Curriculum: International Master's Programme in Design for All, 120 Higher Education Credits, 120 credits
General data
Code: TDEAA
Cycle: Second cycle
Ref no: MIUN 2009/1512
Credits: 120
Answerable department: Department of Industrial Design
Answerable faculty: Faculty of Science, Technology and Media
Latest review: 4/2/2015
Version valid from: 7/1/2015
Aim
The aim of the programme is to provide in-depth expertise in terms of how to create design solutions that are long-term sustainable from environmental, social and economic perspectives. We tackle challenges from a Design for All perspective, where we work for a vision of a world where all people are able to participate and experience a high quality of life. By combining creativity, various problem-solving methodologies and a user-centred design process, we challenge current solutions with sustainable innovations.
Programme objective
Knowledge and understanding
For a Master of Arts/Science (120 credits) the student shall have:
demonstrated knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
demonstrated specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.
Competence and skills
For a Master of Arts/Science (120 credits) the student shall have:
demonstrated the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
demonstrated the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
demonstrated the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
demonstrated the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.
Judgement and approach
For a Master of Arts/Science (120 credits) the student shall have:
demonstrated the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
demonstrated insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
demonstrated the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL MASTER'S PROGRAMME IN DESIGN FOR ALL
Knowledge and understanding
The students shall:
- be able to implement knowledge of long-term environmental, social and economic effects in their design solutions
- be able to design innovative solutions for human well-being by critically evaluating, defining and formulating problems that are solved based on the needs of the most demanding user groups
- have knowledge of and be able to assess the relevance of different methodologies for user participation in the design process
- have knowledge of national and international laws and directives on inclusion and sustainability
Competence and skills
The students shall:
- demonstrate a critical and creative approach
- demonstrate great ethical and aesthetic independence
- demonstrate the ability to work methodically with users in the design process.
- demonstrate the ability to collaborate and exchange knowledge with other disciplines
- be able to lead and carry out projects according to vision, timetable and budget
Judgement and approach
The students shall:
- demonstrate the ability to, on a scientific level, search for and critically assess relevant information, follow the development and the discussions of the subject field and participate in exchange of knowledge.
Content
Industrial Design BA (A):
Workshop Techniques, 1.5 Credits
Sketching and Modeling Techniques, 6 Credits
Industrial Design MA:
Creativity and Problem Solving Methods, 7.5 Credits
User Centered Design for All Process I, 7.5 Credits
User Centered Design for All Process II, 7.5 Credits
Sustainable Design I, 7.5 Credits
Sustainable Design II, 7.5 Credits
Visual Communication Theory, 7.5 Credits
Research Process, 7.5 Credits
Studio Photography, 7.5 Credits
Multidisciplinary and International Orientation, 7.5 Credits
Design Project I, 7.5 Credits
Design Project II, 7.5 Credits
Master Thesis, 30 Credits
Entry requirements
Degree of Bachelor in Industrial Design, or Degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering, of at least 180 Credits, or equivalent, with at least 60 Credits (60 ECTS) in Industrial Design. Successful completion of the work sample.
English course A from Swedish Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium) or equivalent. This can be proven by for example the following international tests:
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 530 on a paper based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 72 on internet based test and not below 17 on the TWE
- IELTS Academic Training with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and a minimum score on the specific parts of at least 5.0.
Descripion of programme
Programme description:
Design for All is a vision of a world where all people can participate and experience a high quality of life. It is a world where we see our differences as an asset, and create opportunities for everyone to participate.
The programme particularly emphasizes:
Creativity and problem solving methodologies
In the Design for All process, advanced methodologies are used to understand the core of the problem, and to be able to define its structure and investigate relevant systems and ways to include external knowledge. Critical assessments of current solutions and analyses of the special needs of the most demanding user groups are the basis of the development and design of innovative solutions for human well-being.
User-centred Design for All Process
In the user-centred Design for All process, we involve the different target groups in a well-planned way in order to obtain facts during each stage of the development. Different empirical methodologies generate an in-depth understanding for each user's needs. We also have a research lab where mental and physical effects of various design solutions can be examined.
Results of sustainability
Our programme emphasizes long-term environmental, social and economic effects of design solutions. The goal is to try to reach and implement cyclic ethics where no waste is produced, while considering diversity, justice, democracy, and quality of life issues.
Multidisciplinary and international orientation
Using industrial design as a starting point, we look for collaboration and exchange with other disciplines. We have a close cooperation with Design for All and other organisations, industries, institutions and authorities, locally, nationally and internationally.
This is a two-year full-time study programme including courses and features aiming to provide in-depth knowledge and skills in the area of Design for All.
Design for All specialists are sought-after by large businesses and design companies. You also have good career opportunities in education or as a consultant.
Selection rules and procedures
Alternative selection, see heading "Other information".
Programme with restricted admissions
Specific entry requirements for each course in the programme are stated in the course syllabus.
The requirements to proceed to the different courses in the programme are likewise stated in the syllabus of each course.
Teaching and examination
The type of instruction and examination is stated in the course syllabus.
The instruction, which is given in the form of full time studies, consists of lectures, classes, seminars, laboratory sessions, and project works, there may also be distributed, flexible types of instruction.
Seminars, laboratory sessions and project works are compulsory.
The programme courses are examined through written exams, compulsory theoretical assignments, projects, laboratory sessions as well as a degree project of 30 Credits.
The student receives a grade for each course in the programme, for grading scale see course syllabus.
Title of qualification
Degree of Master of Arts/Science (120 credits)
Masterexamen med huvudområdet industridesign, translated into Degree of Master of Arts (120 credits) with a major in Industrial Design.
Other information
Alternative selection:
The selection to the programme is made, among those who meet the entry requirements, based on the results of the work sample. The work sample consists of two components; one where the artistic ability is tested and one where the ability to a scientific and analytic approach is tested. The work sample consists in part of a home assignment which is sent out to the applicant to solve, and in part of the applicant’s portfolio. All of which is to be sent digitally by e-mail.
During the length of the programme the name of the course, its content, level, number of credits and placement in time may be subject to changes.