UTP Stage II: Creative Industries

Program Overview

The UTP Stage II: Creative Industries program is a direct pathway to the second year of Toronto Metropolitan University's Bachelor of Arts in Creative Industries degree. It provides a foundation in the creative process and business aspects of the creative industries, preparing students for leadership roles in communication, design, media, entertainment, arts, and culture. The program combines creative thinking with business acumen, fostering students' abilities to navigate the intersection of creativity, business, and culture.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

UTP Stage II: Creative Industries

• Overview: The UTP Stage II: Creative Industries program is designed as a direct pathway to the second year of Toronto Metropolitan University's (TMU) Bachelor of Arts in Creative Industries degree at The Creative School.
The program provides students with a foundation in the creative process and business aspects of the creative industries, preparing them for a variety of roles in this dynamic field.
• Objectives: The program's objectives include:
• Fostering students' leadership abilities at the intersection of creativity, business, and culture.
• Equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of the creative industries, encompassing both creative processes and commercial activities.
• Developing students' business acumen through the expertise of the Ted Rogers School of Management, Canada's largest undergraduate business school.
• Program Description: The UTP Stage II: Creative Industries program is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for leading roles in communication, design, media, entertainment, arts, and culture.
The program cultivates students' leadership abilities at the intersection of creativity, business, and culture, empowering them to understand the creative industries as both a creative process and a commercial activity.

Outline:

• Program Content: The UTP Stage II: Creative Industries program covers a range of topics in the creative industries, including:
• Creative Industries Overview
• The New Business: From Idea to reality
• Imagining the Creative City
• IP Issues in the Digital Age
• The Growing Business: Breaking Even
• Text, Image and Sound
• Critical Thinking I
• Elective Courses (Table A Lower Level Liberal Studies)
• Program Structure: The program consists of three terms and is offered in multiple intakes throughout the year (January, May, and September).
Students are required to complete a total of 10 courses, including seven required courses and three elective courses. The required courses provide a foundation in the core principles of the creative industries, while the elective courses allow students to explore their specific interests.
• Course Schedule: The course schedule is designed to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of the creative industries.
The required courses are typically offered in a sequence that ensures students develop a strong foundation in the core concepts of the field. Elective courses are offered in a variety of formats, including lectures, seminars, and workshops, and are designed to allow students to explore specific areas of interest.
• Individual Modules: The program is divided into individual modules, each with a specific focus.
The required modules cover the following topics:
• Creative Industries Overview: This module provides an introduction to the creative industries, including their history, structure, and key players.
• The New Business: From Idea to reality: This module introduces students to the fundamentals of business, including market research, product development, and financial planning.
• Imagining the Creative City: This module explores the role of creativity in urban planning and development.
• IP Issues in the Digital Age: This module examines the legal and ethical issues surrounding intellectual property in the digital age.
• The Growing Business: Breaking Even: This module provides students with the tools and techniques necessary to manage and grow a successful business.
• Text, Image and Sound: This module explores the relationship between text, image, and sound in the creative industries.
• Critical Thinking I: This module develops students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The UTP Stage II: Creative Industries program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
• Exams: Exams are used to assess students' understanding of the course material.
• Assignments: Assignments, such as essays, projects, and presentations, allow students to demonstrate their critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
• Class participation: Class participation is often used to assess students' engagement with the course material and their ability to contribute to class discussions.
• Assessment Criteria: The assessment criteria vary depending on the assessment method.
For exams, students are typically assessed on their ability to demonstrate their understanding of the course material, answer questions clearly and concisely, and apply their knowledge to new situations. For assignments, students are typically assessed on their ability to research and analyze information, write clearly and effectively, and present their findings in a logical and organized manner. Class participation is typically assessed on students' level of engagement, their ability to contribute to class discussions, and their ability to demonstrate their understanding of the course material.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The UTP Stage II: Creative Industries program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and ensure student engagement.
These methods include:
• Lectures: Lectures are used to present the course material and provide students with an overview of the key concepts.
• Seminars: Seminars are smaller, discussion-based classes that allow students to explore the course material in more depth and engage with their peers.
• Workshops: Workshops provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting.
• Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced and knowledgeable faculty members who are passionate about the creative industries.
The faculty includes professors, industry professionals, and artists who bring their expertise and real-world experience to the classroom.
• Unique Approaches: The program incorporates several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
• Experiential Learning: Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships, field trips, and guest lectures.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The program fosters collaboration between students from different disciplines, such as business, design, and media.
• Creative Labs: Students have access to state-of-the-art creative labs where they can experiment with different technologies and techniques.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: The UTP Stage II: Creative Industries program prepares students for a range of careers in the creative industries, including:
• Television executives
• Music industry executives
• Fashion marketers
• Media buyers
• Advertising and communications specialists
• Policy makers
• Entrepreneurs
• Leaders in other creative business endeavors
• Opportunities: The program provides students with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the creative industries.
Graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in a variety of roles, including:
• Creative director
• Marketing manager
• Event planner
• Public relations specialist
• Social media manager
• Content creator
• Web designer
• Graphic designer
• Outcomes: The program has a strong track record of success, with graduates pursuing successful careers in the creative industries.
Many graduates have gone on to work for leading companies in the field, including:
• Bell Media
• Rogers Media
• CBC
• Corus Entertainment
• Sony Music
• Universal Music
• Warner Music