellectual/Professional skills & abilities:
1. Effective working within the host organisation, based on an acquired understanding of their organisational aims, needs and structures
2. A professional report outlining contributions made to the organisation and an awareness of own further developmental needs
Personal Values Attributes:
1. The ability to interrogate and understand a cultural organistion's practices and processes, and determining appropriate ways to contribute to those.
How will I be assessed?
FORMATIVE
Formative assessment will be carried out throughout the initial and final seminar sessions where students will discuss literature, issues and themes pertinent to cultural and creative industries aimed at all four Knowledge and Skills MLOs. Peer and tutor feedback, and self-reflection, will encourage Personal Values attributes of sensitivity, ethics and curiosity.
SUMMATIVE
The summative assessment will be a 5000 word (100%) essay/report that demonstrates and elaborates all MLOs in the synthesis of theory to practice.
Pre-requisite(s)
VA7006 or VA7007 (or approved equivalents)
Co-requisite(s)
none
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided
Course info
Credits 30
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
1 other options available
Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
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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