Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

In broad terms the module aims to:

•Provide students with experience in design thesis processes and methodology by defining and studying a problem related to their own interests
•Develop an ability to evaluate and analyse design thesis findings according to explicit criteria
•Develop a response to the issues raised by their design thesis

Outline Of Syllabus

The design thesis project is intended to provide the students with an opportunity to carry out a substantial and largely independent piece of research.

Students will work on a selected theme and area through an individual major design thesis project, in a format approved by the route leader.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students should be able to execute a research process which will involve:

•Defining the focus of thesis design interest
•Setting a thesis design question based on a critical review of relevant theory and literature
•Setting design thesis objectives by which the question can be addressed
•Selecting the design thesis methodology and appropriate research or design inquiry tools

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should have the ability to:

•Plan project work effectively
•Find and analyse information from primary research or design sources
•Interpret results and modify future work on the basis of this interpretation
•Draw conclusions from results
•Communicate the essence of the work and results in written, drawn, and oral form

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The design studio is the integrative environment where students synthesise knowledge from other modules and develop their understanding and skills in the context of a design problem set by tutors. Students are supported in their learning through briefings, lectures, group tutorials and critical reviews. Tutorials and reviews are also the principle means through which students receive feedback on their progress.

A submitted design report will allow the assessment of: students’ comprehensive understanding of a specific topic related to emergent design methods and practices and, cognitive skills (e.g. critical reasoning, problem solving, etc.), and transferable skills with respect to the structuring of ideas and presenting them orally and in writing, independent learning through self-directed study and research, and in managing time and resources.

If the public health situation makes present in person teaching impossible, design tutorials and reviews, will all be taught online.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

For the design thesis, the development of design skills is assessed through the traditional method of critical review, where students give a visual and oral presentation of their work online to an audience of tutors and peers. The work is discussed and the tutors assess the work against the criteria set out in the project brief. These marks are moderated by another tutor or tutors. Feedback is given orally during the review and as a set of written comments later.
A 4-8,000 word report will explain the rationale behind the design thesis and make up 15% of the mark; the remaining 85% is allocated to the design thesis project.

General Notes

N/A