Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Bachelor of Science with Honours Creative Media Technology , Level 5, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
This handbook aims to give you information that may enable you to succeed on our course.
You should find it helpful when you first arrive at the University. I also hope that returning students find it a useful resource.
This Course Handbook will be handy for general information such as contacts and academic calendar dates when you are preparing for assessment, and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies. A module guide/handbook for each module you study on your course will also be made available to you.
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your study with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful. As well as Hugo Smith (the CMT Course Director), this year's tutors will include Ant Pearson, Dr Marc Fabri, Sean Wilcock, Paul Emery, Tim Blackwell and may also see you work with other tutors from across the Creative Technologies Subject Area. You will also meet returning alumni and guest lecturers from industry. We all want to help you achieve as much as possible while you are with us.
All our staff will try and assist you. However, it is you the students who make this a great course. Please try to work with and get to know your peers, help new students settle in and generate work and ideas that inspire you, your group, everyone at your level of study and the whole course to do better and better in all we attempt. Together we are making CMT a course that inspires others and builds towards a national reputation for producing creative, hard-working and employable graduates.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies this year. If you are happy here, share that happiness with us and your peers. If you find things difficult - either on the course or in your wider life - we are here to listen and we will try to help you. Just come and find me or your other tutors. We will do what we can.
Things may continue to be more difficult than they used to be (after the covid-19 public health emergency of recent years and given the present cost-of-living crisis). We hope to run a 'standard' year but we may ask for more flexibility from you if events change our approach, and you may want and need different kinds of support from us.
So, again, if you are experiencing difficulties, or have questions about any aspect of your studies please get in touch with your Academic Advisor or come to me in-person, message on Teams, or email. No matter the difficulty or issue we will make every effort to make your student experience as good as possible. We are a community of practice. We are CMT together: students and tutors. And we care about one another. Let's pull together, create great content and support one another towards great learning and a really enjoyable year.
Have a great academic year in 2023/24.
Hugo Smith
Course Director, Media Technologies Group of Courses (Creative Media Technology, Broadcast Media Technologies).
Welcome to The Leeds School of Arts.
With a history that spans over 170 years, Leeds School of Arts is united by a common goal: to encourage individuality, to inspire creativity, and to create impact. Arts at Leeds Beckett University is an inspired laboratory where ideas are piloted, risks are taken, and equal emphasis is placed on the navigation of nourishing creative journeys and the realisation of formidable art works. There are around 3000 students in the Leeds School of the Arts, spread across over 40 courses, in subjects ranging from Architecture and Landscape, Creative Technology, Art, Design and Fashion, through to Film, Music and Performing Arts. Our aim is to instil in you the confidence, curiosity and commitment to thrive at University and beyond, and to give you the freedom and independence to both think, and to make.
We have an exciting and experimental approach to contemporary, creative practice - set in the heart of a culturally energised city. We draw artistic inspiration from the innumerable sources of university culture, including the research of our extraordinary academics and the energy, open-mindedness and intellect of our students. This is more than a School, it is a community of creators and collaborators; a united, artistic family, pushing boundaries with a variety of courses.
Our School's principle of learning through theory and practice is enabled by deep and meaningful links with industry, community and the professions. We have Leeds based, national and international partnerships to enable students learning to be enriched by industry collaboration. Our new Leeds School of Arts £80m building, state-of-the-art technical equipment, workshop support and studio spaces will allow you to immerse yourself in live design and development projects, supported by a team of experienced staff on hand to challenge, listen and encourage.
I wish you well and hope you have a rewarding, enjoyable and highly creative year with us.
Dr Lisa Stansbie, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
An academic advisor drawn from the Course Team will be allocated to you at induction.
Elections to select course representatives will be held in Semester 1.
Enquiries about course representation can be taken at any time to the Course Director (Hugo Smith)
For more information see: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/course-representatives/
Or: https://www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/makechange/coursereps
Course reps are an important part of helping the course improve over time through listening to student feedback and proposals for change. We would welcome your contribution. Get involved if you think you might be interested. Course Representatives can really help with co-creation of modules and their content and to shape the future of the course and we want you to be engaged with this, wherever possible.
The Academic Librarians for this course are Karen Fisher, Catherine Parkin, Jennifer Winterburn, Maria Simoes and Ellie Clement
Please contact them at: lsalibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Or complete their online Get Help form for help with academic and research skills.
