Design (2022)

The study of Design combines an understanding of human needs and desires, forming creative solutions, prototyping and developing artefacts and evaluating their impact and effectiveness in society. It comprises a well-balanced combination of analytical, technological and creative abilities.

There are four Design majors offered in the Bachelor of Design and three Design subjects offered in the Bachelor of Design with Honours.


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  • Prescriptions for the Postgraduate Diploma in Design (PGDipDes) and Master of Design (MDes)

    To complete a PGDipDes, students must complete 120 points at 500 level. Typically, the programme corresponds to 120 points of taught papers as would be taken by MDes students.

    To complete a MDes, students must complete 180 points at 500 level, including DSIGN581 (30 points). Students not wishing to complete a research-led MDes degree could take DSIGN591 (30 points) if DSIGN581 is in their programme of study, or could take DSIGN592 (60 points). The remaining papers should be chosen from appropriate 500 level taught papers. A research-led MDes degree would include either a 90 point or 120 point Design Thesis.

    Students should select their papers for these qualifications in consultation with the Graduate Advisor for Design in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.

  • 500 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    DSIGN532Information Visualisation15.022A (Online)
    This paper aims to provide an awareness of the potential offered by information visualisation techniques, a familiarity with the underlying concepts, and an understanding and ability to effectively design and apply information visualisations in a given context.
    DSIGN551Studio Management15.022A (Hamilton)
    This paper covers the management of design projects in the studio. It is intended for those aiming for a future senior position in a design studio, or those managing freelance teams.
    DSIGN581Design Research Methods30.022A (Hamilton)
    Write a report based on the investigation of a topic that is negotiated with a supervisor.
    DSIGN589Directed Study15.022A (Hamilton), 22A (Online), 22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Online)
    Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.
    DSIGN590Directed Study30.022A (Hamilton), 22A (Online), 22B (Hamilton) & 22B (Online)
    Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.
    DSIGN591Design Dissertation30.022X (Hamilton) & 22X (Online)
    Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor. Presentation of the findings may include a publicly exhibited design project.
    DSIGN592Design Dissertation60.022I (Hamilton), 22X (Hamilton) & 22X (Online)
    Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor. Presentation of the findings may include a publicly exhibited design project.
    DSIGN593Design Thesis90.022X (Hamilton) & 22X (Online)
    Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor. Presentation of the findings may include a publicly exhibited design project.
    DSIGN594Design Thesis120.022X (Hamilton) & 22X (Online)
    Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor. Presentation of the findings may include a publicly exhibited design project.
    MEDIA501Critical and Creative Approaches to Research30.022A (Hamilton), 22A (Online) & 22B (Online)
    This paper identifies the constraints and freedoms of research methods, and places a strong emphasis on research as an intellectual, theoretical, and processual activity as well as the roles of interdisciplinary projects in creating unique methodological and conceptual media research.
    MEDIA504Media Design and Aesthetics30.0No occurrences
    Audio-visual media are undergoing continual transformations that question the roles of makers and audiences alike. Students are encouraged to experiment with sensory perception in order to question current notions of aesthetics in relation to cultural practices and media creations. This process of reflection encourages critical perspectives on existing and potential design practices, and contributes to re-evaluating the relationships between the self, digital media, audio-visual technologies, and aesthetics.

2022 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 31 May 2023 12:20pm

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