THE MASTER S DEGREE IN DESIGN PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION Adopted by the Board of KHiB on 27 October 2011

Transcription

1 THE MASTER S DEGREE IN DESIGN PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION Adopted by the Board of KHiB on 27 October THE PROFILE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY PROGRAMME The goal of the Department of Design is to educate cutting edge designers who with boldness, empathy and insight, develop functional and strong design solutions for a changing world. The Master s Programme in Design is an interdisciplinary study programme that gives the students the practical, methodological and theoretical skills required to work on design at a high level aesthetically, ethically and functionally. The core of the study programme is the individual student s master s project, which is a large, independent and experimental design work. Through their master s projects, students contribute to fresh thinking and development of the subject area, often across established professional boundaries. During the master s programme, students will develop their ability handle complex issues, based on a comprehensive understanding of design as problem-solving. They will acquire strategic, conceptual and communication competence that will enable them to work independently and to be in charge of comprehensive projects. The students will learn to present their own projects in writing, orally and through exhibitions. Relevant theory helps the students to reflect critically on their own design work. To be able to meet the needs and challenges of the future, it is important to understand the role design can play in a changing society. An essential part of the master s programme is learning through participation in conversations and discussions about design between the students and in meetings with their tutors. The study programme as a whole emphasises the dynamic relationship between individual and collective work. The programme therefore includes several mandatory collaborative elements throughout the course of the study. The master s programme is based on critical reflection and on developing professional integrity through open and experimental approaches to design processes. The education offered is based on design research. The study programme follows a progressive model that initially focuses on methods, then expands to include in-depth study and further expands to include a focus on rhetoric and preparations for a professional career. The master s programme in design concludes the programme of professional study in design. The master s degree forms the basis for applying for admission to the National Norwegian Artistic Research Fellowship Programme and, if applicable, doctoral degree studies in design. 1.1 Learning outcomes On completion of the master s degree in design, students are expected to be able to 1

2 Demonstrate the design expertise, skills and competence required to initiate, develop and be in charge of complex design processes Develop, carry out and present a large, independent and innovative design project Analyse and assess societal issues and ethical challenges on the basis of relevant theory Combine creative and innovative skills with the ability to carry out complex design projects Articulate and visualise design-related intentions, values and opinions to different target groups, also outside their own subject area Demonstrate knowledge, independent skills and an open attitude to design research Assess their own design work and take responsibility for their own academic and professional development Communicate and cooperate efficiently with others in design-related development processes, within and outside their own subject area. 2. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The Master s Programme in Design is based on a Bachelor s Degree in Design or other relevant study programmes corresponding to 180 credits. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of an application that includes a project description, documentation of relevant design work (portfolio) and an interview. 2.1 Requirements for the project description The project description should be one or two A4 pages long. It should describe: the topic of the project and the design-related exploration area the applicant s motivation for carrying out the project, and the project s social relevance the project s objective and the problem addressed how the project is intended to be executed and presented. 2.2 Portfolio requirements The portfolio should contain documentation of relevant design work that demonstrates that the applicant is qualified to carry out an independent master s project. 2.3 Language requirements In order to participate in the programme, the applicant must master a Scandinavian 2

3 language or English at the start of the study programme. The working languages are Norwegian and English. Tutoring is offered in both languages. 3. CONTENT AND STRUCTURE The two-year master s programme has a scope of 120 credits, which corresponds to 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). The master s programme is a full-time study programme and the nominal length of study is four semesters. The nominal scope of work in one semester is 30 credits. A Master of Design or Master of Arts in Design (MA Design) degree is awarded to students who have completed and passed the study programme. Depending on the composition of the study programme and the nature of the master s project, the degree can be supplemented by the additional designation furniture and spatial design/ interior architecture or visual communication. It is also possible to taken an unspecified Master s Degree in Design. Master s programmes at Bergen Academy of Art and Design are based on a mutually binding study contract between the student and the institution. The master s degree programme requires a high degree of independence and a willingness to study design problems in depth over a prolonged period. The students work on their own master s degree projects starts with further development of the project description in parallel with participation in an initial joint project during which students work in groups to realise a large design project. The independent master s project requires an individual course of study, during which students make their own design choices and are in charge of their own learning. Any exchange periods or practical training periods, plus courses, projects and workshops, are chosen on the basis of their relevance to the individual master s project. It will normally be best to take part in student exchanges or project periods abroad in the second semester, and such exchanges must be completed by the fourth semester. Students set out their plans and priorities in the revised project description, which must be approved by the student s main tutor. 3.1 The master s project The master s project is a comprehensive, independent design work that has social relevance and is relevant to the subject area. It should demonstrate the student s ability to identify cultural and design-related problem areas, as well as innovation, critical reflection and professionalism. The project should challenge the student s ability to develop concepts, see the big picture and think strategically. Aesthetic, ethical and functional aspects must all be addressed. The work on the master s project lasts for four semesters and is based on the revised project description, research and analysis. The master s project shall be presented to the public on completion of the programme. This normally means participation at the public degree exhibition, which is organised by the 3