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. This will normally be done via email to your student email address or via a VLE announcement, but staff will often use a text message to notify you of late-notice alterations to classes. So, please keep your contact details up to date.
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Your course team will advise how Microsoft Teams will be used on your course and make guidance available as required.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
This is a practical course which is aimed at creative and dynamic individuals with an interest in digital technology and passion for modern media trends. Teaching and learning will take place in the Leeds School of Arts Building at our City Campus with modern, state-of-the-art labs and flexible learning spaces. Graduates work largely but not exclusively in digital design/creative media industries.
The Creative Media Technology course aims to deliver a curriculum focused on three core subject areas:
- Design and graphics
- Web and Interactivity
- Project and Professional Skills
These have been clearly identified by employers as the key skills and attributes that graduates must demonstrate. Each subject area focuses upon the creative application of technology within the discipline and ensures students are versed in the latest industry-standard software packages. The range of businesses that employ graduates from this course require multi-skilled graduates who can contribute to a variety of projects. Therefore, the course offers a broad, multi-disciplinary curriculum with skills development and group work at every level of study and students also have opportunity to engage with specialist areas such as:
- Camera and Audio Technologies
- 3D Graphics and Animation
- Mobile Applications
A distinctive feature of the course is its close links with a range of commercial companies which contribute to an advisory employer forum. These range from digital advertising agencies and web development companies to e-learning producers and video post-production houses. Our relationship with these companies informs our approach to module design and assessment. Our use of an employer forum has direct input into the briefs set for students and some undergraduates have secured year-long industry placements as part of their degree and high-level employment as graduates with some of these employers following conclusion of their studies.
Staff teaching on the course actively pursue research and some lecturers divide their time between their academic work and commercial sector activities. This approach ensures that the student experience keeps pace with the rapidly changing digital environment and provides exposure to academic and employment opportunities.
Throughout the degree course students will encounter a range of learning environments and experiences, preparing them for the modern workplace. These range from responding creatively to real-world briefs, innovative approaches to pitching concepts, contextual research techniques and producing work for clients.
2. independently undertake research and critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete) and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution, or identify a range of solutions, to problems.
3. enable graduates to acquire up-to-date knowledge and skills related the rapidly changing international creative media industries.
4. benefit from a broad, multi-disciplinary curriculum that meets the needs of full-service employers, whilst also allowing students to select specialisms of their choosing.
5. provide the opportunity for graduates to develop transferable employability and professional skills that fit multicultural and global employment environments including development of their own personal portfolio of creative media products.
Level 5:
1.Operate effectively and collaboratively as part of a media production team demonstrating an understanding of roles, leadership and group dynamics.
2.Apply principles of effective interface design, experience design and user-centred design in the creation of interactive products.
3.Design and prepare complex media assets for inclusion in creative products, using professional software and formats.
4.Communicate ideas effectively in both written and oral formats in a formal academic as well as professional style.
5.Select appropriate hardware and software tools and apply them in the accomplishment of complex tasks.
Assessment & Feedback
Level 4 is assessed predominantly by coursework with some practical assessments.
Level 5 is assessed by coursework only.
Level 6 is assessed predominantly by coursework with some practical assessments.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of assessment can be found on your timetable. Even though the course does not have exams there may be timed periods when you must attend for live and/or practical assessment. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/our-university/public-information/academic-regulations/. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You may be required to submit your written work via Turnitin; further information on Turnitin is available here: http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/mybeckett/turnitin
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments. Some feedback will be offered as written and some as a recorded feedback monologue or dialogue, which students are expected to participate in. Feedback will sometimes be withheld until all marking is complete or students are available to engage with it (in the case of dialogues) and this can result in some delay between submission of work and receipt of summative feedback. It is hoped students can understand the reasons for this delay when staff have many pieces of work to mark before releasing marks and feedback.
Formative feedback is often available in class or in meetings with tutors outside of class. Tutors report that students who seek formative feedback on work before final submission are more successful than those who do not ask for this formative feedback. Please discuss and show your work while it is in-progress. Tutors are supportive of requests for formative feedback. If a tutor will not offer formative feedback on work prior to deadline please seek out the Course Director, Hugo Smith, who will take up your issue and find out why this is not possible and/or help you to receive formative feedback on your work.
