Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

•  To provide a creative and intellectually stimulating environment in which students can explore design ideas and concepts in depth and choose specialist pathways in Industrial Design, Experience Design or Environments Design.
• To develop the critical, analytical, conceptual and practical skills necessary for professional-level contemporary design practice.
• To educate designers who can conduct research and evaluation necessary to propose and justify design solutions for new and future products, service-systems and environments.
• To support students’ development as designers who are societally and globally aware facilitators of change.
• To promote a human-centred ethos in which users and other stakeholders are situated at the centre of the design process.
• To create an environment where independent design judgement and creative risk taking is promoted.
• To provide opportunities for students to engage with industry and to enhance students’ career and employment opportunities. 

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Art and design

The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

K1. the appropriateness of design solutions for diverse cognitive, physical, emotional and moral attributes of people;

K2. the nature of experiential design outcomes, including form, function, semantics, semiotics, materials and manufacture;

K3. the principles of iterative, evidence-based and reflective processes in creative and responsible problem solving;

K4. the temporal and global context of products, services, systems and environments;

K5. storytelling methods for the persuasive communication of data, ideas and design rationale;

K6. the principles of being a responsible professional.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

C1. identify and select relevant theories and methods of prototyping appropriate for different stages within a design process and specific to chosen specialism;

C2. interpret, respond to and mitigate ambiguous and bounded design problems;

C3. combine creativity, empathy, research outcomes, vision and innovation to achieve design solutions;

C4. identify and select relevant theories and methods of contextual research appropriate for different stages within a design process and specific to chosen specialism;

C5. explain design activity for external audiences, using semantics, visualisation and storytelling;

C6. reflect on societal and global challenges and interpret these in the context of their role as a responsible designer.  

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

P1. develop prototypes suitable for evaluation, iteration and critical reflection specific to chosen specialism;

P2. ideate using appropriate tools, techniques and evidence, independently and collaboratively;

P3. generate innovative design proposals and solutions in response to briefs;

P4. employ contextually relevant research methods to inform empathic and evidence-based design decisions;

P5. communicate key design outcomes persuasively and meaningfully;

P6. advocate the values of a responsible designer.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1. Use creativity and innovation in problem solving to generate proposals and solutions;

T2. Demonstrate ability to work independently and as part of a team, communicate key outcomes persuasively and meaningfully;

T3. Evaluate, reflect upon and present ideas and information in visual, oral and written forms;

T4. Effectively manage self-learning and their time in order to extend their knowledge and meet deadlines;

T5. Identify, retrieve and analyse information relevant to a proposition, discussion or issue;

T6. Describe and record their own strengths and areas for personal and professional development.

4. Programme structure

Parts A and B of this programme will provide students with the knowledge and skills fundamental for their education in design, through a series of practical and skills-based modules. In part C students are provided with the opportunity to apply acquired knowledge and skills in a chosen specialist pathway:

• Industrial Design
• Experience Design
• Environments Design 

Each year consists of two semesters, each semester is split into two six week taught blocks.  Modules typically run entirely within one six week block. There will be a week of independent learning activities following each six week block.  

INTRODUCTORY MODULES    

Part A 

Semester 1 

Compulsory modules  ( 60 credits) 

Semester 2 

Compulsory modules  (60 credits)  

DEGREE MODULES  

Part B  

Semester 1 

Compulsory modules  ( 60 credits)  

Semester 2  

Compulsory modules  (60 credits)  

Optional modules  (Students should select modules totalling 10 credits)  

Part I

Candidates will undertake an approved study placement leading to the Diploma in International Studies /Diploma in Professional Studies in accordance with Regulation XI.  

Part C 

Specialist Pathway: Industrial Design 

Semester 1 

Compulsory modules  ( 40 credits)  

Optional modules  (Students should select modules totalling 20 credits)  

*Students wishing to change specialism in Part C must select highlighted modules as electives to support studies. 

