year 3

During the final year students work on longer projects that tackle issues that span from detail to ethics. All projects are designed to expose students to social responsibility and sustainable thinking – a conceptual seed that is present in all creative endeavors. The technical programme works alongside the Design Studio integrating technics with aesthetics and giving students the knowledge to make intelligent connections.

modules
Design Y3/DS Credits: 16
At the core of the course, and bringing together all disciplines and technical studies is the Design module. The module is a series of design projects that explore space through concept, detailing, construction, materiality, politics, metaphor and language. Students work with the design faculty to progress an idea from a concept to a coherent design proposition. The module operates a unit system where students sign up for projects they are interested in.

Technical Studies Y3/TS Credits: 12

Final Year Technical Studies is taught through case studies which are used to discuss issues which surround technical aspects of designing, such as, cost, supply, technology, resources and cultural expectations. Designers are invited to talk about the technical challenges they face and how they find creative solutions. In addition to this, faculty and students invite international designers to talk about their work via video recordings.

Material Studies: Case study research – covering issues such as sustainable innovation, hybrid compositions, best practice.

Building Studies: Case study research – covering issues such as sustainable innovation, adapting vernacular techniques, best practice.

Structural Studies: Through case studies of exceptional design, students discover how structure can be designed. In Y3 structure spans all scales, from a staple to a bridge – helping students to develop their own approaches to structural problems in design.

Lighting Studies: Lighting Studies in Year 3 supports the core Design Studio. Seminars take place covering selected themes which are agreed upon at the start of the academic year. All themes relate to the core academic vision.

Acoustic Studies: Acoustic Studies in Year 3 supports the core Design Studio. Seminars take place covering selected themes which are agreed upon at the start of the academic year. All themes relate to the core academic vision.

Design Enterprise Y3/DS Credits: 6
The Design Enterprise module is a series of talks and lectures by practicing designers on running a successful design practice. Models of practice are studied to give students an introduction and understanding of how design projects are undertaken and delivered in reality.

Elective Modules
Students in Years 2 and 3 will chose electives which are structured to offer an element of specialism and sustained investigation in a given discipline. In year 2, students take 2 one semester electives and in year 3 select one elective for the duration of the year.

Ceramics Y2/CER, Y3/CER Credits: 6
Ceramics is a discipline involving physical and metal rigor, but most importantly patience. The Ceramics elective is committed to evolving expression whilst giving students an exceptional training in the technical skiils required in pursing ceramic design as a career. The elective, through its’ design projects connects ideas and methods of working to the core design module.

Product Design Y2/PD, Y3/PD Credits: 6
The Product Design elective is a programme to develop design skills through graphic representation, material, prototyping and product communication. The programme laterally integrates years 2 and 3 and considers ethical and sustainable questions of production. Students learn to scrutinize their design decisions through peer critique and start their connection with the industry through guest critiques.

Weave Y2/WV, Y3/WV Credits: 6
The Weave elective considers ‘weaving’ in the broadest sense. Students explore and gain an advanced understanding of textiles, woven surfaces and techniques of industrial weaving. This knowledge builds an approach when thinking about spatial design and feeds into the core design projects.

Fine Art Y2/FA, Y3/FA Credits: 6
Fine Art extends from the foundation year to an elective of painting, sculpture and installation work. Each student’s practice is developed through reviews, critique and through the module’s connection to the Cultural Studies series of lectures. The module is taught through personal practice, theory, history and contemporary practice.