Module overview
A study exchange module within a degree programme is often viewed as a beneficial experience in the development of today’s graduates, in the sense that the same academic disciplines are taught differently and with altered perspectives at institutions around the world. The opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in a different educational fashion setting, whilst gaining experience from the culture and atmosphere of the location, helps to develop confidence, define future career goals and enhance employability.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- use machines and equipment competently in the studios and workshops
- explore and exploit materials, techniques and digital processes
- solve practical problems independently in response to set projects
- select appropriate processes and techniques including pattern cutting and construction to communicate an individual approach to menswear or womenswear and through the production of a professional portfolio demonstrate knowledge of professional context
- use information to inform and challenge the practical development of your work
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- study independently and produce work to set deadlines
- demonstrate relevant interpersonal skills for a professional context
- select and draw upon a wide range of learning, library and digital resources to inform and challenge your thinking
- present your work appropriately in a professional context
- communicate ideas effectively in a variety of formats
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- appropriate contemporary fashion designers and creative practitioners relevant to your own practice
- how to identify the appropriate skills you will need to practice professionally in the fashion industry
- how to creatively apply a variety of techniques, technologies and materials in the realisation of your projects
- a research informed design practice, including professional, cultural and technological contexts
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- evaluate and challenge the conceptual and technical boundaries of your discipline appropriate to the set projects
- apply methods of enquiry and reflection to critically evaluate the qualities of your work
- make independent critical judgments in the selection and use of ideas, materials and techniques suitable to the set projects
- generate ideas and inform your practice through enquiry, analysis and critical reflection
Syllabus
The Study Exchange module will allow you to develop your practice in a different environment and challenge you to engage with the cultural context of your chosen institution.
It will encourage you to analyse the culture of your exchange location and how it may influence your work.
We will expect you to engage with methods and techniques allowing you to challenge your thinking and test your ideas thoroughly. The aim of this module is to produce resolved pieces of work that are based on independent experimentation and informed by context, in readiness for Part 3.
You will be expected to outline goals and ambitions regarding your work before the exchange begins. Upon your return you’re expected to demonstrate the impact that studying in a different environment has had on your work. The experience will develop your cultural and contextual awareness, your ability to study independently, particularly drawing on your imagination and resourcefulness and it may naturally improve your language skills. The experience of going on exchange will better prepare you to tackle future work in new environments.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The teaching methods will vary depending on which partner institution your exchange takes you to and tutorials may be delivered in the language of the host country. Prior to applying for the Study Exchange module, it is highly recommended you thoroughly research the environment and learning and teaching practices of your favoured institution. Guidance will be provided by your tutors and in the exchange handbook. As with modules hosted at WSA, learning and teaching activities are likely to include:
Teaching methods include
- lectures and seminars
- group tutorials
- One-to-one tutorials
- Critical reviews
- Online and email support
Learning activities include
- project briefings tutorials
- group discussions
- Creative and technical workshops
- Visual presentations
- peer group learning
- study skills support
Relationship between the teaching, learning and assessment methods and the planned learning outcomes
In this module, learning and teaching activities help you to explore and investigate your work and ideas in a culturally specific context. You will receive formative feedback from staff at your host institution. Blackboard and email support will enable you to keep in contact, ask questions and seek advice on your module with a WSA-based academic.
Regardless of which host institution you visit, the lectures, project briefings, seminars and workshops will help you form ideas with reference to the subject area and the culture you are encountering. Your confidence will develop as you experiment with ideas and encounter unexpected outcomes. Through practical experimentation and self-reflection, you will create informed personal work.
You are encouraged to reflect on your progress during taught and independent study time, to allow you to understand how your ideas and practice have been influenced by your study exchange.
The summative assessment of your portfolio will take place at WSA and will be assessed using WSA’s assessment criteria, not those of the host institution. Ensure you check the assessment hand-in date in relation to your return to the UK.
Your submission should demonstrate your experimental process, its documentation and also practical examples of work. These should creatively address the requirements of the projects or tasks set by the host institution as well as addressing the brief set by WSA.
The Academic Skills Library page for study skills support http://library.soton.ac.uk/sash
Harvard citing and referencing support including citethemright online resource http://library.soton.ac.uk/sash/referencing
Academic Integrity support http://library.soton.ac.uk/sash/what-is-academic-integrity
Study Skills Workshops http://library.soton.ac.uk/sash/workshops/
This module does not allow an external repeat, students need to retake the Fashion Industry module internally at WSA if they fail the Study Exchange module. This applies to practice-based modules where achievement of the objectives and learning outcomes is demonstrated through outcomes requiring specialist equipment, facilities, supervision and training.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Placement Hours | 450 |
| Total study time | 450 |
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Portfolio Development
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Formative feedback is given during the module, which can be verbal or written, contributing to the written summative feedback given at the end of the module.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Portfolio | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Portfolio | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External