Semester 2 

Compulsory modules  (50 credits) 

Optional modules  (Students should select modules totalling 10 credits) 

Specialist Pathway: Experience Design 

Semester 1 

Compulsory modules  ( 40 credits)  

Optional modules  (Students should select modules totalling 20 credits)  

*Students wishing to change specialism in Part C must select highlighted modules as electives to support studies. 

Semester 2  

Compulsory modules  (50 credits)  

Optional modules  (Students should select modules totalling 10 credits)  

Specialist Pathway: Environments Design 

Semester 1 

Compulsory modules  ( 40 credits)  

Optional modules  (Students should select modules totalling 20 credits)  

*Students wishing to change specialism in Part C must select highlighted modules as electives to support studies. 

Semester 2 

Compulsory modules  (50 credits) 

Optional modules  (Students should select modules totalling 10 credits) 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also obtain a pass mark of ≥ 40% in module DSA*** Prototyping for Design.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40% : Part C 60% to determine the overall final percentage mark.

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide a creative and intellectually stimulating environment in which students can explore design ideas and concepts in depth.
• To develop the critical, analytical, conceptual and practical skills necessary for professional-level contemporary design practice.
• To educate designers who can conduct research and evaluation necessary to propose and justify design solutions for new and future products, service-systems and environments.
• To support students’ development as designers who are societally and globally aware facilitators of change.
• To promote a human-centred ethos in which users and other stakeholders are situated at the centre of the design process.
• To create an environment where independent judgement is promoted.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Art and design

The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

K1. the appropriateness of design solutions for diverse cognitive, physical, emotional and moral attributes of people;

K2. the nature of experiential design outcomes, including form, function, semantics, semiotics, materials and manufacture;

K3. the principles of iterative, evidence-based and reflective processes in creative and responsible problem solving;

K4. the temporal and global context of products, services, systems and environments;

K5. storytelling methods for the persuasive communication of data, ideas and design rationale;

K6. the principles of being a responsible professional.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

C1. identify and select relevant theories and methods of prototyping appropriate for different stages within a design process;

C2. interpret, respond to and mitigate ambiguous and bounded design problems;

C3. combine creativity, empathy, research outcomes, vision and innovation to achieve design solutions;

C4. identify and select relevant theories and methods of contextual research appropriate for different stages within a design process;

C5. explain design activity for external audiences, using semantics, visualisation and storytelling;

C6. reflect on societal and global challenges and interpret these in the context of their role as a responsible designer.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

P1. develop prototypes suitable for evaluation, iteration and critical reflection;

P2. ideate using appropriate tools, techniques and evidence, independently and collaboratively;

P3. generate innovative design proposals and solutions in response to briefs;

P4. employ contextually relevant research methods to inform empathic and evidence-based design decisions;

P5. communicate key design outcomes persuasively and meaningfully;

P6. advocate the values of a responsible designer.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1. Use creativity and innovation in problem solving to generate innovative solutions;

T2. Demonstrate ability to work independently and as part of a team, communicate key outcomes persuasively and meaningfully;

T3. Evaluate, reflect upon and present ideas and information in visual, oral and written forms;

T4. Effectively manage self-learning and their time in order to extend their knowledge and meet deadlines;

T5. Identify, retrieve and analyse information relevant to a proposition, discussion or issue; 

T6. Describe and record their own strengths and areas for personal and professional development.

4. Programme structure

INTRODUCTORY MODULES    

Part A 

Semester 1

Compulsory modules  ( 60 credits) 

Semester 2  

Compulsory modules  (60 credits)  

DEGREE MODULES  

Part B  

Semester 1 

Compulsory modules  ( 60 credits)  

Semester 2  

Compulsory modules  (60 credits)  

Optional modules  (Students should select modules totalling 10 credits)  

 Part I 

Candidates will undertake an approved study placement leading to the Diploma in International Studies/Diploma in Professional Studies in accordance with Regulation XI.  

Part C 

Semester 1  

Compulsory modules  ( 40 credits)  

Optional modules  (Students should select modules totalling 20 credits) 

*Students wishing to change specialism in Part C must select highlighted modules as electives to support studies.

