Course Catalogue

Critically engage with the development of theoretical approaches to understanding cities, with a particular focus on the interrelationships between cities, culture and creativity Critically analyse how cultural policy can contribute to re-imagining cities and a wide range of theoretical conceptualisations of place marketing and branding and apply relevant constructs to case studies. Provide practical examples of creativity and culture within the context of the city. Provide a progressive and challenging curriculum that is informed by contemporary research. Conduct original research set in the framework of relevant secondary literature. Provide a good grounding in quantitative and qualitative research methods especially those relating to cultural policy and cities. The specific aims of the programme are to enable students to: Critique key theories and concepts relating to Cities, Culture and Creativity. Critically evaluate the impact of arts and culture on community building and civic participation. Examine the history and development of cities at local, national, regional, international and global levels Carry out original and independent research through the development of a critical appreciation of research methodologies appropriate for the study of Cities, Culture and Creativity Meet the challenges of employment in a global society through the development of their intellectual, analytical and research skills related to the study of Cities, Culture and Creativity Critically examine how cultural policy fits within broader strategies for re-imagining cities. Develop skills in evaluation, synthesis, and presentation of scholarly arguments. Provide historical and literary context to assist students understand contemporary cities.

The programme has an integrated teaching, learning and assessment strategy. The assessment strategy for the programme is underpinned by appropriate learning and teaching strategies which are relevant and provide a structured set of learning opportunities enabling achievement, of individual module, and programme level, learning outcomes. Critical awareness is achieved through interactive lectures, workshops, case studies, presentations by experts, student presentations, seminars and group discussions and individual reading and research. A blended learning approach will be adopted on the programme with resources to support learning provided via Canvas. Integration and synthesis across the programme lead to the programmes intended learning outcomes. These are assessed through a variety of formative and summative assessment including: assessed presentations, essays, practical portfolio, research based exercises, critical review, research plan, student defined assessment and a dissertation. Specific details of these can be found in the module guides. Lectures will act as a guide to the area of study and will focus on conceptual frameworks, areas or case studies. In workshops and seminars students will be expected to work both collegially and independently. The nature of the seminars and workshops is intended to be interactive and group activities will be a significant part of student led and defined discussion. They will be supported throughout the programme to formulate ideas and responses to current debates and research so that they can develop an advanced understanding of the field and apply these ideas appropriately. The assessment strategy provides a structure of assessment through which students can meet the intended learning outcomes of the programme. Students skills are assessed through the self-direction, innovation and judgement required to complete research essays, presentations and the dissertation. The relationship between formative and summative assessment enables tutors to provide feedback which will support students in their development and enable them to make the most of their academic potential. Students are required to consider different means of communicating their research findings, formulate their response to critical issues and contemporary debates and evaluate contemporary trends across a range of different types of assessment. Lectures, workshops, seminars, field trips, independent study and research, presentation and the production of assessment all contribute to the development of professional practical skills. There will be particular focus on the research design of the dissertation and its management and critique in tutorials. Students will also have seminar discussion and workshops. The extent to which students have developed these skills will be assessed through essays, critical reflection and the dissertation. Students will be introduced to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) environment and encouraged to use it. They will have Personal Development Planning tutorials and ICT will be provided. Seminars, lectures, case studies and interaction with practitioners will allow them to observe and discriminate between different perspectives, communication strategies and understand the responsibilities of academic research. These professional skills will be assessed through oral presentation, essays, the practical portfolio and the dissertation.

The course provides a range of opportunities for work related learning. These include workshops and field visits with cultural partner organisations, creative community and arts based organisations, where students will hear from a range of professional practitioners and guest speakers. Students selecting topics as case studies for their assignments and dissertations will gain experience of researching and tackling 'real world' issues, with the opportunity to both work with and feed results back to the staff of cultural organisations and creative community projects.