BA (HONS) FASHION BRANDING AND COMMUNICATION

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION SEPTEMBER 2017

ARTS UNIVERSITY BOURNEMOUTH

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

The Programme Specification provides a summary of the main features of the BA(Hons) Fashion Branding and Communication course and the learning outcomesthat a ‘typical’ student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate ifhe/she passes the course.

Further detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching andlearning methods of each unit may be found within this Handbook and the online UnitInformation, which is available on your course blog.

Key Course Information

Final Award BA (Hons)

Course Title Fashion Branding and Communication

Award Title BA (Hons) Fashion Branding andCommunication

Teaching institution Arts University Bournemouth

Awarding Institution Arts University Bournemouth

Offered in the Faculty of: Art, Design and Architecture

Contact details:Telephone numberEmail

01202 363354foada@aub.ac.uk

Professional accreditation None

Length of course / mode of study 3 years full-time

Level of final award (in FHEQ) Level 6

Subject benchmark statement Art and Design

UCAS code W111

Language of study English

External Examiner for course: To be confirmed

Please note that it is not appropriate for students to contact external examinersdirectly

Date of Validation 2017

Date of most recent review N/A

Date programme specificationwritten/revised

September 2017

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Course Philosophy

The BA (Hons) Fashion Branding and Communication course recognises theuniqueness of the individual whilst embedding the collaborative aspects ofacademic engagement and creative risk taking in the fashion branding andcommunication arena. Through the journey of the course you will experiencechallenges and new possibilities whilst seeking innovative solutions to conceptorigination, application and final outcomes. A guiding principle of the course is foryou to initially develop key skillsets which will underpin and inform yourprofessional growth and develop your sense of place in the industry. You will bestudying in an environment that will prepare you to manage the diverserequirements of the fashion branding and communication sector. Following this,you will be encouraged to make conscientious choices that question existingpractices whilst embracing the importance of being informed, empowered andcreatively diverse.

The course will deliver a challenging curriculum that embeds theory with practiceand is rooted in professional contexts. It challenges you and should exceed youreducational expectations whilst clarifying your industry relevance when progressingto alumni. The BA (Hons) Fashion Branding and Communication course willencourage academic and creative diversity through the energetic delivery of contentthat has global and sustainable currency. You will have the ability to assess,question, analyse, conceptualise, translate and deliver enabling you to meet abreadth of challenges and opportunities offered by the global creative industries.

These key points define the philosophy of BA (Hons) Fashion Branding andCommunication:

Future Fashion Branding & CommunicationBA (Hons) Fashion Branding and Communication promotes conceptual anddirectional fashion thinking underpinned by historical awareness and academicand industry research. This will inform current and future developments across abroad range of fashion branding and communication applications to key markets.You will be encouraged to challenge and ‘risk take’ and devise new conceptsthrough both independent and collaborative practice. For example:-magazinesand fashion related publications, visual merchandising and display, fashionstyling, fashion events and exhibitions.

Developing an IdentityThe units in Level 5 develop your professional identity and employability throughdirect experience which will enable you to begin to establish your place in thebranding and communications sector. You will be encouraged to questionexisting practices and look for new solutions, exploring diversity, niche marketopportunity and develop empathic consideration for the local and global fashionindustry. Students will develop a portfolio of visual and written material topromote themselves in their continued professional development.

The Art of CollaborationThroughout the course you will be taught theory and practice of fashion brandingand communication. Some of the practice will apply to collaboration across theFaculty with students from different disciplines and fashion design students. Youwill experience live projects and competitions as part of and in addition to the

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curriculum collaborating with visiting professionals, brands and relevantprofessional bodies. It is envisaged that students will engage with differentplatforms to reach out to, and address, an increasingly diverse fashion consumer.

Philanthropy and SustainabilityA broad area of the global fashion industry is now looking to employ individualswho make conscientious choices and want to make a difference. Through aseries of workshops and symposiums, access to NGOs such as Labour Behindthe Label you will learn and be encouraged to apply and practice integrity inbranding and communication decisions and, where relevant, link with appropriatecompanies, locally and internationally.