Semester 2 

Compulsory modules  (50 credits) 

Optional modules  (Students should select modules totalling 10 credits) 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also obtain a pass mark of ≥ 40% in module DSA308 Prototyping for Design.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40% : Part C 60% to determine the overall final percentage mark.

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide a creative and intellectually stimulating environment in which students can explore their design ideas and concepts in depth. 

• To develop the critical, analytical, conceptual and practical skills necessary for professional-level contemporary design practice, allowing the definition of innovative and responsible new product opportunities. 

• To promote a user centred design process with a particular focus on the core disciplines of industrial design. 

• To provide opportunities for students to develop, apply and evaluate appropriate methods to support design development, and to predict the performance of technological elements of new product opportunities. 

• To provide opportunities to explore a range of established and emerging technologies which support a creative design process and responsible design. 

• To promote data driven decision-making at key stages of the design process, which is utilised in an ethical and responsible manner, supported by a knowledge of design research methods, ergonomics and human factors. 

• To provide an environment in which students identify their personal strengths, weaknesses and interests.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Art and design

QAA Subject Benchmark Statements for Engineering

The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

K1. The nature of design outcomes and the key stages of the product design process including, user centred research, opportunity identification, concept development, form, function, concept prototyping, user testing and design for manufacture;

K2.  The technical requirements concerned with the functional elements of a product’s design through a holistic understanding of electronics, mechanics and other contemporary digital and physical design technologies;

K3. A range of prototyping and commercial manufacturing processes;

K4. The practice of being a responsible professional within the design and creative industries;

K5. The principles and practices of ergonomics and human factors/ the user centred nature of design including experimental design, data processing and presentation;

K6 The methods that allow new product opportunities to be communicated to a variety of stakeholders.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

C1. Critically analyse contexts, define approaches for appropriate research techniques, frame the problem and develop a design strategy;

C2. Develop concepts, using responsible design and human factors principles to allow creative solutions to real world problems;

C3. Identify and select relevant theories and methods of prototyping appropriate for different stages within a design process;

C4. Apply suitable numerical methods to solve technological problems and apply statistics to the analysis of data to determine significance;

C5. Use scientific principles in the modelling and analysis of product functionality;            

C6. Plan and execute and analyse the evaluation of prototypes, and propose suitable modifications based upon the findings.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

P1. Communicate the design features, technological requirements and manufacturing requirements of new product opportunities;

P2. Apply appropriate physical, digital media and modelling techniques at various phases of a design process;

P3. Make prototype models suitable for evaluation at appropriate stages in the product development process to support product development and demonstrate design for manufacture;

P5. Use mathematics, simulation tools and graphical methods to simulate and design technological solutions;

P6. Provide documentation, detailed instructions, drawings and specifications that incorporate the technical design requirements to support design for manufacture.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1. Use creativity and innovation in problem solving;

T2.  Demonstrate ability to work independently and as part of a team;

T3. Evaluate, reflect upon and present ideas and information in visual, oral and written forms; 

T4. Responsibly manage self-learning including, extending knowledge, efficient time management and the ability to meet deadlines; 

T5. Identify, retrieve and analyse information relevant to a proposition, discussion or issue;

T6. Demonstrate competence with a range of software tools.

4. Programme structure

Parts A and B of this programme will provide students with the knowledge and skills fundamental for their education in design. In Part C students are provided with the opportunity to apply acquired knowledge and skills to product design activities, including their Final Year design project. 

Each year consists of two semesters, each semester is split into two six-week taught blocks.  Modules typically run entirely within one six week block. There will be a week of independent learning activities following each six week block.

INTRODUCTORY MODULES    

Part A 

Semester 1 

Compulsory modules  ( 60 credits) 

Semester 2 

Compulsory modules  (60 credits) 

 DEGREE MODULES  

Part B  

Semester 1  

Compulsory modules  ( 60 credits)  

Semester 2 

Compulsory modules  (60 credits)  

Optional modules  (Students should select modules totalling 10 credits)  

Part I

Candidates will undertake an approved study placement leading to the Diploma in International Studies/Diploma in Professional Studies in accordance with Regulation XI. 

