Creative Professional Development FAQs

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Level 5 in Creative Professional Development course

What is the structure of the course?

The course is made up of two units, comprising 120 credits at Level 5. The course is organised around 2 industry placements – the first last 6 weeks, the second 12 weeks, and a group project or ‘hackathon’ exploring freelancing and business start-up.

What are the entry requirements for the course?

You will be required to pass Year 2 of their core degree to take this course. Failure to pass the course will not affect progression to Year 3 of the core degree.

How is this different to the current Employability curriculum?

The course will build from the employability teaching and activity you have experienced in Year 1 and Year 2, and deepen your knowledge about creative industry, the way that organisations work and how your own skills and experience will enable you to take up your place within it. By the end of Year 2, you should be familiar with the 10 Profile Skills. This process may have prompted you to identify areas and skills that you need to develop and evidence. The course will be a chance to build on your skills by trying out strategies and approaches within the placement experience.

Are the placements paid?

The placements are integrated in the Level 5 Creative Professional Diploma and therefore are designed as a work-based learning experience. As a result, all placements will be unpaid.

Can I find my own placements?

If you want to secure your own placement with a specific business outside of the scheme, you could still apply to undertake the experience within the structure of the Diploma. You would be asked to give details of the placement you have arranged at the time of application, so the Business & Employability team can check that the host business is able to fulfil the requirements of the programme.

Will I be placed in a business related to my course?

Your placements may not directly match your course area; this will open up your career thinking to the very broad range of roles that are open to graduates, many of which are not restricted by creative specialism.

What businesses are involved?

Placements will be in a variety of settings, in workplaces of different sizes and types. You will experience different working environments, size of team and workplace cultures Every placement we offer will be with a partner employer that shares our values and our ambition for your future and within a reasonable travelling distance of the university.

Can I work at the same business for both the 6 and 12-week placement?

You will be matched to placements on the basis of your development needs, so it is unlikely that you will be placed with the same organisation for both placements.

Can I complete my placement(s) virtually?

The programme is designed to give you an accurate representation of what it’s like working in industry. Some businesses may be operating a hybrid working model, but this cannot be guaranteed. There will be some exceptions which you can discuss further with the Business & Employability team.

Will I need to have my own equipment for the placements?

Your host business will provide you with equipment and set you up on their IT systems, even if working remotely. There will be some exceptions to this which will be discussed with the Business & Employability team.

Who will be teaching the course?

The course will be led by Lucy Smith, the Lecturer in Employability and Entrepreneurship. Evie Ross, the Business Link Officer, will be available to support you with any queries concerning placements.

I am worried about leaving my course group and the transition into Year 3, what support will be available?

During the course, you will have the chance to work with creative students from other disciplines, all of whom will transition into Year 3 with you. It will be a great opportunity for you to expand your network and engage with other creative students. A link tutor from your core degree course will support your smooth transition into Year 3, and you will have the chance to participate in sessions with the current Year 2 students towards the end of the course giving you the chance to get to know them before your final year. You will have the opportunity to review and discuss your core degree research proposal, and any changes you want to make to it in the light of your new knowledge and skills.

Will there be any additional expenses?

Although all placements will be within a reasonable travelling distance of the university, you may have some travel costs. UK students in receipt of bursaries will be eligible for assistance with travel costs. If you receive Disabled Students’ Allowance, you will continue to do so. Student Support will be available for any queries concerning finances.