UCOL's highly skilled lecturers deliver the art/design theory and original academic/applied research required for you to create advanced projects of your choice in either time-based/print-based design, object design/visual arts or fashion/textile design.

 

Master of Design graduates will excel in a range of industries such as galleries, fashion houses, graphic design studios, film and television, printing and publishing, web design, art studios, set design and much more.

 

Candidates for this programme must undertake and complete a written thesis based on their research initiatives and prepare a body of work for final exhibition. They must possess an exceptional degree of motivation and a strong enthusiasm for art/design.

 

This programme consists of 180 credits, of which 120 credits are at Level 8 and 60 at Level 9. 

COMPULSORY COURSES:

Advanced Methodologies for Design Research (30 Credits)

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Establish and articulate a philosophical orientation for their research and propose a research design and methodology supported by a rationale for the design choice;
• Write and present a research proposal for approval;
• Identify, evaluate and respond to key ethical and cultural considerations within the
  field of study;
• Undertake a contextual review of the extant and seminal literature to identify or position a research question.

Development Studio (30 Credits)
On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Critically evaluate specific areas of interest for concept research and articulate objectives and ideas for future projects;
• Explore inter?disciplinary and/or multimedia approaches;
• Undertake rigorous exploration of an extensive range of sources and technical applications and technologies relevant to their practice;
• InvestigateExplore and define the link between research practice and an appropriate industry/ community context;
• Demonstrate professional studio practice in the documentation of idea development and technical exploration.

Creative Thinking (30 Credits)
On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Initiate rigorous intellectual analysis and critical reflection of their own work and that of others;
• Articulate creative thinking methodologies appropriate to the context in which they work;
• Articulate a considered position in relation to their field of enquiry or professional practice, with a focus on both current and future practice;
• Apply creative thinking methodologies to developing unique solutions to industry challenges or opportunities;
• Critically evaluate and professionally document research relevant to their creative practice.

Studio Project (30 Credits)
On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Advance and refine concepts for research and art/design projects as appropriate for industry/ community, professional and academic outcomes;
• Undertake extended exploration of inter?disciplinary and/or multimedia approaches to solve problems and achieve design solutions;
• Document the investigation and creative development process used to make specified project work;
• Compile and present a finished portfolio, exhibition or show.

Dissertation and Implementation (60 Credits)
On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply a methodology appropriate to the research enquiry;
• Refine and resolve a research enquiry that is positioned within an identified context;
• Produce a fully resolved body of work extending from praxis and demonstrating mastery within a specialist field;
• Document the research project and critically reflect on the methodology and creative process used to reach the final outcome;
• Create opportunities for community or stakeholders to meaningfully engage with completed works.