Feedback is a two-way process. Students who engage with and reflect upon feedback, then use the feedback to feed forward into their future work are more successful on the course and in employment.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from Level 4 to Level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/.
Results will appear in Results Online within five working days of the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
Each week students will normally receive a programme of teaching covering the core areas of learning and focus for the week followed by tutorials/ practical studio and/or lab-based session(s). These are supplemented with a programme of guest speakers and industry-led seminars. Where possible, traditional large lecture-hall teaching will be avoided on this award in favour of project-based working on practical assignments and small-group tutorial work developing practical skills and deepening subject knowledge.
This structure is preferred within such a vocational award where students are learning specialised skills for often specific creative media careers in jobs relating to digital design. This award is a hands-on subject area where theory alone would be unlikely to allow a student to achieve successful employment in the creative media industries. Practical exercises allow for students to implement and reflect upon their learning of key theory and see how this relates to tutors' and guest lecturers' experience of industry.
Integrated assignments drive the learning in this award. Students engage in formative discussion on their practical creative assignments and ask for the knowledge they wish to develop, in order to be able to complete assignments.
Assessment is seen as an integral part of the teaching process across the award with each assessment point providing clear indicators (via feedback) on how student performance can improve. In this way, the course provides a clear and robust framework for assessment which will enhance the learning process.
The use of group projects at Level 4 & 5 allows students to develop communication skills with peers. This will include peer assessment and, where possible, mixing with other cultures/a global outlook. Individuals often work with peers they might not have originally chosen to work with, as in a professional context. Roles are allocated following interview presentations on the quality of interview/presentation, again mirroring industrial practice.
Level 6 assessments can be understood to be part of a year-long process. Assessment points allow students to choose a main context specialism, while maintaining a broad expertise across the year. The overall scheme of assessment from level 4 to level 6 is designed in such a way as to maximise the opportunity for progression. This approach provides a strong context for learning. In addition, the student role in assessment is more likely to be participatory especially by level 6. Students are encouraged to develop their own goals in consultation with tutors, first at Level 5 with a one-from-two choice of specialist electives, and then at Level 6, where there is freedom to set personal project goals and to choose further specialist elective modules. This allows students to aspire to high quality, professional and personalised levels of attainment.
Level 4 core modules
Level 4 |
|
|
|
Semester 1 | Core (Y/N) | Semester 2 | Core (Y/N) |
Graphic Design (20 credits) | Y | Creative Media Practice (40 credits) | Y |
Web Authoring (20 credits) | Y | 3D Principles (20 credits) | Y |
Camera & Audio Technologies (20 credits) | Y |
|
|
Level 5 modules
Level 5 | |||
Semester 1 | Core (Y/N) | Semester 2 | Core (Y/N) |
Motion Graphics (20 credits) | Y | Visual Communication in Creative Industries (40 credits) | Y |
Web Design (20 credits) | Y | Interactive Media Design (20 credits) | N |
Design Thinking (20 credits) | Y | Advanced 3D Animation (20 credits) | N |
The option modules listed are indicative of a typical year. There may be some variance in the availability of option modules. Students choose one elective.
Level 6 Core Modules
Level 6 | |||
Semester 1 | Core (Y/N) | Semester 2 | Core (Y/N) |
Production Project (40 credits)
| Y | ||
VR Authoring (20 credits) | N | Short Story (20 credits) | Y |
Web Development (20 credits) | N | Professional Portfolio (20 credits) | Y |
Creative Technology in Education (20 credits) | N | ||
Portraiture, Representation & Identity (20 credits) | N |
|
|
Experiments in Video (20 credits) | N |
|
|
Scriptwriting (20 credits) | N |
|
|
Advanced Graphics for Broadcast |
Overall Workload | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 336 hours | 252 hours | 252 hours |
Independent Study | 864 hours | 948 hours | 948 hours |
Placement | 0 hours | 0 hours | 0 hours |
Details of School academic staff can be found on the Leeds School of Arts Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
Sandwich Placement Information
Leeds Beckett is dedicated to improving the employability of our students and one of the ways in which we do this is to support our students to gain valuable work experience through work based placements. Our placement teams have developed strong links with companies, many of whom repeatedly recruit our students into excellent placement roles. Our teams are dedicated to supporting students through every stage of the placement process. For further information, contact our placement teams via our Placement Information web page.