4 academy. Depending on the nature of the individual project, the presentation can also take the form of a publication, a site-based viewing etc. Any alternative presentations must take place within the same period as the other students exam work is exhibited, and it must be clearly stated that it is a KHiB master s project. The grounds for such alternative presentations must be stated in writing and approved by the Dean by the end of the second semester. The written part of the master s project The master s project must include a written part. It should form a theoretical and conceptual foundation for the practical part of the project at the same time as the written work functions as a tool for reflection during the design process. Here, the student must demonstrate that he/she is able to place own design work in a wider theoretical, social and cultural context. The scope of the text is determined by the individual master s project s topic and problem and the degree to which it is theoretically-based. Students are expected to start working on the text early on in the study programme, so that the writing process serves to continuously underpin the practical work. Students are required to participate actively in tutoring and writing seminars and thereby contribute to sharing experience and critically discussing their own and others texts. It is also a possibility for the written part of the master s project to be supplemented using other forms of communication than text. Alternative forms of reflection must be agreed with the main tutor and be justified on grounds of relevance. 3.2 Tutoring The Department of Design will appoint a main tutor for each student at the start of the master s programme. The main tutor is the student s academic and institutional contact and is responsible for assessing the student s progress (see section 4 Assessment and exams). Students are required to have at least two meetings with their main tutor each semester. Some students may wish further tutoring during their work on the master s project. In such case, the student must contact and make arrangements with co-tutors from among the academy s staff. 3.3 Design in context joint programme Design in context is the common framework and teaching programme for all the students in the master s programme. The programme extends over all the semesters and includes theory courses, idea development courses, subject-specific courses, writing courses and courses preparing for a professional career. The courses and seminars in the Design in context programme are presented in KHiB s study calendar each year. The content may vary from one year to the next, depending on which needs and problems are most relevant at the time. 4

5 Theory The theoretical tuition is aimed at the whole group of master s students, regardless of their design practice, and it forms the basis for students critical reflection on their own work. Cultural understanding is an important element of the theory programme. The theoretical component can be roughly grouped into three main areas: communication, marketing and methods. The courses are linked to the design field by focusing in particular on identity and society. This part of the study programme is organised every academic year, with a rolling programme. Forms of tuition include lectures and seminars, supplemented by self-study. An overview of topics for the courses and recommended literature is prepared every autumn. The students work actively on the seminar programme Design in context and organise group discussion sessions in extension of it. In addition, all students are obliged to give several presentations during the course of the study programme, at least two of which must be presentations of their own master s project. One theoretical seminar contribution must be related to a topic from the joint theory programme, and it must be submitted in writing to the main tutor by the end of the second semester. The presentations are a joint forum for all master s students and an important part of developing an academic discourse. The objective is to strengthen internal dynamics and academic discussions among the students and for students to develop their oral presentation skills and ability to communicate critical reflection. Master s seminar organised by students During the third semester, the master s degree students will in consultation with the department s academic management prepare and plan a programme in which they identify overriding issues and topics for discussion, suggest lecturers for the theory programme, give presentations themselves, encourage contributions from co-students and engage in an active academic discussion. In the final semester, they participate actively in the planning and execution of the degree exhibition. Writing courses The study programme includes at least two writing seminars. The seminars are structured so that they follow the progress of the master s project. The students improve their ability to express themselves in writing and are given support in their work on preparing the written part of the master s project. Emphasis is placed on the methodological aspects of writing, such as collecting material, source criticism, writing strategies and techniques, as well as work on different types of texts and approaches to writing about design in a critical, reflected and analytical manner. The writing seminars are based on a practical approach and they underline the importance of writing as a drafting tool. Presentation and dissemination Acquiring presentation skills and dissemination experience is a central part of the study programme. Students are therefore expected to work on a number of presentations during the master s programme. The students learn presentation techniques. In connection with 5

6 the semester assessments in semesters 1 and 3, students are required to report on the progress of their work. Courses preparing for a professional career The preparatory courses are intended to prepare students for the transition from student life to a professional career. The main areas covered are presentation rhetoric, issues concerning business start-up, legislation relating to tax and copyright issues, financial aspects, network building and documentation. In addition, the students gain insight into the strategic use of design and the role of design in product development processes. 3.4 Semester overview and progression SEMESTER 1 The first semester of the master s programme starts with an intensive introductory course that sheds light on the process and complexity a master s project involves from different perspectives. The course focuses on idea development and methods and raises questions about the relationship between theory and practice. In the first semester, students mainly work on their own project description, attend the first writing course and prepare their own project work by participating in a joint project. Development of the project description and preparatory project work Preparatory project work largely takes place during the first semester, but it may last longer, depending on the nature of the individual master s project. The following four points shall be discussed in depth in the revised project description: 1. Background and motivation, including the project s relevance to society 2. Problem and objective 3. Project process including a progress schedule for execution of the project 4. Thoughts on resource use and presentation form. The revised project description is approved in connection with the semester assessment. If a student wishes to make significant changes to the approved project description at a later date, this must be justified academically and approved by the main tutor. Joint project The joint project is a separate, free-standing project addressing a topic decided in consultation with external partners. The project is a group project, combining group work and work on individual sub-tasks within the framework of the project. The role and tasks of each student are decided by those responsible for the project in consultation with the student him/herself. The joint project places great emphasis on idea development and process. Through the project, students improve their ability to develop and carry out a project within a short, limited period, based on a defined framework. Students shall develop their ability to work 6

