Program Overview
This BA (Hons) Creative Direction program equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel as Creative Directors. Through hands-on projects, industry collaborations, and individualized support, students develop critical design, problem-solving, and strategic vision to lead and innovate in diverse creative fields. Graduates are prepared for careers as Creative Directors, Art Directors, Brand Strategists, and more.
Program Outline
BA (Hons) Creative Direction Course Information:
Degree Overview:
- This program equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to excel as Creative Directors, a vital role in the creative industries.
- Students develop critical design, problem-solving, and strategic vision to become leaders within a creative team.
- The program emphasizes industry experience with opportunities to work alongside professionals, agencies, and clients.
- Graduates are prepared to lead, innovate, and make significant contributions across diverse creative fields such as advertising, arts, design, fashion, gaming, music, publishing, television, and film.
Outline:
Level 4 (1st year):
- Hands-on project experience, with the first project commencing in the first term.
- Introduction to different creative industries and their operations through guest lectures.
- Research into the environmental impacts of creative work and their interaction with communities and stakeholders.
- Student-led projects delivered to an external audience during summer term.
Level 5 (2nd year):
- Advanced study builds upon skills and experiences gained in Level 4.
- Creative projects collaborate with external clients to design solutions that meet their needs.
- Develop strong research skills and learn to invest in new creative enterprises through pitching.
- Optional 6-week work placement or a one-year placement to gain industry experience.
Level 6 (3rd year):
- Major creative project designed by the student, presented to colleagues, stakeholders, and alumni for feedback.
- Work in collaboration with an industry organization and provide strategic planning recommendations as a consultant.
- Alternatively, conduct in-depth research and produce a dissertation for expertise development in a chosen field.
Assessment:
- Continuous assessment through individual and collaborative assignments, project work, presentations, research papers, and a dissertation or industry consultancy report in the final year.
Teaching:
- Flexible learning environments equipped with cutting-edge technologies to support project needs.
- Diverse faculty with industry experience who provide guidance and expertise.
- Individualized support to foster creative growth and development.
- Small class sizes and personalized feedback for each student.
Careers:
- Graduates embark on a broad array of career paths within various creative industries, encompassing roles such as Creative Director, Art Director, Brand Strategist, Advertising Manager, Marketing Consultant, Digital Content Creator, and self-employed consultant.
Other:
- The curriculum emphasizes practical application and real-world experience through project-based assessments that mirror professional tasks encountered after graduation.
- The core focus lies within practical project-based assessments, complemented by reflection and reports, presentations, idea pitches to peers and clients, and research tasks culminating in written reports or essays.
- Educational visits, workshops, and lectures delivered by industry professionals expand knowledge and networking capabilities.
- Opportunities to visit relevant organizations and businesses for professional development and networking with practitioners.
Arts University Bournemouth
Overview:
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is a specialist university dedicated to the arts, design, media, and creative industries. It is located in Bournemouth, a coastal town in the south of England. AUB is known for its strong industry links and its focus on practical, studio-based learning.
Services Offered:
AUB offers a wide range of student services, including:
Student Advice:
Provides guidance on funding, bursaries, hardship funds, accommodation, local travel and transport, and general information about living in the community.Wellbeing and Counselling:
Offers support for students' mental health and well-being, including individual counselling and group sessions.Report and Support:
Provides an online tool for students to report concerns anonymously, make formal complaints, and receive support.Disabled Students:
Offers practical support, guidance, and information about extra allowances for students with disabilities.Medical Care:
Works in partnership with the local Village Surgery to provide a dedicated medical surgery each week.Faith and Reflection:
Provides a space for students of all faiths, or none, to reflect and connect.Cost of Living:
Offers information about the average monthly spend for a student in private rented accommodation.Academic Support:
Provides support with academic work, personal organization, and study skills.External Support:
Offers information and resources about external support services available to students.Worried about a student?