Collaborations with International and National Companies and StrategicPartnersYou will prepare to work in global markets through ‘live’ projects andcollaborations, placements and internships. The internship or industry placementoptions in Level 5 will give you a solid grounding in industry practice as well asexpanding and enhancing network possibilities. These opportunities to developinternational awareness and perspective will be further enhanced by links withother academic institutions and structured visits to major fashion capitals.Collaboration with other institutions on cross disciplinary projects will befacilitated.

Course Aims

The course aims to address these philosophical statements by producingreflective theorists and practitioners who have the confidence and abilities toproductively contribute to the future development of the fashion industry asresponsible, creative individuals. You will have an awareness of global issuespertinent to the fashion industry and will be prepared to actively engage in aprofessional context. You will be critically reflective and able to learnindependently in preparation for professional environments or postgraduate study.These aims can be defined specifically as:

To develop a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of directionalfashion branding and communication for the local and global market.

To develop an understanding of the historical, contextual and theoretical fashionframeworks, which provide strategies to become a reflective practitioner.

To encourage engagement with the socio-cultural eco-political andtechnological issues which will inform you as a responsible and creativecommunicator.

To develop a range of multi-disciplinary skills encouraging experimentalcollaborations in the branding and communication environment through lateralthinking and risk taking.

To develop knowledge of global markets within their respective macro andmicroenvironments and encourage employability, enterprise and innovationthat is relevant to the creative industries.

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Course Outcomes

By the end of the course you will be able to:

Relate specialist knowledge and skills developed within fashion brandingand communication to contemporary practice and to emerging trends atthe forefront of the global industry.

Adapt to and engage with a breadth of challenges that exist in a fast moving,professional environment aligned with new fashion platforms of communicationand omni channel engagement across fashion branding and communicationsupported by research and creativity.

Demonstrate an ability to contribute to and collaborate with companies andbrands at both commercial and diverse levels of the branding andcommunication sector.

Demonstrate an awareness of creative branding and communication practice andapplication.

Build on networks of professional contacts to open up new opportunities forengagement in professional projects.

Apply transferable skills, exercising initiative and personal responsibility.

Extend academic learning as an independent, self-reflective and creativepractitioner, fully prepared for professional environments or postgraduate study.

Reference Points

UK Quality Code for higher education, including: Subject Benchmark Statement: Art and Design Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)AUB Regulatory Framework and Undergraduate Assessment RegulationsAUB Creative Learning PlanAUB Strategic PlanAUB Employability Framework

Learning, Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Strategies

The course combines both independent learning and taught sessions throughoutall levels. Taught sessions are designed to support, underpin and informindependent learning and are delivered in a variety of styles including a diverserange of ongoing practical workshops, demonstrations, lectures, group andindividual tutorials, seminars, critiques, unit briefings and optional study visits.These are delivered by the course team and supplemented by visiting practitionersfrom the fashion and related sectors.

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The study time allocated to each unit in the course incorporates a balance offormal teaching, tutorial support and independent learning. The course isstructured progressively to provide increased opportunities for independentlearning as you reach the later stages of the course. The progressive promotion ofindependent learning and self-reflection encourages anticipated maturity andallows you to direct learning towards individual goals. Emphasis is placed uponreflective practice where you will be expected to progressively take personalresponsibility for your learning.

Teaching is directed at supporting individual engagement in learning although thereare opportunities to work in teams to enable you to learn the value of peer co-operation. As members of the cohort, you are active participants in learning andteaching and through this the sharing of good practice is established. Peer learningis facilitated through group critiques and feedback sessions, collaborative projectsand more informally within the studio environment.

The course team has developed a variety of learning and teaching methodswhich support different learning styles, inclusivity and access to learning. Themain focus for the learning and teaching methods is through the assignment(s)undertaken for each unit, which reflect the level of study.

The course team has developed team teaching opportunities, both within the coreteam and in collaboration with Visiting Tutors and industry professionals, toenhance learning opportunities and to further your knowledge and awareness ofindustry practices and expectations. The team also regularly attend new andupdate training, seminars and conferences in order to keep delivery current and inline with industry requirements.

