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Creative Practice - BA Hons Degree (Top Up)

Summary

The BA (Hons) Creative Practice has been meticulously designed to shape you into a professional, self-reflective individual capable of meeting the demands of the ever-evolving creative industry landscape. You'll dive into three modules that cultivate shared skills, alongside your focused Negotiated Professional Project module (NPP). This self-directed and tailored project, will give you the chance to tailor your skills and portfolio, preparing you for your future career in the creative industries. Pushing your own creative boundaries in a creative environment, surrounded by likeminded undergraduates and tutors, accessing constantly updated industry standard resources.

One day a week will be dedicated to delivery of modules Real World and Launch Pad, which will prepare you to tackle the real challenges posed in the creative industries, developing your capacity to respond to real world briefs and develop your enterprise and promotional skills. While the second day will focus on specialist delivery tailored to your chosen NPP. These sessions will see you driving your creative project, alongside your research to produce industry standard outcomes, which demonstrate your skills as progress towards your future career. Working with experienced staff and alongside likeminded creative students, this rich, creative environment, will provide the conditions for you to flourish.

One of the key benefits we have here at B&FC is the availability of access to our industry standard studios and resources outside your taught sessions, giving you the opportunity to further develop your creative skills and outcomes, mirroring industry working practices. Small groups, focused studio sessions and tailored support will give you everything you need to reach your creative potential.

The BA (Hons) Creative Practice aims to be a transformative journey that equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic and exciting world of the creative industries.

  • Course code DA1HE0006
  • Duration 1 Year
  • Day/s of week Thursday and Friday
  • Time 09:45 - 16:30

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
08 Sep 2025
University Centre
1 Year
14 Sep 2026
University Centre
1 Year

*Subject to validation. For more information, please visit our dedicated validation page.

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Upon completing the programme, you'll emerge equipped with a diverse range of subject specific and transferable skills, opening doors to an array of exciting career opportunities within the dynamic landscape of the creative industries.

This programme is designed to nurture well-rounded individuals, whether you're aspiring to be a photographer, designer, maker, creator or artist. While we instil common Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs), we also celebrate your unique, specialist skillsets that will set you apart and pave the way for success in your chosen field.

On completion of the L6 qualification, students who wish to study further and to a higher level can explore the possibility of L7, or Master’s study at several top universities in the UK. Studying to this level cans support employment. The following universities offer progression routes for students following the completion of a BA (Hons) degree:

  • University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
  • University of Salford
  • Falmouth University
  • Manchester School of Art
  • UAL Central St Martin’s
  • University of the Creative Arts

Employment Opportunities

With a strong foundation laid during your level four and five experience, you'll already be primed for industry-based work. The BA (Hons) Creative Practice pushes you to the next level, refining your professional outlook and enhancing your portfolio to ensure you stand out in the competitive landscape.

As a progression route from our suite of HNDs, which offer diverse options for your study focus, such as Photography, Fine Art, Graphic Design & Illustration, Fashion, Costume & Textiles, the opportunities are broad and exciting. Whether you're inclined towards a career in design, visual arts, photography or fashion design, the programme prepares you to excel in a wide range of creative roles.

In today's commercial arts industries, portfolio careers are increasingly common. That's why we place great emphasis on not only practical skills but also academic skills developed at L6, setting our top-up degree apart from HNCs and HNDs. We equip you with the professional practice, digital competencies, and entrepreneurial skills necessary to thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. With a focus on cultivating multiple streams of income that leverage your strengths and KSBs, our graduates are highly sought after in the job market. Explore diverse career paths, make your mark in the creative industries, and embark on a fulfilling journey towards professional success.

Key information

Entry Requirements

The standard entry requirements* for this course are:

  • 240 credits from a relevant Higher National
  • Or, 240 credits from a relevant degree
  • Or, Foundation Degree in a relevant subject
  • Or, an international equivalent of the above qualifications
     

Portfolio Requirements:

As part of the application process for this course, you'll have the exciting opportunity to showcase your portfolio. We believe in the importance of firsthand evaluation and interaction, which is why we invite applicants to attend an Applicant Day where portfolios can be reviewed in person as part of a comprehensive Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) session.

Every applicant will receive personalised IAG to ensure that their unique qualifications and experiences are considered. Alongside your formal qualifications, we encourage you to discuss any evidence of relevant experience gained through employment or other verifiable sources. This holistic approach allows us to assess your potential and suitability for the course accurately.

At our Applicant Day, you'll have the chance to present your portfolio, providing insights into your creative abilities, skills, and passions. This hands-on evaluation process not only allows us to gauge your talents but also gives you the opportunity to showcase your work in a supportive environment.

We believe that your portfolio is a reflection of your creativity, dedication, and potential, and we look forward to seeing the unique contributions you'll bring to our vibrant community.

Qualification obtained

Creative Practice - BA Hons Degree (Top Up)

Fees and funding

Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding.

Extra costs and equipment

All resources such as industry equipment, software, computer equipment, AR, VR and camera assets and library facilities are included in the programme cost itself.

As a broad course that offers you the chance to develop your portfolio we do recommend – but do not require – that you have the following items available when necessary:

  • A 500GB external hard drive
  • A well-powered laptop (Mac or PC)
  • A camera for primary research purposes
  • Total cost around £200, excluding laptop

You may wish to purchase a laptop to facilitate their work at home, however, computers are available in the LRC and college laptops are accessible through the library loan system.

Blackpool and the Fylde College are keen to support all our students and recognise that in this current climate you may need extra financial support to enable you to achieve to your potential. We have a team of professionals to support you. For more information visit our dedicated page on Financial Support for Degrees.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: None

Awarding Body: None

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

The work-based learning (WBL) or industry focused elements of your course are integrated throughout the programme, woven into modules and their learning outcomes – there is no formal work placement.

WBL is provided by live briefs provided by industry partners. These briefs will simulate professional conditions, requiring you to meet the specific demands set by external stakeholders. Engaging with these industry-sourced projects will not only expose you to authentic work environments but also help you develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours essential for success in the digital design and media technology sector.

  • Modules at level 6

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Launch Pad DA6MD0005 30 No
    Creative Practice Negotiated Professional Project DA6MD0006 60 No
    Real World DA6MD0007 30 No

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

In the Creative Practice programme, you will be guided to produce creative work that adheres to professional industry standards. You'll engage in various roles and activities related to the conception, production, presentation, and evaluation of digital projects within this dynamic field.

Throughout the course, you'll be assessed both formatively (feedback-focused, not counting toward the final grade) and summatively (counting toward the final grade) through a variety of methods, including:

Portfolio assessments - Traditional or Digital Portfolios of work, developed over the course of an assignment brief, delivered under conditions set by the module tutor.

Written Work - Essays, reflections, and digital installations.

Reflective Submissions - Online posts, annotated sketchbooks and digital sketchbooks, and other reflective practices.

Presentations - Including physical, digital and multimedia formats.

Digital Projects - Submission of online multimedia content such as:

  • Video logs
  • Podcasts
  • Video essays
  • Virtual reality presentations
  • Augmented reality presentations
  • VLOGs

Process Evaluation - Assessing your practical and verbal contributions to projects, overall discipline, and adherence to professional codes of practice.

These assessment methods are designed to mirror the demands of professional environments as closely as possible, ensuring that you develop the skills required for a successful and sustained career in digital design and media technology. These formats allow you to demonstrate critical work and self-presentation skills, written and spoken communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving - all essential in the industry.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 0% 0% 94%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%