Course Resources Archive

Students will undertake either:
1  A period of self-directed research leading to the production of an 8,000 – 10,000 word dissertation on a subject related to their area of study
2  A major design research project encompassing a 3,000 – 4,000 word research project with a practical outcome

1 Major Research Project  – Dissertation
The module provides students with the opportunity to develop interests concerning historical, theoretical and cultural issues relating to their subject discipline. Students will be expected to develop a coherent debate or argument that addresses a specific question or tests a proposition. Emphasis will be placed upon students’ ability to manage their time and exercise independent judgement in the organisation of research material.  The final outcome will be an appropriately illustrated dissertation of between 8,000 – 10,000 words that conforms to academic conventions.

2  Major Research Project – Practical Outcome
This module offers students the opportunity to explore a subject area through a major research exercise and express their findings as a practical outcome.  The research can be either in context, relating closely to current practical design projects and complementing particular creative interests, or out of context and reflecting an area of personal interest which sits outside existing module coursework.  The design outcome will be a significant piece of work demonstrating professional standards of craftsmanship and using design skills in an appropriate way to enhance the chosen area of research.  Out comes may be expressed in any media which is relevant to the subject area.

i.  Knowledge and Understanding
On completion of the module students should:
a) show evidence that they have the ability to employ appropriate research strategies 
b) have gained an ability to analyse and evaluate research material demonstrating, where appropriate, engagement with historical, theoretical and cultural issues
c) demonstrate their ability to communicate ideas and information in written form
d) demonstrate their ability to present their outcome in an appropriate visual form

ii. Skills
By the end of the module, students should able to demonstrate:
a) advanced research skills
b) advanced design skills in the creative execution of their work
c) project management skills
e) written communication skills

Staff/student contact: approx 20%
Independent Study: approx 80%

Please note – staff/student contact may vary from the norm in modules with larger or smaller student numbers

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.