Course description
This is a taught which programme takes a broad conceptual approach to the design of communicative environments and engages the student in innovative, interdisciplinary forms of design practice. To achieve this the course integrates design, research and professional studies.
Students negotiate a programme of projects tailored to meet individual interests and needs. These may focus on, or combine an interest in, trade shows, museums, international expositions, commercial and cultural events, retail and leisure environments, theatre, television and film stage sets, heritage sites and visitor centres.
Site-specific communication sets a complex agenda for designers of such environments. The social and cultural context of exhibitions and museums is investigated, and current theory in design, museology, marketing, communication and organization is used critically in the development of projects. The idea that processes of communication can provide a rationale for the design of a range of public environments is examined.
‘The course proved pivotal in changing direction in my career and getting into exhibition design. It was fantastic for being self-disciplined, organized and focussed. It changed my whole approach to design and made me think much more deeply about things and be creatively responsive.’
Sandra Lacey..
Special features
* Contact with design practices and heritage sector institutions.
* Integrated approach to research, design and professional studies.
* Open to art, design and architecture graduates and students from non-art and design disciplines.
Unit structure and credit
The course proceeds in three stages. Each stage attracts 60 points of level M credit under the national Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS)
Postgraduate Certificate (60 credit points)
Research Methods in Design Practice – 12 points
Exhibition Design Theory – 12 points
Professional Studies – 12 points
Certificate Project – 24 points
Postgraduate Diploma (120 credit points)
Research Project – 24 points
Diploma Project – 36 points
Masters (180 credit points)
Masters Project – 60 credit points
Mode of study
Students may study full-time, part-time or work-based and may change mode of study at the end of any stage. All students enrol on the Masters programme. Students may then elect to take a stage qualification or to pursue the full programme.
Assessment
Assessment is by project work and written assignment.
There are no time-limited examinations
Bridging studies
For those who need to develop their design skills before embarking on the masters programme, preparatory design studies are available from the Exhibition & Museum Design Department in the School of Architecture.
