Curating Contemporary Design (in partnership with the Design Museum) MA: Who teaches this course
About the faculty and staff
The Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture teaches this course. The Faculty has its roots in the studio-based approach of Britain's art school system (the original School of Art was founded in the 1890s).
Our industry connections mean we provide unique study opportunities, such as:
- the chance to have your work seen by eminent members of your profession;
- 'live' projects, site visits and placements in prestigious companies or institutions; and
- project work and workshops with visiting lecturers and industry specialists.
Our excellent reputation means that industry leaders regularly visit our student shows to see the best of the new talent.
Where is the Faculty based? Most students in the Faculty are based at the University's Knights Park campus, with surveying courses based at Penrhyn Road. Our well-equipped facilities offer a modern study environment so that you graduate with cutting-edge skills and knowledge.
Staff teaching on this course
Catherine McDermott
Title: Professor of design history and curating
Email: c.mcdermott@kingston.ac.uk
Specialist subjects: Catherine has published widely in the field of contemporary design and curated a series of exhibitions related to contemporary design both at home and abroad. These include:
- Street Style: British Design in the '80s - a series of monographs on British designers, including Ben Kelly, Terry Jones, English Eccentrics;
- Design Museum Book of 20th Century Design; and
- an exhibition commissioned by Lord Spencer to celebrate the life of his sister, Diana Princess of Wales, which has won several awards.
She has also acted as a consultant curator for the Design Museum, D&AD and the British Council.
Recent publications and exhibitions: Catherine's most recent publications and exhibitions include:
- Contemporary Design (Carlton Books);
- Design: The Key Concepts (Routledge);
- a chapter in European Design Since 1985 (Merrell, London);
- curated shows for the London Design Festival at the Festival Hall, Atlantis Gallery and the Oxo Tower.
Donna Loveday
Title: Head of exhibitions at the Design Museum
Specialist subjects: Donna is head of exhibitions at the Design Museum and has curated a wide range of exhibitions, including:
- Verner Panton - Light and Colour;
- Modern Britain 1929-1939;
- When Philip Met Isabella - Philip Treacy's Hats for Isabella Blow; and
- Somewhere Totally Else - The European Design Show.
She was previously touring exhibitions manager at the British Film Institute and exhibition organiser at the Barbican Art Gallery.
Research interests: Donna's areas of interest include art and design of the 1930s and 1950s and contemporary museum practice.
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Open days 2012
The sessions offer a free entrance to the Design Museum and an opportunity to talk to staff and students.
Time
11.30am – 1.00pm
Dates
- 14 February 2012
- 20 March 2012
- 15 May 2012
Book your place
Please email Deborah Charles to book your place: d.charles@kingston.ac.uk.
Location
Design Museum, Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD
We are running a series of events to celebrate the 10th birthday of the Curating Contemporary Design MA. Find out more.

This course is taught in collaboration with the Design Museum, London, which means you benefit from the experience of practising professionals.
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Find out more about the kind of work that Curating Contemporary Design MA students undertake by reading our diary of 2008/09 projects.
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Our students share their top tips for curating students, and potential curating students, in London.
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Find out more about the facilities in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.