Part C 

Semester 1 and 2 

Compulsory modules  ( 60 credits)  

Semester 1 

Compulsory modules  ( 30 credits) 

 Semester 2 

Compulsory modules  (20 credits) 

Optional modules  (Students should select modules totalling 10 credits) 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, from C to D (if applicable) and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also obtain a pass mark ≥40% in the following modules at Part A:

DSA350 Electronics, Programming and Interface for Design part 1

DSA351 Fundamental Mechanics for Product Design

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40% : Part C 60% to determine the overall final percentage mark.

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To develop flexible thought processes including critical, analytical, lateral and sequential design thinking, that afford students opportunities to explore ideas or concepts in depth. 

• To identify, develop, and synthesize specialist materials, processes and techniques, in relation to studio craft through a range of current and emergent analogue and digital media including opportunities to bring information and ideas together from relevant alternative topics.

• To initiate research leading to creative professional practice. 

• To prioritize elements of the visual and verbal interface for communications effectiveness; including drawing, typography, sequential and narrative design and emergent media, through research, ideation, communication and elicitation.

• To produce expressive, reflective and professional practitioners who understand audience needs. 

• To discuss and evaluate personal and group outcomes in relation to economic, vocational, ethical, sustainability and global contexts.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The Benchmark Statement for Art and Design

The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

The QAA Policy Statement on a structured and supported process for personal development

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

• Integrate basic approaches to visual research.  

• Articulate the functions of graphic communication and illustration.  

• Appreciate the functions of historical and critical studies in Art and Design.  

• Synthesise the social, cultural and economic roles of the subject.  

• Locate their work within relevant environments for audiences.  

• Adopt and adapt appropriate practical solutions to design problems. 

• Select and apply subject competencies within a global context.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Process visual research through ideation, communication and elicitation.
  
  
•  Identify and critically discuss the definitions and functions of images, texts, practices and objects in Art and Design.
  
  
• Demonstrate critical and creative skills, and to apply them in the formulation and appraisal of methodologies for problem solving.
  
  
• Negotiate and pursue specialised areas of study using relevant resources provided to support their learning such as workshops, labs and the Library.
   
• Critically locate personal practice within a wider creative and global arena.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

• Experiment with materials, processes and technology.  

• Employ effective design strategies and methods to express ideas.  

• Evaluate and negotiate individual and group roles and functions within a range of interdisciplinary practice models as part of their learning community.  

• Diagnose and solve a variety of visual problems relevant to current and emergent environments and audiences.  

• Identify design problems and develop and express appropriate practical design solutions.  

• Produce work that demonstrates critical, creative, technical and practical skills equating with professional and business practice within a global context.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Engage in critical discussion relevant to the discipline about the relationship between theory and practice.

• Foster accountability, ambition, opinion, innovation and resourcefulness within individual and group working. 

• Demonstrate an awareness of the role of social, cultural and economic factors in relation to their own and others’ work.

• Organise, present and communicate ideas and arguments orally, visually and in written form. 

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate, manage and appraise projects with autonomy and initiative. 

• Understand the significance of international professional practice and apply an awareness of global perspectives and transcultural considerations.

4. Programme structure

4.1. Part A - Introductory Modules

4.2 Part B - Degree Modules

Students must choose a 20 credit module from the indicative options.

4.3 Part I – Year Out (Four year Programme only)

Students choose one of the above options

4.4 Part C - Degree Modules

 Students choose either Route A or Route B in Semester One

Route A

Route B

Semester Two 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of reassessment in any Part of the programme to undergo re-assessment in the University's special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX.  The average weighted mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 20 and Part C 80 to determine the final percentage mark.

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide an intellectually stimulating environment in which students can develop the critical, analytical, conceptual and practical skills necessary for high level contemporary Textiles Practice and which offers them the opportunity to explore their individual ideas and concepts in depth.

• To maintain and expand professional and external links and relationships in appropriate industrial and commercial contexts to support the development of enterprising and highly employable individuals, that also allows students to make informed decisions about their future directions.

