Design: Product+Space MA

This course offers a space for students to test and position their own design curiosity and motivation within the spectrum of product and spatial design. There are no predetermined leads to follow, simply an expectation to challenge and take risks rather than to passively accept. In this spirit design is seen as a genuine means to provoke change.

Applicants should be prepared to assume responsibility, articulate viewpoint and exercise productivity. 

What will you study?

The course operates as a single design studio with all students sharing the same contact experience. Students from a range of international, design backgrounds – product and furniture design, industrial design, interior design, architecture, graphic design – contribute to a truly diverse collection of processes and outcomes closely informed by an acknowledgement of broad cultural context. The ultimate aim is for graduating students to have the confidence to navigate their own path in the overcrowded landscape of design possibility.

More emphasis is placed upon 'how' than 'what' you study. Students take responsibility for shaping their own interest with the course offering a support structure to help achieve this. Tutors comprising academics, educators and practitioners provide a critical 'sounding board' for student initiative and action throughout. Initial thematic design briefs and parallel workshops promote creative expression, stretch perception and establish the masters level of expectation.  Industry focused partnerships and projects promote specialisation and external outlook.

All investigations are potential catalysts for the individual Masters Project, commencing in semester two, dedicated in semester three and culminating in a curated exhibition at Tent London, during London Design Week. Download the course structure diagram (PDF) and see the course structure below for further information on individual modules.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Modules

• Process

• Process

  Process explores interdisciplinary design processes pertinent to different design disciplines. A number of diverse starting points are offered to stimulate ideas and enquiry through practical design processes, and through a programme of lecture-based teaching sessions.  A consciousness of cognitive design process is simultaneously supported. The focus is explicitly upon design process and the generation of design ideas rather than the realisation of polished outcomes. The spirit of interdisciplinary learning promotes expanded outlook.

  
   
• Focus

• Focus

  Focus explores interdisciplinary design foci relevant to diverse design disciplines. Subjects of design focus (light, colour, scent, materials, sustainability, inclusion, etc) are explored in greater detail through practical design. Where possible, live projects with collaborating parties are undertaken. The module utilises the broad spectrum of Faculty-wide staff expertise and visiting specialists, and similarly engages with industry and other outside bodies where possible.

  
   
• Context I: Product+Space

• Context I: Product+Space

  Context I develops individual design direction within the context of product and space. Each student explores the context through engagement with a number of practical design briefs.

  Briefs are thematic and broad in scope to encourage creative speculation. Students identify their own personal lines of enquiry for each project and take responsibility for leading the critical discussion and debate. Design thinking is evidenced through a body of visual and physical work; 'making' and 'doing' are integral. Debate and feedback with the staff team and peer group stimulates critical development.

  Students should explore networks outside the Faculty to expand their knowledge and lend their work rigour and credibility. Successful projects conducted within this module are developed further in Context II.

  
   
• Context II: Product+Space

• Context II: Product+Space

  Context II extends and builds upon the learning experience gained in Context I, positioning students in readiness to commence realisation of their masters projects.

  Students continue to develop practical design enquiries established in Context I, refining and editing material and undertaking new research and study as necessary. The body of module work is undertaken with a view to synthesising a comprehensive masters project proposal that prepares students for their semester three masters projects.

  The module firmly establishes credibility for progression on to the Masters Project and Exhibition module but does not limit subsequent development or adaptation. External links are further developed.

  
   
• Masters Project and Exhibition

• Masters Project and Exhibition

  This module allows students to realise a self-initiated, in-depth practical design investigation in line with their individual interest and as outlined in their Context II masters project proposal. It is the culmination of the MA experience and the most ambitious expression of individual motivation, creativity and ability to deliver.

  A finished portfolio of work covering the previous modules completed within the MA is also submitted. A curated exhibition of masters projects is presented, most recently at Tent London as part of the London Design Festival.

  
   

See student project work from the Design: Product+Space MA programme.
View image gallery.