In relation to your specialist area and particular themes within your practice, it will be necessary for you to identify, research and analyse, amongst other things, the following: design and fashion theory, key practitioners, user research [if appropriate], contemporary practice, design and fashion research and fashion production processes.

You will develop an understanding of your own area of study as well as deploying effective strategies of project management. You will be expected to undertake both primary and secondary research, and to assimilate and interpret it before presenting your assignment findings in an academically appropriate manner.

Completion of the assignment is intended to assist in the development of your research, analysis and communication skills, which will be valuable to your future employability. These include identifying appropriate subject[s] for research, selecting appropriate research and analysis methods, managing your time and the resources available, analysing your findings and communicating them in an appropriate and effective manner.

One part of this report will be extended primary research that will magnify one aspect of the assignment.

Learning Outcomes 1-4] will be assessed by:
A 4000-word illustrated report plus bibliography and (where appropriate) glossary and appendices, including primary research.

Key Information Set Data:
100% coursework

An introductory presentation

Student presentations of the 'Big ideas' of possible research topics

Spending the majority of your time in personal study and research when you will be conducting desk research as well as using resources such as the library and the Design Archive.

Ongoing group and individual tutorials with the module tutor

A mid-assignment verbal presentation - students will articulate how their assignment is developing and any problems they may be experiencing; this will function as a tutorial in consultation with others - in order to share solutions, tactics and experiences.

Employment of primary research methods that may include interviews, focus groups, creation and analysis of questionnaire returns and experimentation.

Production of a first draft report

Key Information Set Data:
24% scheduled learning and teaching activities
76% guided independent learning

1. IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP A RESEARCH PROJECT IN AN AREA OF YOUR CHOICE.
Application

2. SELECT AND EMPLOY A RANGE OF APPROPRIATE RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES TOGETHER WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE AND THE DESIGN PROCESS IN YOUR OWN AREA OF STUDY.
Enquiry

3. GATHER RESEARCH MATERIAL AND TO ANALYSE IT EFFECTIVELY AND ACCURATELY.
Analysis

4. PRESENT YOUR FINDINGS IN AN EFFECTIVE AND ACADEMICALLY APPROPRIATE MANNER AND ON TIME IE EFFECTIVELY PLAN AND EXECUTE RESEARCH.
Learning, Communication

University Library
Computer workshop facilities and appropriate software
Internet access
Design Archive
Blackboard

Recommended:

Bell, J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science (4th ed). Buckingham. Open University Press.
Burnham, D. (2013) Studying Independently and Producing Better Work. Staffordshire University Publication.
Crouch, C. & Pearce, J. (2012) Doing Research in Design. London. Berg.
Denscombe, M. (2010) The Good research Guide: For Small-Scale Social Research Projects.(4th ed). Maidenhead. Open University Press.
Mann, S. (2011) Study Skills for Art, Design and Media Students. Harlow. Pearson.