Assessment

Each unit is assessed separately, and the assessment forms part of the unit.Assessment both provides a measure of your achievement, and also gives youregular feedback on how your learning is developing.

For every unit of your course, we will inform you of what you are expected to learn;what you have to submit; how your work will be assessed; and the deadline forpresenting your work for assessment. This is made available through UnitInformation, which is on your course blog.

You will receive a final mark for each unit in the form of a percentage, which will berecorded on your formal record of achievement (transcript). Each component ofassessment is graded using a notched marking scale, whereby only certain marksare used within each grade. The only marks available within any ten-point band are*2, *5 and *8 (eg 62, 65, 68). These marks correspond to a low, mid, and high levelof achievement within each grade band.

All learning outcomes must be passed to successfully complete the unit.

On successful completion of your Honours degree course, you will be awarded adegree classification based on your unit marks. The final classification is determinedusing all unit marks at Levels 5 and 6 using two different algorithms, which are

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detailed in the HE Student Regulations. If the two algorithms produce differentresults, you will be awarded the higher class of degree.

If you have joined Level 6 through either the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)route or having completed a Foundation Degree (FdA), the final classification isdetermined using only your unit marks at Level 6.

For further information on assessment, progression, awards and classifications,please visit https://viewpoint.aub.ac.uk

Course Structure

All students are registered for the award of BA (Hons); however exit awards areavailable if you leave the course early, having successfully completed one or twolevels. If you successfully complete a level of the course, you will automatically beentitled to progress to the next level.

For the award of a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE), you must have achieveda minimum of 120 credits at Level 4. This qualification may be awarded if you leavethe University following successful completion of the first year of your course.

For the award of a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), you must have achieved aminimum of 240 credits of which a minimum of 120 must be at Level 5. Thisqualification may be awarded if you leave the University following successfulcompletion of the second year of your course.

For the award of a BA (Hons) you must have achieved a minimum of 360 credits ofwhich a minimum of 240 must be at Level 5 or above, of which a minimum of 120credits must be at Level 6. This qualification will be awarded upon successfulcompletion of your course.

A BA without Honours may be awarded if you have achieved 300 credits, at least 180of which are at Level 5 or above, and at least 60 of which are at Level 6.

Course Content

The course offers a unique opportunity to study fashion branding andcommunication. A major strength of this course is its position within a specialistarts, design, media and performance institution with the potential for you to studyalongside other creative and cultural disciplines. The course is located in adynamic and creative studio environment. Individual development is supported andnurtured through experimentation, exploration, innovation, and risk-taking.

During the course you will build an appropriate fashion branding andcommunication portfolio of skills, which support the development of individualpractice, and inform your decision regarding the selection of employment or furtherstudy. The curriculum acknowledges that the creative process is informed andnourished by your development as an independent, critically self- reflective learner.Each level is broadly defined as follows.

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Level 4 (Year 1) Exploration

At Level 4 the first two units are 40 credit skill-based units delivered during theautumn and spring term. These units draw on a range of expertise as part of aninstructional yet intellectually challenging student journey. Historical design studiesand academic theory are embedded across the two terms, and are identified withinthe learning outcomes and assessment components offering you the opportunity tocritically reflect on the study of fashion branding and communication from the startof your learning. These two units directly relate to your later development andapproach. They also define through investigation and experience the range ofpossible practices and areas of study you may want to engage with as a fashioncommunicator during your time on the course.

Level 4 concludes in the third term with an individual project concept which mayinvolve aspects of collaboration, where you will begin to define strengths andspecialist choices through the production of a publication or digital equivalent thatembeds the core skills learned in the first two terms.

The Level 4 journey will not only shape your experience through learning new skillsand knowledge, but will identify your strengths, interests and areas of specialismsas well as introducing you to professional practices. It will also ensure that youengage with a broad range of experiences, which will support specialist decisions inthe future.

