Design BA(Hons)

Why choose this course?

The Design joint honours field is ideal if you have an interest in the wider roles of design and the designer, rather than an ambition to specialise in design practice. Design project work will form the foundation of your learning, supported by a stimulating programme of seminars and workshops.

See the course combinations section for more information about the different joint honours options.

What will you study?

In Year 1 you will learn basic design skills such as drawing and image making, as well as the design process. In Year 2 you will develop your visual and communication skills and, through project work, explore the broadening role of design in addressing societal challenges. In Year 3 you can base your work on areas of personal interest and explore the links between design and your other field through your final design projects and a research project.

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.

Year 1

• Design in Context I

• Design in Context I

  This module offers a chronological overview of design practice from the nineteenth century to today.

  It aims to introduce you to some of the key issues in the history and theory of design. In particular, it asks how design histories have been constructed and how the role of the designer as become professionalised and mediated.

  You will develop skills of object analysis through a seminar presentation and explore the role of design within broader social, historical and economic contexts in the essay.

  
   
• Creative Practice

• Creative Practice

  This module looks at:

  • sequential thinking and narrative; and
  • the language of colour.
  
   
• Creative Thinking

• Creative Thinking

  This module establishes a relationship with the major study/half study programme. It also introduces standards and assessment methods for the course. You will develop:

  • conceptual thinking and image-making skills; and
  • drawing skills and image making methods.
  
   
• Design Futures

• Design Futures

  This module introduces materials and processes, making 'goal directed play' a central part of the design process. You will be able to:

  • draw on art, literature, music, film, product and contemporary culture;
  • communicate your ideas (verbal, graphic or three dimensional) through a range of media;
  • explore a variety of material manipulation and processes;
  • explore design theory and practice processes; and
  • broaden your visual references and practice in relation to ideas about concepts, space, form and materials.
  
   

Year 2

• Design in Context II

• Design in Context II

  This module builds upon the historical survey introduced in Design in Context I and seeks to develop further an understanding of the processes and theories that inform design and manufacturing practice today.

  The module aims to provide a familiarity and understanding of the issues and debates of contemporary design practice. This is intended to develop your awareness of how your own practice is used and valued by consumers.

  Issues considered include design, advertising and branding, collection and display, consumption, objects and their appearance.

  
   
• Design Process

• Design Process

  This module explores a range of mediums through issue-based projects. You also look at significance of design in the wider context. It aims to foster curiosity and open minded attitudes while exploring design possibilities.

  
   
• Design Scenarios

• Design Scenarios

  This module gives you an insight into the priorities, working methods and relationships of design disciplines. You look at the significance of design in the wider social, political and environmental contexts.

  It also further develops links with your other subject field.

  
   
• Design Synthesis

• Design Synthesis

  In this module, you choose, research and develop a critical appraisal of a design scenario. It allows you to:

  • develop your understanding of appropriate working methods and insights related to the multi-disciplinary nature of the design industry;
  • investigate contemporary design issues as they affect and inform our environment; and
  • create strong links between your subject areas.
  
   

Year 3

• Design in Context III

• Design in Context III

  This module provides the opportunity for you to initiate and develop your own research in relation to their design practice and thinking.

  You further develop your critical research, analytical and presentational skills by conducting a sustained piece of research into a subject of your own choosing. This may relate directly to your studio practice. You will work on it throughout the semester, and present it first as research in progress and then subsequently written up as a formal essay.

  
   
• Individual Design Project

• Individual Design Project

  This module looks at:

  • the designer as author;
  • new ways of communicating, working and resolving projects which reflect design in context; and
  • individual directions of creative enquiry.
  
   
• Final Design Project

• Final Design Project

  In this module, you work on a range of personally-selected and self-initiated work. You will:

  • produce theoretical, imaginative themes with the practical and technical;
  • create a portfolio related to your future career; and
  • gain an understanding of contemporary design issues related to our social, political and physical environment.