Program Overview

The course has a modular structure with four modules of study in each year of the first two years with the final year at the moment containing three modules, one of which comprises two semesters. Students in first year (level 4) are introduced to key skill sets and methodologies common to all areas of study. They are given the opportunity to sample short projects from a number of pathways before going on to select specialist areas in years two and three. At the end of final year, students will have gained a comprehensive range of design and making skills and developed a personal, innovative approach to the practice of making and design, and will exhibit their work at the Belfast School of Art end-of-year student shows.

Students are encouraged to undertake group study trips in years one and two to London and a European destination, respectively. The aim is to broaden their contextual knowledge of the process and professionalism in design and making, and to undertake a series of industrial study visits to gain insight into professional practice and entrepreneurship in their chosen discipline.

Student choice is a strong feature of the course, especially at year two (level 5) where students can choose between an optional industrial placement (DPP) or take advantage of the opportunity for international academic study at a number of European or US institutions (DPPi) through the Erasmus/ Turing and BEI initiatives respectively. Students have the choice to explore a diverse range of specialist subjects in their final year through self-generated project briefs, learning contracts, choice of dissertation topic and alignment with specialist teaching staff and tutorial/ seminar groups.

Students are encouraged to join the 'Chartered Society of Designers' or 'The Institute of Designers in Ireland' as student members. Full professional membership is gained after required application and folio interviews, post final year of the course.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Attendance

Attendance is largely studio based, four days per week with 15 hours staff contact time and 35 hours self directed study per week.

Start dates

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The course is very applied in its nature. All of the outcomes will mean the production of physical models and prototypes to justify a solution. The course’s main focus is to enable students to understand and learn the processes, make models, test their ideas, develop core design skills and learn about the theory and culture of making and design. The most beneficial way to enable the pedagogy of design education is to deliver it in a studio environment. Every student will have their own space to conceptualise, make and deliver their projects under the tutelage of experienced, passionate staff. Formal assessment is at the end of each module, with interim reviews within the teaching period. Teaching, Learning and Assessment are fully -supported by the University VLE (Blackboard Learn).

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise.  The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff.  This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.