Level 5 (Year 2) Innovation

Level 5 will begin with a 40 credit unit which supports an advanced level ofengagement with theory and practice. Branding theory and Brand DNA teaching willdirectly support the critical understanding of consumer awareness and marketdiversity, whilst directly informing focused communication development and marketanalysis. Here, you will engage with distinct and challenging research methods andvisual communication while at the same time preparing for a professional role inindustry.

Following on from this during the second term, you will undertake the 40 Credit unit,which offers you either A. the opportunity of a UK or international work experienceplacement, or B. participation in an AUB in-house ‘Live Project’ with a current brandor design company. The unit offers options to give you flexibility of choice andexperience. Both options prepare you for the ‘real world’ by engaging you in first-hand experience with a commercial business or business owner, and theexpectations around professional industry practice.

During Level 5 you will undertake a trip to a major fashion capital that will broadenyour professional experiences and networking skills.

Concluding Level 5 is a final 40 credit unit which is instrumental in theunderstanding via investigation of the concept of omni media and all the elementsof fashion branding and communication associated with it. You will be encouragedto question existing practices and look for new solutions in advanced conceptdevelopment and application to a broad spectrum of fashion environments.At the same time you will produce a written document, in the form of an article or

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editorial piece or whole publication, which includes supporting collaborativeimages which embed your design philosophy and narrative.

Level 6 (Year 3) Application

Level 6 is the most challenging year, where you will apply all previous knowledge tofocus specifically on a specialist area of study. The units Final Major Project Part 1(Exploration) worth 20 credits and Part 2 (Resolution) worth 40 credits, will bedelivered across much of the academic year and will prepare you directly foremployment or post graduate further study.

In the Final Major Project units you will research, develop and realise a specialistbody of work directly aligned to fashion branding and communication that isrelevant to your employability or progression to postgraduate study. It is envisagedthat students will consider a final major project that applies to Graduate FashionWeek, relevant exhibitions and related fashion events to promote their subject andAUB. Major Project Part 1 (Exploration) will focus on research, experimentation andexploration of your chosen project and this work will inform the realised outcome inMajor Project 2 (Resolution). Students will put into practice, where applicable,exhibition or events in the Bournemouth locality, Graduate Fashion Week orproduce a publishable branding and communication outcome.

In the first term you will also produce either a dissertation, or a focused businessproposal, in which you demonstrate an advanced range of research and writingskills. Students will demonstrate the ability to rigorously adhere to the requiredprofessional academic protocols when researching, writing and referencing. Thebusiness plan proposes solutions for understanding the content and requirement ofa plan such as business viability, finance, sales and marketing planning.

The 40 credit Personal Branding unit prepares you further for your career in fashionbranding and communication or application for post graduate studies by developinga professional portfolio of your best work, along with supported learning around CV,role application, personal presentation, interview techniques and furtherengagement with industry.

Ultimately the final year requires you to define the final direction of your theory andpractice. It encourages you to be focused and innovative; and requires you tounderstand the content and context that will allow you to create a cohesive andprofessional portfolio containing theory and practice, in preparation for thechallenges of employment or further study.

You will graduate with the knowledge, understanding, professional skills andcreative agility necessary to further develop your specialist practices, inprofessional environments. You will also be equipped with the necessary skills,knowledge and differentiated modes of learning that will enable you to pursuepostgraduate study or related forms of employment within the creative industries.The course recognises that in order to remain alert to the ever-changing demandsof a dynamic subject area, you are required to be flexible, inclusive, proactive,reflexive and progressive practitioners, graduating from the course fully equipped tobe confident professionals within your chosen field.

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You are actively encouraged to form collectives, start-up businesses, organiseevents, complete internships, enter competitions and work collaboratively. Thecourse values and recognises the importance of creative networks establishedwhile studying on the course.