Min 30 weeks, undertaken between year 2 and year 3 (level 5 and Level 6) undertaken with an employer. There may also be the opportunity for students to engage in a CEPS (Creative Entrepreneur Placement Scheme) or similar 'Freelance' placement during the same period by negotiation with the Course Team.
Students are responsible for obtaining their own placement, with assistance from the University. The locations will vary, dependant on the opportunity.
'In Year' Work Placement Information
There is not at present a formal 'work placement' programme on the Creative Media Technology award but at all levels students are encouraged to take up volunteer and paid work placements outside their coursework and this experience can be fed into some modules to gain academic credit. Tutors may find and alert students to opportunities and students are encouraged to find their own clients and opportunities in addition to work found by tutors.
No formal length or activity is required at L4 or L5 outside of assessed activity. All practical work experience in the field of Creative Media Technology is supported.
Students should discuss any specialist requirements of any work placement with their employer and can call upon the Course Director for consultation about any aspect of work placement/experience, if required.
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
The Creative Media Technology course is strongly positioned to address the agenda set out in the government's Digital Britain white paper. It reinforces the importance of the Digital Economy to the nation's economic future to drive future industrial capability and competitiveness.
Nationally, there is strong support for the creative technology sector, the broad description of which includes web design and creative, film, TV, games, music, video, electronics, animation, e-learning, enterprise software, and IT solutions and services.
The Digital Knowledge Economy is regarded as 'fundamental to the UK's future prosperity' and there is an aim to be a global centre for the creative industries. 'The strength of Digital Britain is in its strong network of universities, business and people and that this strength is multiplied when the country works together (Digital Britain 2009). Innovate UK, formerly the Technology Strategy Board, published a strategy paper in 2013, outlining the importance of the creative industries for the UK economy. Equally, KPMG in their 2013 Tech Monitor report recognise the technology industry as a key sector in the UK, with growth expectations and job hiring figures above UK average.
-Graphic Design
-Web Design
-Web Development
-SEO
-Branding / Marketing
-Illustration
-Digital Art
-Video Production
-Video Editing and Special Effects
-2D Animation and Motion Graphics
-3D Graphics
-3D Animation
-Games
-Photography
-Media Sales
-Project Management
-Account Management
The course also prepares students for further academic studies.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
There are three Graduate Attributes for Leeds Beckett University and these are tailored to suit your course. The three attributes you should achieve by the end of the course are for you to be digitally literate, have a global outlook and for you to be enterprising. Learning about these attributes and being assessed on them as part of your modules will provide you with capabilities which are essential for your future career and wider life as you move on from your studies here. You will be formally assessed on all the attributes in some of your modules at each academic level in each year of your course. For more information on graduate attributes please visit https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/academic-skills-and-advice/graduate-attributes/. Information on your assessment is included in your Module Handbooks.
Students will be enterprising, digitally literate and have a global outlook.
Enterprising
Students develop entrepreneurial skills by:
-developing innovative solutions to specified project briefs
-pitching creative ideas in written, verbal and graphical formats
-developing a deep understanding of the creative media industries through contextual research
-producing commercial products
Students develop their digital literacy by:
-producing products using high-end software systems
-researching solutions to complex issues using authoritative digital sources
-evaluating the capabilities and limitations of digital hardware
Global Outlook:
Students develop their global outlook by:
-developing products appropriate for the international market integrating a wide range of cultural and ethnic influences in their concept development
Below are some specific examples of how the Graduate Attributes are engrained within the ethos of this course.
Enterprising:
-L4 Creative Media Practice: In this module, students will make their first contact with employers in the creative industries. They will learn how to interview, develop their contextual knowledge and learn how to collaborate with their peers.
-L5 Web Design: Students develop essential enterprising skills by finding a real client and creating a website for them.
-L5 Visual Communication in Creative Industries: This module requires students to develop skills in creative problem solving. They are required to create a finished product by exploiting the resources and opportunities made available by the Faculty.
-L6 Production Project (Part 1): In this module, students will apply learned theory in developing novel ideas. They will also learn how to develop realistic plans and monitor objectives. They will effectively conduct primary research to evaluate a potential market for an opportunity and articulate the proposition.
-L6 Production Project (Part 2): This module requires all students to operate as an entrepreneur. Many students will launch their own business as part of this module, often as a freelancer. All students will seize the opportunity to create a commercial product. Managerial and entrepreneurial skills will be developed by all students.
