FA4029 - Open Brief: Initiation

What will I learn on this module?

In the open brief module, students are given the autonomy to self-direct their work . This is an opportunity to evidence and develop their interests within the fashion communication sector. Students will select a subject that has driven them towards the programme which represents an area of fashion that they are passionate about. They will then be tasked with fully immersing themselves in researching these subjects, gaining significant knowledge to disseminate across summative submissions.



The module will further focus on developing your communication and teamwork skills, considering subjects such as narrative structure, effective articulation of concepts and ideas, and delivering to an audience. Your submission will include an initial team presentation linked to an assigned topic/area reflected within contemporary fashion communication. This will seek to inspire your final portfolio piece, where you will document and disseminate a key area of the sector that is of interest to you, and which is relevant to the wider industry. This will also allos you to simultaneously make use of traditional and emerging methods and technologies of effective communication.



This module is taught alongside further modules which will chart specific and significant influences and shifts impacting Fashion design and Fashion Communication practices, and should provide a further basis for information and inspiration.

How will I learn on this module?

You will attend weekly sessions, where workshops will assist you in developing research methodologies and processes to be utilised in the development of your understanding around your chosen subject. Further sessions will introduce skills linked to effective communication. Technical delivery will also allow you to improve hard skills associated with communication and documentation. Workshops and tutorials will benefit from peer discussion, where best practice can be further identified for students to align their process and outcomes to.



Further support will assist you in producing a final portfolio piece which can utilise Audio/Visual (AV), Written and Visual information, Presentations and/or emerging technologies to document and demonstrate your awareness of your topic.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

An initial briefing will outline the goals of the module, alongside the structure of the sessions to follow. Workshops will be delivered by knowledgeable staff, often reflecting their own research interests linked to the Fashion Communication sector. Where applicable, technical skills will be delivered by expert staff, providing demonstrations and support for students across their process. Methods for effective communication (planning, writing and design) will be discussed within workshops, with tutorials aimed at further developing your final submission. Further group work in the form of practice and discussion will assist your development in terms of knowledge, understanding and communication skills.

Further support regarding academic writing will be provided via the University Library.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

Explain contextual issues linked to the principles of fashion communication that shape practice

Apply critical thinking to debate issues and/or develop work

Demonstrate the ability to conduct and disseminate research through a variety of methods; analyse information and begin to formulate independent judgements.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

Communicate concepts, proposals or solutions using appropriate media.



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Cooperate effectively with others to help discuss, deliver or present individual and joint outputs.

How will I be assessed?

FORMATIVE: Formative feedback will be delivered across the module. This can be verbal and/or textual and will be aligned to workshop activities.



SUMMATIVE

Group Presentation 20%

Short live presentation of group research and findings focused on a specific area of interest linked to fashion communication (LO5)



Portfolio 80%

A Final Portfolio evidencing use of visual, written, and AV techniques to enhance your documented narrative of the specific chosen subject. (LO1,2,3,4)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This ‘open brief’ allows students to uncover and discover aspects about fashion they are passionate about, igniting interests that will persist across their undergraduate degree. Students will self-direct significant elements of their work, choosing a relevant topic to explore that allows staff to gain an insight into their unique interests and perspectives. A group presentation will also allow an initial opportunity to explore and disseminate relevant areas of interest. Workshops will focus on hard and soft skill development, honing in on traditional methods of communication and emerging technologies that will assist students in documenting and disseminating their narrative exploring their chosen subject. Sessions will also outline methods of communication itself, from narrative and storytelling, to effective articulation of concepts. The core skills developed here will be used throughout your studies and beyond into professional life.

Course info

UCAS Code Z042

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Design, Arts and Creative Industries

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

 

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

 

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

 

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints