The course takes inspiration from contemporary practice in design studios (such as Droog, Martino Gamper, Jongeriuslab, Tord Boontje and Glithero) that design and make a wide range of objects and processes, often collaboratively, but always without accepting constraints as to what is expected as a result. Experimentation, discovery, testing and production of innovative outcomes are expected, but how – in what material, through which process, by what sort of designed outcome – is not prescribed.
In this course, you’ll develop and apply your own model of design research and enquiry, process-driven experimentation and development, and rigorous testing and proving. Through collaboration with working designers and design studios, you’ll discover your own individual design interests, principles and methods of practice.
The course draws not only on the wide-ranging and deep expertise of staff, but also their close-knit and long-standing relationships with industry professionals who bring real-world understanding of the opportunities available across a range of design practices. You’ll work on a series of projects alongside high-profile design practitioners, giving you an unparalleled insight into how they work and achieve success. The University has extensive industry-standard workshops and technical support, with a broad spectrum of materials and processes available for exploration.
In your first year, you’ll conduct a wide range of experimental projects in order to discover a personal method of research, design, development and production, leading to self-initiated project briefs. In your second and third years, you’ll join a series of curated projects led by designers and design studios, allowing you to broaden your experience of current practice. There’ll be opportunities to visit studios, workshops, factories and galleries, and visiting speakers, designers, companies and curators, ensuring you’re fully aware of the expectations and constraints of design studio practice.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a portfolio of creative work as well as essays for contextual studies. There are no examinations.
After the course
On graduation, you may go on to work as a designer, but you’ll also be well equipped to work in other fields including design education, journalism, or in cultural institutions such as museums. There will also be opportunities to consider in the retail sector, commercial galleries or in interior design practices.