7 quickly, systematically and purposefully, and, through courses in relevant methods, acquire the tools needed to manage a project. Emphasis will be placed on improving interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration. Interdisciplinary groups will be tasked with developing complete design solutions covering a broad range of design issues. The project shall consist of different elements and be sufficiently complex to provide challenges at different levels, including at the conceptual level. Aesthetic, ethical and functional aspects shall all be addressed. The project concludes with a presentation at which emphasis is placed on clear and effective communication of concepts and proposals for concrete design solutions, with particular focus on the visual presentation. Learning outcomes: On completion of the first semester, students are expected to be able to initiate and take personal responsibility for independent work communicate and document design work at a high level master and combine different design methods investigate and compare source material realise a complex design project together with others, and critically analyse and present ideas and concepts. SEMESTER 2 In the second semester, students continue to work on their master s projects, based on the approved project description. The initial phase of the individual project work comprises investigations and analysis, in-depth study and competence-raising, led by the students themselves. Project-specific development work The nature of the master s project decides what form of research and development work the individual students will carry out during this phase of the design process. The work can consist of collecting and processing information, preparing analyses and models, training in design methods and planning processes based on relevant literature etc. It may be necessary to acquire technical know-how or new skills to complete the project. Students can complete part of the necessary competence-raising at another educational institution, or through practical training periods at enterprises and design agencies. Developing creativity and ideas Creativity and idea development are important during this period. Intensive courses and project periods are therefore offered that focus on experimental exploration and innovation, as well as short subject-specific courses based on common interests and needs of the student group. Learning outcomes On completion of the second semester, students are expected to be able to 7

8 explore and analyse a design problem take charge of self-initiated development work, make decisions and manage their own time efficiently further develop the plan for their own development project use design methods in their own development work, with particular emphasis on further improvement of creative skills document visual idea development in their own project. SEMESTER 3 The third semester involves further in-depth study in students own projects. Students are expected to further develop their communication skills, focusing in particular on visualisation and presentation. Learning outcomes On completion of the third semester, students are expected to be able to document progress and a willingness to experiment in connection with their own development work conceptualise design problems at a professional level demonstrate professional rhetoric skills visually, orally and in writing evaluate and present their own work in a wider design-related, cultural and societal context evaluate the chosen methods in relation to the problem addressed in the project. SEMESTER 4 In the fourth semester, students complete their master s projects, and they are jointly responsible for producing the degree exhibition at which all the successfully passed projects will be presented, as well as any other events in that connection. The master s degree exhibition Students play an active part in planning, producing and designing the master s degree exhibition, which is held at a professional gallery. The preparations for the degree exhibition include producing an exhibition catalogue and organising a professional, open seminar in connection with the exhibition. Learning outcomes The learning outcomes for the exam semester are the same as the overall learning outcomes for the master s programme (see section 1.1). 4. ASSESSMENT AND EXAMS Towards the end of semesters 1 to 3, students are assessed on the basis of the learning outcomes defined for each semester and the pertaining assessment criteria. The main tutor and another member of the academic staff appointed by the Dean will carry out the assessment, which consists of a conversation based on the 8

9 student s semester report and an oral account of his/her own learning and work effort. The semester assessment concludes with the student being given structured feedback on his/her own work and progress. The grades pass and fail are used in connection with semester assessments. A student who is awarded a pass grade has achieved the learning outcomes for the semester in question and has thereby also achieved the learning goals as his/her actual learning outcome. Passing the semester assessment is a precondition for further studies in the master s programme and is worth 30 credits. The assessment criteria and specific information about the basis for the assessment are set out in the document Assessment and exams in KHiB s Master s Programme in Design, which is available on the academy s website. 4.1 Exam The master s programme concludes with an exam in the fourth semester. At the exam, students are assessed on the basis of the learning outcomes defined for the master s programme and the assessment criteria for the exam. Separate deadlines are set for submission of the written part of the exam project and completion of the practical part. The exam assessment is carried out by a commission comprising two external examiners and the student s main tutor. The exam consists of a presentation and a critical assessment of the exam project, including the written part. The grades pass and fail are used in connection with the exam. A student who is awarded a pass grade has achieved the learning outcomes for the programme and has therefore also achieved the learning goals as his/her actual learning outcome. If the exam is awarded a pass grade, the student s master s project shall be presented and exhibited at the master s exhibition. The assessment criteria and specific information about the assessment basis are set out in the document Assessment and exams in KHiB s Master s Programme in Design, which is available on the academy s website. 5. EVALUATION OF THE STUDY PROGRAMME The academy s Quality Enhancement Programme includes an overall evaluation of the study programmes in a five-year cycle. In addition, students and staff participate in regular evaluations of the courses and teaching programmes offered. Regular and systematic feedback of this kind is crucial to KHiB s work on developing the quality of education and the learning environment. 9