Teaching and assessment for Design MDes

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design

Teaching

As part of this course, you will experience a range of teaching approaches designed to support active, practical, and reflective learning:

Project-based learning
Workshops and studios
Lectures and seminars
Research-led learning
Industry engagement
Independent study
Peer collaboration
One-to-one tutorials and mentoring

Assessment

You will be assessed through a variety of approaches. These are designed to evaluate both practical skills and critical thinking:

Project-based assessments
Research reports and essays
Presentations and public communications
Portfolio submissions
Independent project or placement assessment
Peer and self-assessment

Modules

Core Modules

These modules are an essential part of your course.

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Module code: DJ51019 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 1

You will be introduced to the research skills and methods relevant to Masters-level study in art and design.

Through weekly lectures, group discussions and tutorials you explore how to structure critical thinking, design and manage research, and communicate your practice.

Research and Development in Practice full module details

Module code: DJ51050 Credits: 40 Semester: Semester 1

You will explore humanity-centred design thinking, sustainable innovation, and human-AI collaboration.

You will gain systematic understanding of design as mindset, process, and strategy. This will allow you to applying methodologies to tackle complex real-world challenges.

You will be equipped with tools to address problems creatively, ethically, and strategically

Sustainable Innovation: Design Thinking with AI full module details

Module code: DJ52054 Credits: 40 Semester: Semester 2

In this module, you will undertake a design project using the knowledge and skills you have gained in the Masters programme to respond to a project brief that aligns with your interest or professional trajectory.

Design Futures: Advanced Research Practice full module details

Optional Modules

You need to choose one or more of these modules as part of your course.

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Module code: DJ51038 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

Leadership & Culture full module details

Module code: DJ52010 Credits: 20 Semester: Semester 2

You will learn about the principles of service design thinking and prototyping frameworks. This will allow you to develop and improve service experiences.

You will learn to:

navigate complex systems
build empathy with real people in real environments
iterate services through storytelling, prototyping and visualisation

Service Prototyping full module details

Module code: DJ52031 Credits: 60 Semester: Runs during the summer

You will have an extended opportunity to show your ability to self-manage your own learning. You will design and develop highly resolved prototypes. These will explore and harness socially relevant design responses.

Studio Practice: Independent Project full module details

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