Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To enhance design skills and knowledge through theoretical and practical application individually and in multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary teams.
• Develop collaborative behaviour through active learning and team work, analysing and evaluating problems and responding to challenges in real time
• To enable graduates to develop their critical thinking and insight to improve their effectiveness as designers.
• To enable graduates to develop their analytical and research skills through undertaking a substantial design innovation and evaluation project that draws on the influences of culture in design
• To critically analyse how design feeds culture and culture feeds design

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• UK Quality Code for Higher Education, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, April 2012, especially Part A: Setting and maintaining academic standards:
  • The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ), the QAA, August 2008
  • Master’s Degree Characteristics, the QAA, March 2010
  • The Higher Education Credit Framework for England, the QAA, August 2008
• The Quality Code, Part B: Assuring and enhancing academic quality
  • Chapter B1: Programme Design, Development and Approval
  • Chapter B3: Learning and Teaching
  • Chapter B4: Enabling student development and achievement
  • Chapter B6: Assessment of students
• Master’s Degree Subject Benchmark for Engineering, the QAA, 2015
  • In part, Design and economic, social and Environmental context applicable to MEng : UKEC

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of…

K1 -     current problems and/or new insights of their academic discipline;

K2 -     techniques applicable to their own subject area;

K3 -     To evaluate the design process in relation to other functions to provide sustainable solutions to problems and have strategies for being an effective designer

K4 -     the major arguments and issues in design innovation practice informed by cultural studies

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to…

C1 -     Demonstrate ability to advance their existing knowledge in their area and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level

C2 -     formulate decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations;

C3 -     identify with, respond to, and critically reflect upon the opportunities and dynamics for learning with their peers and other external contexts;

C4 -     act autonomously in planning and in implementing tasks.

C5 -     Ability to Interpret user research data using cultural studies research frameworks.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to…

P1 -     utilise a range of techniques and research methods applicable to advanced scholarship in the subject relevant to the discipline;

P2 -     formulate and undertake the practical steps necessary for a concept to become reality in a rational and pragmatic way

P3 -     utilise high levels of numeracy, computer literacy and attention to detail when dealing with specific software tools;

P4 -     the ability to analyse a new opportunities from which to create new products/services incorporating cultural studies insights.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to…

T1 –     act professionally – including acting in accordance with ethical conduct;

T2 -      problem solve – including clarification of questions, consideration of alternative solutions and evaluation of outcomes;

T3 -      communicate – including visual, written and oral presentation and discussions;

T4 -      self manage – including self-learning, and project and time management;

T5 –     use methods and methodologies applicable to teamwork;

T6 -      communicate ideas, concepts, theories, and arguments with different audiences through a range of practical methods and outcomes including visual, written and oral.

4. Programme structure

Semester One

Compulsory Modules (60 credits)

 Semester Two

Compulsory Modules (45 credits)

Optional Modules (students should select 15 credits)

Semester Three

Compulsory Module (60 credits)

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

All modules available in the Special Assessment Period (SAP) unless specified in the Module Specification.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Not Applicable.