Course Units

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Weighting

Level 4

FCO461 Fashion Branding and Communication: Introduction 40FCO462 Visual Communication 40FCO463 Design Process and Application 40

Level 5

FCO561 Digital Branding and Communication 40FCO562 Industry Practice 40FCO563 Fashion Multi Media 40

Level 6

FSC661 Final Major Project: Part 1 (Exploration) 20FSC662 Research Project (Option 1) 20OrFSC663 Business Proposal (Option 2) 20FSC665 Final Major Project: Part 2 (Resolution) 40FSC664 Personal Branding 40

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Course Diagram

This diagram shows the proposed start/end dates for each unit and shows teaching weeks only; holiday periods are not included.Further information on the structure of each unit will be included in the online Unit Information which is available on your course blog.

Level 40 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term

Ind

uct

ion

wee

k FCO461 Fashion Branding andCommunication: Introduction(weeks 1-10)(40 credits)

FCO462 Visual Communication(weeks 11-20)(40 credits)

FCO463 Design Process andApplication(weeks 21-30)(40 credits)

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Level 50 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term

FCO561 Digital Branding andCommunication(weeks 1-10)(40 credits)

FCO562 Industry Practice(weeks 11-20)(40 credits)

FCO563 Fashion Multi Media(weeks 21-30)(40 credits)

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Level 60 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term

FCO661 Final Major Project: Part 1(weeks 1-10)(20 credits)

FCO665 Final Major Project: Part 2(weeks 11-20)(40 credits)

FCO664 Personal Branding(weeks 21-30)(40 credits)

FCO662 Research Project (Option 1)(weeks 1-10)(20 credits)

Or

FCO663 Business Proposal (Option 2)(weeks 1-10)(20 credits)

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Resources

University Resources:

Library

The course is supported by a Subject Librarian who liaises closely with the team toensure that the Library resources are relevant and meet student and staff researchneeds. As part of the AUB’s Information Literacy Framework, the Subject Librarianprovides sessions on researching and using information, as well as individual supportfor students in the use of Library resources.

The Library holds an excellent range of specialist learning materials including books,journals, CDs, DVDs, and newspapers. It has subscriptions to a wide range ofspecialist electronic resources focusing on art, design, media and performance,including e-books and e-journals. The Library’s facilities include computers, aviewing room, and a silent reading room.

The Library consistently receives high scores in both the in-house and nationalstudent surveys which are carried out annually.

Digital Learning Resources

The University provides a range of computing hardware and software applications foruse in general purpose locations such as the library and computer studios, as well ashigh quality and specialist resources linked to subject specialisation. You will be ableto use Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite on the majority of computers in theUniversity and have access to industry standard digital resources and computingappropriate for your subject in course areas.

We have a comprehensive wireless network and our new virtual learningenvironment (VLE) can be used on desktop, laptop and mobile devices. The VLE,called MyAUB, provides a customisable portal to a variety of course and universityrelated information including timetables, email, course handbooks, resource bookingand online learning materials.

Support for digital learning resources is provided by a network of University staff.Course related equipment is cared for by Technician Demonstrators and libraryinformation resources is supported by library staff. General computing support andadvice on your own equipment is provided by our Digital Campus Services Teamwho provide a servicedesk facility. The Service Desk is located in the Library, andtheir email address is: servicedesk@aub.ac.uk.

Museum of Design in Plastic (MoDiP)

MoDiP is a registered museum of 20th and 21st century design and popular culturewith a focus on plastics. Its collection is unique within the UK and has beendeveloped to support teaching and learning at Arts University Bournemouth.

There are many ways in which MoDiP can play a part in your studies:

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as a source of inspiration – large numbers of items may be viewed, handled andexplored in depth, drawn, photographed and filmed

as the focus of a brief for products and projects relating to course work as an exhibition venue – your work can be displayed in relation to the collections

and exhibitions and events may be mounted in the museum space

The Museum is in a purpose built space within the Library, designed with wheelchairaccess in mind, and has the same opening hours as the rest of the University for theviewing of exhibitions. Objects not on display can be borrowed and taken to thestudio. To see what is available, go to the MoDiP website (www.modip.ac.uk).

TheGallery

TheGallery is a major resource for contemporary visual art at Arts UniversityBournemouth and has received regional and national recognition. There are regulargallery events, including collections on loan from galleries and museums, as well asindividual exhibitions by some of today’s leading artists, photographers, designersand critical writers.

