Design: Active Practice - MA

This studio brief-led module introduces design as an evolving field by posing two fundamental questions: "Design for what?" and "Design as what?" It explores the interrelationships between design disciplines and the intra-relationships of creative design processes to address complex issues and realities.

This module introduces you to creative research methods and methodologies used in arts and design production. The focus here is on research through practice, where practice itself serves a research purpose. Through the analyses and synthesis of appropriate research tools you will deepen understanding of your own work, whilst querying what it is you might research and how you might achieve your aim.

Building on your previous theoretical and practical learnings, this module invites you to delve deeper into identifying key themes, topics, and creative methodologies within the categories of Design Artefact and Design Action. You will engage in activities and research that seamlessly integrate artefact- and action-oriented approaches, combining theoretical insights with practical applications to address pressing social, political, environmental, and technological issues.

How can design serve as a tool for radical imagination, offering new possibilities for how society might be structured, how people relate to one another, or how we might interact with our environment—envisioning “other possible worlds” that challenge our current reality?

The purpose of the Professional Project module is to enable you to undertake an in-depth and theoretically informed research project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. This master’s module should be viewed as a first step in your professional progression rather than a final step in the degree.

This module provides an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills to an external, professional brief. The brief will be ‘real’, set in negotiation with an external client/agency/community, or it may be a simulation, inspired by a typical professional scenario you might experience in a work situation. The brief will enable you to apply your discipline-specific skills broadly, collaborating with your fellow students and, where relevant, across disciplines and with other stakeholders.

Creative careers often lead individuals on unexpected journeys, traversing diverse paths. Recognizing and seizing opportunities becomes pivotal in shaping a fulfilling portfolio career - one that harnesses your creative abilities while sustaining your livelihood. Whether you’re crafting artistic artifacts, performing, providing services, or offering consultancy, the art of promoting and pitching ideas lies at the heart of an independent, entrepreneurial journey.

Central to this experience is a 70-hour work placement, which you can complete either in a concentrated block or spread out over the duration of the module. During this placement, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional attributes and subject-specific skills. To closely align with real-world job market conditions, you should expect to prepare a current and relevant CV, attend interviews, conduct research in order to source your own placement.

Support will be available from academic staff and the ADM Careers+ service to assist you in securing your placement.