With mixed emotions the moment has arrived – we have been introduced to our Major Project module!  Initially I approach the module with trepid anticipation, caused by an overwhelming sensation that I am unable to achieve outputs that are worthy of 60 credits of an MA in the timeframe allocated.  We have a mere twelve weeks of delivered sessions followed by five weeks of self-directed study.  Up until now, the part-time route that I have been following has required me to study one module at a time (as my full-time counter-parts study two modules at a time).  However, this final module sees all part and full time students allocated the same timeframe.  The familiar sensation of anxiety stirs in my stomach as I contemplate the logistics of juggling study, personal commitments and work and think “how am I going to do this”!  But experience has proven that through being placed in uncomfortable situations such as these, comes great personal and professional growth, and I reframe the sensation to being one of excitement at the opportunities that lay before me. 

The module that proceeded this, TMA1402 ‘Creative Innovation’, saw me abandon my research theme to pursue a multi-disciplinary collaborative project.  I have missed the indulgence of developing my own work, without having to seek approval of others or manage the working relationships of being part of a team.  To entirely focus upon developing a creative output that explores further my initial ideas and brings together the knowledge acquired over the past twenty months of study is exhilarating – this is the moment I have been waiting for!

Before writing the project brief and Gannt chart for this module, I re-read my Research Proposal and assessment feedback from December 2021.  This proved to be an invaluable experience as I was reminded of my initial ambitions for the project and the context of the final output.  The assessors commentary suggests that I address the way in which I curate the final outcome through practice, literature and conference opportunities to shift societies focus from the physical appearance of our elders to respect for lived experience.  It also suggested that I look at cellular ageing, fabric ageing and rejuvenation processes as well as other forms of longevity in support of broader transdisciplinary contexts and approaches that might offer unexpected innovations.  Both the presentation/curation of the output and exploration into fabric ageing/rejuvenation are areas that I have failed to explore and make a note to address this in my upcoming work.

In an attempt to systematically plan, organise and project manage my outcomes, I begin to write a project brief.  I use the project brief for TMA1449 as a template to format my own content and this forces me to consider how outputs will meet the learning outcomes;

 I can then use individual elements of the Project Design to formulate a Gannt Chart.  Breaking down the project into smaller, bite sized chunks eases my apprehension as I can now focus upon individual tasks rather than feeling overwhelmed by the scale of the entire project;

Next Steps;

• Arrange meetings with a reduced cohort of research participants.  
• Produce revised ‘participant sheets’ to inform clearly the research participants engagement with this final phase of the project
• Prepare data collection sheets to take body measurements at participant meetings
• Prepare interview questions
• Research exhibitions and galleries in London that might support research themes (day trip scheduled 19^th May)