It also functions as a learning resource and is integrated into the teaching, learning,and research practice undertaken at the University.

text + work is the ethos which underpins the exhibition programme at Arts UniversityBournemouth. The text + work concept promotes and provides a forum forchallenging dialogue between innovative contemporary art, design, media andperformance practice and its theoretical context.

There are text + work gallery events, critical texts, shared and networked exhibitionsand a text + work website.

Student Support

Academic Guidance

Academic staff are responsible for providing you with feedback on your work andyour general academic progress, and for providing academic support and guidancethrough the course. This is provided through “critiques” and written feedback, as wellas guidance on practical work and informal discussion about your concerns. Thesesessions may be individual or, in the case of collaborative work, in small groups.

Academic tutorials are scheduled to allow you to discuss in depth matters relating tocreative or theoretical work, or the course in general. You will be entitled to at leastone formal academic tutorial per term with a nominated member of the course team.

Support and advice is also provided on an informal basis throughout the course,through discussions between staff and students.

The University also has a team of Study Skills Tutors who can support you with youracademic work such as essays, dissertations and presentations. This service isavailable to all students to access. You can book tutorials for individual or groupsessions at the Student Services reception. The team also run regular lunchtime

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study skills workshops and drop in sessions which can help support you in yourstudies.

Career Education, Information and Guidance

You will be prepared for employment, and given the opportunity to learn about thevarious career options available to you, through a wide range of projects which mayinclude live briefs or external competitions. Academic staff remain very familiar withthe discipline, and will often still work in the field, and are also able to advise onspecific opportunities.

The Careers and Employability Service within the University offers impartial,confidential advice, support and guidance, to help you explore and develop yourcareer ideas and manage your future career successfully. The service offersindividual career guidance appointments, as well as advice on job seeking strategies,CVs and interview skills, self-employment / freelancing, and further studyopportunities.

The Senior Employability Officer holds regular lunchtime lectures, which cover arange of popular careers topics, including Postgraduate study and funding, Careerplanning, Networking and self-marketing, and Teaching as a career. Full details anddates of forthcoming lectures are available on the Careers and Employability intranetpages (Viewpoint) and on the Student Services notice boards.

The Careers and Employability Service also offers specialist events, working inpartnership with local employers, AUB alumni, and external agencies to bringtogether a range of art, design, media, performance and business expertise.

For more information, or to make an appointment, please contact careers@aub.ac.ukor call +44 1202 363355. You can also drop in to Student Services on campusbetween 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday, and between 8.30am and 4.30pmon a Friday.

Support for students with disabilities (including dyslexia)

The Arts University Bournemouth is firmly committed to a policy of equalopportunities for all students and positively welcomes applications from people withdisabilities and/or additional needs. Throughout all aspects of University life, weactively encourage and support the participation of students with disabilities. We aimto support disabled students by offering needs assessments and support plans whichenable you to achieve your personal goals.

The Learning Support team provides academic support for students with specificlearning difficulties including dyslexia. We ask all new Home students to complete a‘Quickscan’ screening programme when they join the University. This screening isdesigned to check your learning style (the way you learn best) and whether youmight have signs of dyslexia. If appropriate, you will be referred to an educationalpsychologist for a full assessment.

Students with a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia are able to accessindividual tutorials aimed at improving your independent study skills, and are

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supported in applying for the Disabled Students’ Allowance, which can providespecialist equipment and, if appropriate, personal support.

The Senior Disability Officer and Wellbeing Officer provide ongoing support andadvice for students with all other types of disability, including mental healthdifficulties, physical disabilities, medical conditions and sensory impairments. TheWellbeing service is a free and confidential service offered by the University to allstudents. The Senior Wellbeing Officer is based in Student Services and is able toprovide specialist advice, information and practical strategies to help studentsmanage personal concerns or concerns they may have for a friend. Accessing thewellbeing service at an early stage may prevent more serious issues developing andhelp students to feel more in control of their situation.

