The programme begins with a group research project, sharing information and references from diverse sources. Collecting and analysing information from a theme of common interest helps to develop your awareness of the subject from multiple perspectives. Stage 1 involves developing professional skills, ideas, research, project work and the opportunity for co-working, partnerships and collaborations. Your interests are evaluated for their enterprise potential and innovative outputs are proposed.
In stage 1, you also develop your professional skills to build your digital expertise and skills in research. Stage 2 culminates in a feasibility study for a negotiated research project. Stage 3 enhances your learning through practice with the potential to spend one semester working full time in industry, on a major research project, or studying or working abroad. Finally, stage 4 enables you to complete major project work, supported by regular tutorial contact and studio interaction.
Course structure
Core modules
Advanced Practice in Science, Engineering and Design
Advanced Practice options
Research Internship: Develop your research and academic skills by undertaking a research internship within the University. Experience working as part of a research team in an academic setting – ideal if you are interested in a career in research or academia.
Vocational Internship: Spend one semester working full-time in industry. We have close links with a variety of local companies who can offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and professional skills in the workplace through an internship. Although we can’t guarantee you an internship, we will provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your own internship position. A vocational internship is a great way to gain work experience and give your CV a competitive edge.
Critical Thinking and Theoretical Contexts
This module explores and interrogates key concepts and critical thinking in the 21st century. It promotes debate on developing themes within culture and the creative arts in theory and practice.
Through lectures you explore critical thinking and cultural philosophical approaches. Key issues are explored through talking and debating in seminars.
There are two assessments; a 20 minute presentation focusing on cultural theory in relation to your design practice and field of specialism, and a critical report that recognises design practice with respect to cultural and critical theory.
Design Integration
As a designer you engage with all disciplines, applying critical thinking and research to tackle creative problems.
You focus on process, method and structure in the context of the economical, psychological, societal, environmental and material aspects of modern global communities.
You work across multiple disciplines to explore contemporary approaches to problem solving through co-design.
You are assessed through a 15 minute presentation to an industry expert.
Design Practice
You focus on design processes and emerging design studio practice, applying solutions to real-world problems that require high skill and professional approaches.
You learn through portfolio, studio sessions and seminars – engaging in critical debate with your fellow students.
You are assessed through a portfolio of work that critically reflects and analyses all aspects of the design problem-solving process from ideas to development to solutions. The portfolio includes a critical journal that records decision making and actions throughout the design process. Example portfolios are available to guide you.
Design Research Methods
You learn a number of research methods and practices in order to carry out primary design research to identify solutions to real-world problems.
You cover investigations into practical design applications, strategic planning and theoretical speculations.
Through seminars you debate and discuss case studies and the practical application of research methods.
You are assessed on your research plan (20%) and a critical analysis of research methods appropriate to your own design practice, identifying how these are implemented within a design problem solving context (80%).
Enterprising Leadership and Project Management
You learn through seminars and student-led group work, with guest speakers providing real-world perspectives and expertise. You are assessed by a group portfolio, demonstrating innovation, inventiveness, an entrepreneurial mindset, leadership, creativity and project management. The portfolio contains a product development report and a group presentation detailing the process and findings.
Innovation by Design
This module gets you to think about approaches to design and develop solutions to design problems using creative and innovative strategies.
Through problem-solving workshops you gain an understanding of the design process and learn new skills and methods.
You are assessed through a portfolio of work, displaying a critical and methodological approach to problem solving with a supporting critical reflective report. Example portfolios are available to guide you.
MA Design Major Project
You develop and direct you own design project, taking into account your learnings from previous modules. You are encouraged to demonstrate a high level of professional competence and to have a deep understanding of the social and philosophical context in which you are practising. You are also expected to demonstrate the enterprise potential of your ideas and to understand the future possibilities and contexts in which your ideas will exist. Your project work gives an indication of potential for further study or implementation in professional design contexts. You critically reflect upon your own learning and become prepared for continuous professional development.
You are assessed through a portfolio of design work accompanied by a critical report that details the process, research, data collection, critical thinking and issues as well as solutions and outcomes. Example portfolios are available to guide you.
