DE6005 - Major Design Study

What will I learn on this module?

The aim of this module is to engage you in a holistic design process from the identification of a problem/opportunity through to the realisation of a designed solution/product.

The module offers you the opportunity to combine your design and making skills in the development and presentation of a Major Design Study that should demonstrate an ambitious and insightful response to an identified opportunity in the contemporary world.

Whilst the nature of the project’s content is ultimately defined by you, this studio and workshop based module will require the negotiated content of the major study to contain an engagement with the complex issues that surround designing, developing and manufacturing economically, culturally, technologically, socially and aesthetically relevant 3d products. Whether you tackle a project driven by technology or respond to an identified commercial opportunity, undertake the designing and making of user centred products or look to make social/political/ cultural comment through or by design practice you will draw upon both theoretical and practical skill sets.

The module requires of you to thoughtfully and effectively manage project research, analysis and design development as well as the skills of making what you have designed.

You will evidence the creative, analytical, practical and ultimately transferable skills required of the professional designer by firstly presenting a Contextual Review and briefing document for formal formative assessment. Using this proposal as a working document/ hypothesis you will collate a project portfolio documenting your design process. Ultimately the project will result in a realised product or piece of furniture that is a manifestation of a Major Study that is the culmination of your undergraduate experience.

How will I learn on this module?

This module, the subject matter of which is self-determined, places an emphasis on you taking responsibility for the study undertaken. By negotiating the content of the Major Design Study with academic staff at the outset of the academic year and with regular one to one tutorials throughout the course of the module you will be prompted to hone existing and develop new employability skills of enterprise, flexibility and resourcefulness and reflect on the requirements of the project as they emerge. You will learn by evaluating your actions and articulating thoughtful responses to the feedback you get along the way.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

This module is supported by tutor-led studio critiques, peer review sessions and one to one tutorials with academic staff. You will be supported with timetabled academic support both in the studio and workshop environment. Indeed the nature of a design and make project requires the workshop to be not just a place for a mechanical realisation of concepts but a venue for robust discussion with direct reference to work in progress.

In addition to the timetabled slots with academic staff the important workshop aspects of the module are supported by dedicated technical staff based in the 3d workshops.

The module is supported by a specific virtual learning environment (eLearning Portal) where you will find all the relevant documentation (briefs, module guides, assessment requirements etc.) The digital submission of interim works for tutorial guidance and formative assessment allows for expedient communication and the effective review of work whilst also utilising industry standard practices.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Effectively utilise making skills in the development of your design practice.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

? Effectively use media and advanced model making techniques to accurately communicate concepts and solutions as evidenced through the project portfolio.
? Demonstrate sophisticated skill in the creation of design solutions to highly creative standards.

Personal Values Attributes:

? Show enterprise and entrepreneurship in addressing opportunities and challenges.
? Engage autonomously in your studies, requiring minimal supervision to achieve outcomes.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be conducted through;

Interim critiques and individual tutorials provide regular formative feedback as part of the module’s teaching and learning strategy.

The submission of a Contextual Review and briefing document is a Pass/ Fail summative assessment point at the end of semester 1. The feedback is written and via 1:1 tutorial.

The Major Design Study is summatively assessed via the submission of a project portfolio. Summative feedback is written and via 1:1 tutorials.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The module offers you the opportunity to combine your design and making skills in the development and presentation of a Major Design Study that should demonstrate an ambitious and insightful response to an identified opportunity in the contemporary world.

Whilst the nature of the project’s content is ultimately defined by you, this studio and workshop based module will require the negotiated content of the major study to contain an engagement with the complex issues that surround designing, developing and manufacturing economically, culturally, technologically, socially and aesthetically relevant 3d products.

Course info

UCAS Code W265

Credits 60

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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