MA Design
Masters degree: Design

There is a new set of characteristics designers need to employ in order to be successful. In addition to creativity, designers have to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to design; they have to communicate a 'point of view' and they need a certain entrepreneurial spirit and tenaciousness to succeed. At the University of Plymouth we want to teach 'Design' not only to be fun, engaging and rewarding but also to reflect today's requirements to be a successful designer in business. MA Design is informed by IDEO's world-class design process that is focused, comprehensive, and relevant to industry. MA Design is a compact, fast paced programme run by experienced professional designers, researches and educationalists. The course is aimed at students who wish to develop their skills in dealing with the multidisciplinary nature of professional design practice and consultancy, and the application of design as a potent and creative business tool.

Aims of the programme

To offer a world-class Design programme that is focused, comprehensive and relevant to professional practice.
To provide an environment that promotes passion and a culture for 'Design Excellence' and 'Design Thinking'.
To present a framework that fosters and encourages personal development that will contribute to career progression across the wider realm of design.

Programme structure
The programme follows four core modules that underpin and provide a foundation for the major project. A series of lectures, seminars, and tutorials are scheduled to enable opportunities to develop both specific intuitive design skills along side a more generic creative awareness including: team working, interpersonal skills, honesty and integrity, self learning, and communication skills. Workshops are available everyday where students are encouraged to develop, refine and prototype ideas that demonstrate design rigor and assignment outputs.

Creative Design Processes (30 credits)
Through a short series of fast-paced mini projects students will experience and complete a comprehensive design cycle, from inspiration to innovation. This will provide students with an understanding and appreciation of creative design processes that puts 'users' at the centre of design.

Design Thinking (30 credits)
This module explores contemporary critical contexts of Applied Design Research, with an emphasis on the way Design is described, shaped and influential. This will include the examination of artefacts and products as well as their broader, social, cultural, economic and technical implications, such as consumption and sustainability with the process of design.

Design and Business (30 credits)
Project management and communication skills are essential for successful outcomes. Students will follow and undertake an industry-led design assignment that helps them understand and develop different design management techniques and behaviours. These will include planning for different types of projects, stakeholder management, and more importantly learning how to apply business factors as a creative design tool.

Developing a Designer's Eye (30 credits)
Through exposure and practice we are able to transform the rehearsal of design into an intuitive and creative process. This is enhanced with a deeper understanding of 'Design Culture' to help assess and recognise quality design, and develop a personal 'point of view'.

Major Project (60 credits)
This independent study module provides the opportunity to develop an MA project or a combined project and dissertation. The practice-based project encourages innovation in addition to refinement of practice and skills and will result in a body of work on a selected topic, which will be underpinned by relevant research, analysis, critical reflection and professional preparation.

All learning is done 'by doing' in a busy collegial studio environment. Students undertake a series of assignments to develop an area of interest or particular direction they may wish their careers to follow. Social, cultural, environmental and economic issues are integrated into the programme to encourage a comprehensive and holistic approach to design thinking.


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Contact Roberto Fraquelli, School of Architecture & Design, Faculty of Arts, University of Plymouth, Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1752 585 170
Email: R.Fraquelli@plymouth.ac.uk






www.3Ddesign.org.uk

Updated 27 Jun 2008
Copyright Roy Tam 2006-8