[Learning Outcomes 1-4] will be assessed by:
A 4,000 word illustrated report plus bibliography and (where appropriate) glossary and appendices [excluded from word count] and including an extended case study plus evidence to support the content and conclusions of the report.

In relation to your specialist area and any themes within your practice, it will be necessary for you to identify and reflect upon the following:contemporary practice and the influence of key practitioners, user research [if appropriate], design research and design processes. You will develop an understanding of your own your area of study and of your personal direction in relation to contemporary practice and the wider context within which your design will operate as well as deploying effective methods of project management.

Depending upon your chosen subject, you will be undertaking research that encompasses topic[s] including art, media and design practice, theory, management and history. You will be expected to undertake both primary and secondary research, and to assimilate and interpret it before presenting your final report in an academically appropriate manner.

Completion of the report is intended to assist in the development of your communication and professional skills, which will be of value to you in your future career. 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 presenting them in an appropriate and effective manner.

One part of this report will be an extended case-study that would magnify one aspect of the student's research. This could, for example, be on one influential artist, director, designer/company or extending an aspect of the market-place.

The integration of theory and your practice.
The development of an interim presentation to small subject groups of students[replacing the scrutiny of a first draft]. Students would articulate how their report was developing and any problems they were having and would function as a tutorial in consultation with others - in order to share solutions, tactics and expertise.
Referring to the comprehensive handbook also shared experiences [on-line] for the report, which will contain details of the timetable for completion, academic conventions etc.
Spending the majority of your time in personal study and research when you will use resources such as the library, the slide library, and the Design Study Collection. Additionally you will be employing research resources that may include the Internet, CD-ROMs, individual interviews, creation and analysis of questionnaire returns and the use of external libraries, museums and archives.
Spending some of your time on analysis and reflection of the information you have gathered.

Computer workshop facilities and appropriate software
Internet access
Design Archive
Blackboard

Essential:
Cooper, R. & Press, M. (1995) The Design Agenda. London. John Wiley.
Drew, S. & Bingham, R. (2001) The Student Skills Guide. Aldershot. Gower Publishing Ltd.


Other reading appropriate to your specific research topic including a range of books, subject-specific periodicals, other related journal and newspaper articles, as well as texts relating to the design process and the promotion of design relevant to your course of study should be employed, through negotiation with your supervisor - plus other subject-specific visual or audio evidence to support your work.Recommended:You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities available within the University; keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate periodicals and being aware of the work of major practitioners in your subject.