Provides a platform for staff, students, parents, friends, and medical professionals to report concerns about a student's well-being.University Retreat:
Offers a mental health drop-in service for students from AUB and Bournemouth University.Student Life and Campus Experience:
AUB offers a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can expect:
Collaborative learning:
AUB emphasizes studio-based learning, encouraging students to work together and learn from each other.Strong industry links:
AUB has strong connections with industry professionals, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.AUB ResLife:
A residential life program for students living in AUB halls of residence, fostering a sense of community and belonging.Students' Union:
A vibrant student union that organizes events, activities, and provides support for students.Location:
Bournemouth is a popular seaside town with a lively nightlife, beaches, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Specialization in the arts:
AUB offers a wide range of courses in the arts, design, media, and creative industries, providing students with a specialized education in their chosen field.Practical, studio-based learning:
AUB's focus on practical, studio-based learning provides students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in their chosen careers.Strong industry links:
AUB's strong industry links provide students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.Vibrant campus environment:
AUB offers a vibrant and supportive campus environment, with a strong sense of community and belonging.Location:
Bournemouth is a popular seaside town with a lively nightlife, beaches, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.Academic Programs:
AUB offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the following areas:
Arts and Communications:
Includes courses in animation, film, photography, graphic design, illustration, and more.Design and Architecture:
Includes courses in architecture, interior design, product design, and more.Arts, Media and Creative Industries Management:
Offers courses in arts management, media production, and more.Other:
Entry Requirements:
UK Applicants:
- A Levels: 104 UCAS points. You will normally need 104 UCAS points or equivalent from three A-levels. We look for grades BB and C across three A-levels or equivalent (including General Studies) where two subjects must be from Art, Design, Photography, Media, Textiles, Film, Music, Drama, English Literature, English Language or Computing. This can be either ABB/32-34 points + BBC/28-30 points, or BB/30-32 points + CCC/24-26 points. You can also be considered with one subject from the same list above and two other subjects, from any discipline. In this instance, your offer would be BCC/28-30 points + CC/20-22 points.
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (QCF): Merit, Pass, Pass in Art & Design (Level 3). We require students to have obtained a Merit, Pass, Pass grade overall on a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (QCF) in Art & Design. All three units in the extended diploma must be Pass or Merit grades. We can only consider this qualification if you have also attained at least five GCSEs at grade A*-C, including English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above.
- Access to Higher Education Diploma: Pass. Pass the Access to Higher Education Diploma with a minimum of 45 credits overall in Arts and Humanities at Level 3, and the remaining 20 credits of the diploma from any other subject area. We also require that you achieve a minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points overall on the diploma. You can only be considered with this qualification if you have also attained at least five GCSEs at grade A*-C, including English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above.
- BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (QCF): Distinction, Merit, Merit in Art & Design and a supporting pass at GCSE Maths at grade C and GCSE English Language at grade C. Students may be considered with a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (QCF) in Art & Design at D-M-M and GCSEs at C or above in English Language and Mathematics. All three units in the National Diploma must be Pass or Merit grades.
- International Baccalaureate: 24 points overall and 15 points in three Higher Level subjects. We would look for a minimum of two subjects at Higher Level to be from Art, Design, Photography, Film, Media, English Literature, English Language, or Music. The maximum bonus points available from Higher Level subjects is 3 points. We also require students to have 4 points on their Standard Level subjects with a minimum of 18 points.
- T Levels: Merit, Merit, Merit in Design, Surveying, or Building Services Engineering & Construction.
- Other qualifications: We welcome applications from mature students and those with non-standard qualifications and can consider a range of alternative qualifications and experience on a case-by-case basis.
International Applicants:
- English Language Requirements: If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate that your English language skills are sufficiently strong to enable you to succeed on this course. For students whose first language is not English, we require IELTS 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any one component) or equivalent.
EU Applicants:
- EU students: EU students wishing to study at AUB are currently considered as Home students for fee purposes. Students with qualifications from outside the UK can find the full entry requirements on the equivalent qualification page.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- English: If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate that your English language skills are sufficiently strong to enable you to succeed on this course. We require IELTS 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any one component) or equivalent. Please note that these are the general entry requirements for the BA (Hons) Creative Direction course. There may be additional requirements for specific entry routes or scholarships. You can find further information on the Arts University Bournemouth website.