Aims

The aim of the module is to provide students with opportunities to put into practice theory and skills relating to project management through developing Heritage projects hosted by NewcastleCastle. The module aims to assist students to make the transition from being students to becoming better equipped to develop their personal professional portfolios for career advancement.

Outline Of Syllabus

This practice-based module allows students in small teams to work on heritage-based projects designed through discussions with academic staff, staff at NewcastleCastle, and other appropriate heritage sector professionals. Projects may include, for example: heritage management provision; developing a communications and interpretation strategy; designing interpretation and producing an interpretation brief; designing a learning programme with supporting materials. The module provides students with opportunities for gaining practice-based team-work experiences, which will benefit them in terms of employability in the heritage and associated sectors after completion. During the module, students will be expected to reflect on the learning experiences and acquisition of knowledge and skills, which they can then use to shape their future career aspirations.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students will experience scheduled learning and teaching activities, however, the majority of their learning on this module comes from guided interdependent study. The scheduled time is mixed between one-hour lectures on Heritage curatorship, and two-hour workshops and three-hour practicals, where students will work in small groups on a Heritage project. This balance between theory and practical sessions will allow students to gain the knowledge and skills needed to make the transition from being students to becoming better equipped to develop their personal professional portfolios for career advancement

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module is designed to allow students, working in small-group teams to complete small projects relevant to the Heritage sector.

Formative assessment - each student is encouraged to keep a journal detailing their contribution to the group project and progress throughout the module. There are also multiple opportunities for the students to give peer feedback during the project process. Formative feedback will also be provided during the progress workshops by academic and professional staff.

The final summative module assessment is divided between a group-mark for the outcomes of the team’s Heritage project (30%), along with the submission of an individual report (70%).