• To promote a forward thinking culture in which students are active participants in the School learning community and are encouraged to approach their work with a sense of enquiry, individuality and innovation.

• To ensure that students have broad first-hand experience of processes involved in the planning and production of contemporary Textile outcomes,, whilst developing specialised knowledge aligning with current contextual requirements  - Interiors, Fashion, Textiles Art, Research and Digital Production.

• To ensure the development of significant skills in the practice of Design, Art and Craft informed by an awareness of historical and contemporary practice, ensuring that students are able to contextualise their work with reference to theoretical, historical, cultural, political and ethical issues, making use of the multiple resources provided by the School to support their learning.

• To create an environment where independent judgment and decision making is undertaken with integrity, and a strong critical awareness, based on a knowledge of personal strengths and weaknesses.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• The Benchmark Statement for Art and Design
• The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
• The QAA Policy Statement on a structured and supported process for personal development

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Generate research, develop ideas concepts and solutions in response to internally/externally set briefs or within a self-initiated period.

• Conduct personal research demonstrating a critical and questioning attitude to history, theory  and material culture.

• Select and experiment with a broad range of materials and processes appropriate to the production of a range of Textiles outcomes, whilst demonstrating an in depth understanding of one of the specialist areas offered in optional pathways and make use of the resources provided to support their learning. 

• Develop independent, confident and innovative approaches to Textiles production, through Printed, Woven, Multi-Media or Digital processes, demonstrating in depth exploration of individual ideas and concepts. 

• Integrate professional and enterprising practice in Textiles and other design and craft related specialisms.

• Synthesise current and emerging technologies relevant to Textiles production, bringing diverse information and ideas together to create innovative outcomes.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth and variety of opportunity within the Textiles discipline and be able to apply a suitable methodology to realise their own creative goals.

• Achieve a body of Textiles work that is coherent and well resolved and appropriate for the contemporary context, to reflect the strengths of the specialist pathways within the programme.

• Articulate experiments and outcomes with reasoned arguments, and be able to undertake critical analysis to evaluate the aesthetic and functional dynamics of their design outcomes.

• Show independence of concept through discovery, creativity and problem solving, and be able to identify new concepts and approaches within the existing knowledge framework. 

• Identify opportunities for continuing development through further study or employment, and be able to apply their knowledge within a broad range of professional contexts.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Undertake research into Art and Design concepts, processes and contexts. 

• Direct research skills into textiles practice, written assignments and verbal presentations. 

• Work effectively with a range of textiles processes and confidently use specialist equipment necessary for the preparation of yarns, fibres, dyes and materials.

• Evidence experimentation and innovation with materials and processes appropriate to Textile outcomes and final applications, demonstrating  a high standard of technical expertise in Print, Weave, Multi-media or Integrated Digital Practice.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Take responsibility for individual learning and development, initiate independent research, organise and plan work schedules, manage workloads and meet deadlines, plan time to make the best use of equipment and resources.

• Analyse information, and through selection and experimentation make informed judgements and decisions. Evaluate and recognise areas of personal strength and needs. Formulate reasoned responses to the critical judgement of others.

• Present work both visually and orally to a high standard, interact effectively with others through collaboration and negotiation, write on a given or chosen topic either in essay form or project brief, and display design work to exhibition standard.

• Demonstrate information technology skills in word processing and the appropriate computer software applications with which to develop design and practice.

• Co-ordinate the use of common resources, collaborate and share responsibility with others.

• Produce specifications sufficient to reproduce fabric samples, show an understanding of the calculations involved in the use of specialist equipment.

4. Programme structure

1       Part A - Introductory Modules

4.2       Part B - Degree Modules

Students must choose a 20 credit module from the indicative options.

4.3          Part I – Year Out (Four year Programme only)

Students choose one of the above options

4.4       Part C - Degree Modules

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, and from Part B to Part C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX.

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of re-assessment in any Part of the programme to undergo re-assessment in the university's special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C.  The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 20 and Part C 80 to determine the final mark.