-L6 Professional Portfolio: This module requires students to develop an online portfolio and profile. They are required to take control of their own future career and learning.
-L4 Camera & Audio Technologies: This module is a classic example of a module that develops computer literacy. Students are required to learn how to effectively operate video capture hardware and then edit/manipulate their footage once it has been digitised. They will become literate in all aspects of a digital production.
-L4 Creative Media Practice: In this module, students will learn the key principles of communication and collaboration using digital networks.
-L4 Web Authoring: In this module, students develop digital literacy through the design and creation of websites.
-L5 Visual Communication in the Creative Industries: Visual literacy will be developed in this module. Students will learn how visual messages are communicated and develop skills in critical reading.
-L5 Web Design: This module develops digital literacy and programming skills. Students work to a brief given by a real client and develop skills in creating interactive applications and designing an effective user experience.
-L5 Interactive Media Design (elective): This module develops digital literacy through the engagement with current interface and interaction design principles which the student then implements in a highly interactive application.
-L6 Production Project: This module will develop information literacy. Students are required to find, access and evaluate a range of information sources including library databases. Students will develop an awareness of the issues around content discovery, authority, reliability, provenance, license restrictions, adaption and repurposing of sources.
-L6 Professional Portfolio: Students will employ a number of e-portfolio, online networking and collaboration tools in achieving their goal of finding employment.
-L4 Creative Media Practice: In this module, students will identify their own values, skills, attitudes within international and multicultural contexts. They will develop their understanding of how the creative media industries operate and find their place within those industries.
-L5 Visual Communication in the Creative Industries: In this module, students will develop their understanding of how people from different backgrounds respond to visual messages. They will learn that different cultures and ideologies are engrained within the visual materials produced by everyone and how to respond to the consequences of this.
-L6 Professional Portfolio: The online portfolio and profile that students create in this module must be developed to fit with the specific cultural and global market that the student intends to pursue after they graduate.
-L6 Production Project: In this module, students will learn how to work effectively with people from different cultures. This will include their peers and their external clients. They will also learn how to respond to events in ethical, confident and informed ways.
All activities on the course are designed to embed solid professional practice and skills that will enhance your employability. Assessment and feedback practice mirror industry and students will be encouraged to engage in extra-curricular and assessed activities that will promote their skills and understanding of employability in the creative industries and best practice in the UK media, design and creative industries workplace.
For those who wish to further their education through postgraduate study the course will provide a solid foundation on which graduates may continue to study. Previous graduates have gone on to Masters study elsewhere in the UK or studied for the Creative Technologies MSc here at Leeds Beckett. Other postgraduate study (MRes, PhD etc) would also be appropriate.
Most students go on direct into the graduate workplace and students have worked for digital and marketing agencies in Leeds and across the UK as well as in design and digital roles across the creative industries sector more broadly. At present the course employment statistics show employability rates significantly above sector norms for graduates in work or further study and for the proportion of students in managerial/professional/higher level positions within 15 months of graduation. Figures above sector and institution norms evidence a strongly employability-focused approach that benefits graduates.
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
In order to facilitate student choice and accessibility the School adopts the policy of making available specialised software to a wide range of laboratories through the use of facilities such as the virtual learning environment/portal, university wide computing labs and other Information Technical Services (IMTS) resources. This includes Adobe's Creative Suite and should also include the software Cinema 4D, as well as other specialist software.
Computer labs (Mac and PC) are normally open outside timetabled class use and will usually have open access into the evening.
A wide variety of filming equipment and other hardware to support your course learning activities is available to loan for free from the Helpdesk teams. This equipment can be booked online in advance and loaned for specific time periods on completion of an appropriate risk assessment document.
Go and meet the Learning Officers at the 4th Floor CTS Helpdesk in the LSA Building and ask them about the kit and any questions you have about how to make best use of facilities and equipment for any shoot. They are friendly and will support you.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
Bachelor of Science in Creative Media Technology
Diploma of Higher Education in Creative Media Technology
Certificate of Higher Education in Creative Media Technology
Leeds Beckett University
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
There are no additional or non-standard regulations which relate to your course
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
The details of the External Examiner for this course are as follows:
Mr Jack Ruskin
Senior Lecturer
UWE Bristol
Appendices
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