The Arts University Bournemouth has a duty to anticipate the needs of disabledstudents, and to make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure that these students canaccess education and related services. If you feel that some aspect of the learning,teaching or assessment on your course places you at a disadvantage because ofyour disability, please contact the Senior Disability Officer within Student Services,who will be happy to work with you and your course team to identify any appropriatereasonable adjustments. Contact wellbeing@aub.ac.uk or telephone 01202 363291.

Academic support for students for whom English is a second language

If English is not your first language, AUB has a team of specialist English forAcademic Purposes (EAP) lecturers who provide personalised guidance and supportwith the academic aspects of your course. You can book tutorials with them forindividual assistance.

At the beginning of your course you will be invited to complete an academic skillsneeds assessment. One of our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) team willreview this with you in a follow-up tutorial. If you feel you would benefit fromadditional advice and support, the EAP tutor will work with you to draw up anIndividual Learning Plan which will set out a structured approach to developing youruse of academic language and study skills. This may, for example, include helpingyou to develop strategies for interpreting assignment briefs, working on the structureof your written work or developing your proof-reading skills. Your Individual LearningPlan will be reviewed periodically and shared with your course tutor, if requested, sothat they are aware of the work you are doing to improve your use of language andstudy skills.

Throughout the academic year the EAP service also offers Study Skills Workshops.Further details can be found at:http://aub.ac.uk/international/english-not-first-language/international-student-support/

Pastoral support and guidance

Support and advice on non-academic matters is provided through trained andqualified professional staff within Student Services. We have a team ofprofessionally qualified male and female counsellors, with appointments availableduring weekdays. Talking to a counsellor in a safe, non-judgemental and confidentialsetting can enable you to work through your problems with the aim of reaching asolution. Students wanting to access the service can book by email, phone or by

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coming into the Student Services reception. The AUB Counselling Service is studentfocused and we offer single therapeutic sessions with a counsellor for one hour. Ifyour situation is very urgent and you are extremely emotionally distressed, we alsohave a crisis support service where the aim is that one of our counsellors or theWellbeing Officer will see you as soon as possible.

Pastoral support is also available from the AUB Chaplaincy. The Chaplaincy at ArtsUniversity Bournemouth is shared with Bournemouth University and is an inclusiveChaplaincy, which welcomes people of all faiths and none. The Quiet Room and theIslamic Prayer Room are in regular use by staff and students, and meetings withministers of any faith can be arranged.

Advice and support with practical issues such as funding, accommodation orchildcare is available from the Student Advice, Funds and Accommodation Officewithin Student Services.

Monitoring the quality of your course

The course is subject to the University’s rigorous quality assurance procedures whichinvolve subject specialist and internal peer review of the course at periodic intervals,normally of 5 years. This process ensures that the course remains up to date, and ispreparing you for a career within the creative industries while also delivering a highquality student experience.

In addition all courses undertake an Annual Course Review which takes account ofrelevant information such as:

External Examiners’ Reports Key statistics including data on application, retention and achievement Results of the National Student Survey Results of the in-house Student Perception Survey Feedback from Student Representatives Feedback from relevant employer groups, including the course Industry Liaison

Group

All courses develop an action plan arising out of this exercise, which is monitored bythe University. Your student representatives can keep you informed about progressagainst the action plan.

Staff development priorities for the course team as a whole are identified through theAnnual Course Review process, and for individuals through the Staff PerformanceReview process.

Indicators of Quality and Standards

The Arts University Bournemouth was granted taught degree awarding powers by thePrivy Council in 2008; and University status was conferred in 2013. All students ontaught higher education courses are enrolled on a course validated by the University.

A new Teaching Excellence Framework has been introduced to recognise excellentteaching. AUB was given a Gold award, reflecting the high quality of the academicstudent experience.

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The University was audited by the QAA in May 2011 and received a judgement of‘Confidence’ in the management of the academic standards of its awards, and itsmanagement of the quality of learning opportunities. This is the best availableoutcome, and confirms that our quality assurance mechanisms are robust, meaningthat we can have full confidence in the standard of course outcomes, and the qualityof the educational experience we deliver.

More detailed information is available in the HE Student Regulations, Viewpoint andon your course blog