Level One

Design Primer

Exploratory in nature, this module focuses on essential 2D and 3D design skills and their inter-relationship in spatial composition. The module will introduce students to the study and practice of analytical and measured drawing, orthographics, model making and the concept of design language though the exploration of line, plane, space, form and human scale.

Design Process

Students build on a range of essential design skills that can be applied to projects. The generation of design language is enhanced and developed by the introduction of spatial narrative supported by text, images and an introduction to the use of light, materials and construction.

Design Studies

Design Studies focuses on the integration of design history and theory into studio practice and research informed teaching. It offers both a historical overview and a thematic framework in which to study contemporary design, exhibition and architecture. It focuses on improving visual literacy and stylistic awareness as well as introducing the social and contextual factors that have determined design production through history.

In addition the module helps students acquire skills in studying, research, personal reflection and development, writing and the use of information technology.

Exhibition

This module focuses on applying basic 2-D and 3-D skills to the design of a small exhibition environment. Students will be introduced to the use of commercial graphics and basic interpretive techniques used by exhibitions designers.

Level Two

Interpretation

Interpretation focuses on the narrative structure and design of multimedia interpretive environments and managed visitor experiences. The module connects design with the broader concept of material culture and introduces the means by which environments are shaped and made meaningful and communicative. Students will explore how a variety of new and existing exhibition techniques and technologies can be used to communicate content in time and space to an audience.

Exploration

The focus of this module is on risk taking through the critical study of issues in design and the development of imaginative and challenging design concepts. The student will undertake a set project focussing on design innovation and choose, with staff advice, one out of three options: a short placement or a concept design and presentation or a written assignment based on independent critical study. The module is supported by lectures focussing on the contemporary context of design innovation.

Students also review their Personal Development Plan (PDP) and use this to inform the development of alternative project ideas for level 3 study.

Resolution

This module provides the student an opportunity to focus on the resolution of design ideas through detailed consideration of 2-D, 3-D and programmed elements of exhibits. It connects design with theories of communication, learning and interpretation and associated techniques of evaluation. It extends knowledge of the elements of graphic design, understanding of materials and processes in exhibit construction, and skills in design communication and project presentation.

Integration

This module focuses on a comprehensive design project and its associated stages in relation to professional practice. Through lectures and self-directed study, students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practical skills into the design, development and management of a small-scale exhibition or museum project.

Level Three

DEM Major Project

Students combine Technical and Professional Studies to form a comprehensive design project. It brings together all of the elements of the course and presents the student with the opportunity for substantial learning associated with the negotiation, planning, development and presentation of a major design project. The project addresses issues of research, interpretation, design exploration and resolution, and technology in an organic manner.

DEM Option Project

The focus of this module is on extending intellectual, professional and creative abilities. The aim is to contribute a distinctive project to the final portfolio through sustained critical study of issues in design and development of imaginative and challenging design concepts. The student will choose, with staff advice, one of (normally) five options: a design strategy based on contextual analysis and interpretative planning / brand development, a concept design and presentation, a detail design and presentation, , a long essay based on independent critical study or a short placement (when organized by the course tutors).

Rationale

The student is required to produce two written documents - a rationale for the major project and a report or poster presentation for the option project.

The major project rationale analyses the context of the project, explains the genesis of the design brief, and provides a reasoned argument for each aspect of the design development normally including interpretative scheme, overall visual concept, scheme design and a range of detail design elements. The writing follows normal academic conventions in respect of style of writing, use of primary and sec¬ondary sources, referencing, footnotes, appendices, illustrations and tables, etc.

The option project report or poster presentation gives the student the opportunity to engage in a contrasting style of writing. The subject matter is the substance of the option project undertaken by the student. The structure and content should follow the conventions for business reports, the editorial guidelines of a chosen professional journal or creative industry magazine or guidelines for poster presentations at a professional conference as appropriate.

Technical and Professional Studies

This module combines with the Major Project to form a comprehensive design project, which brings together all of the elements of the course and presents the student with the opportunity for substantial learning associated with the negotiation, planning, development and presentation of a major design project.

The module introduces students to the key principles of professional practice and provides an opportunity to demonstrate an understanding and application of these principles through the associated creative and technical aspects of the project work.

Level One

At level one students study a range of modules that provide a thorough grounding in two-dimensional and three-dimensional design skills. Spatial awareness in design is further explored through design project work. It is at this stage that students will be introduced to the use of commercial graphics and the basic interpretive techniques used by exhibition designers.

Level Two

The second level allows students to explore the use of narrative and multimedia in the design of interpretive environments and managed visitor experiences. During this level students will be encouraged to engage in a short work placement and have the opportunity to work on a range of projects dealing with ‘real’ clients.

Level Three

Level three focuses on two projects. These enable students to explore areas of interest and demonstrate an understanding of interpretive and exhibition techniques through a final exhibition of work.

The School of Architecture is located in an award-winning building designed by Rick Mather. The School offers a quality, dynamic, multidisciplinary, 3-D design environment, founded on the research and consultancy interests of its staff.

• Excellent links with the design industry and the museum profession
• Placements and live projects
• Well established programme – more than 60 years. The award is well respected in industry 
• Interdisciplinary, student-centred learning environment 
• Studio and site visits
• International student trips
• Excellent job opportunities.

The course has close and long-established links with the commercial exhibition industry and with museums across the world. As well as in design practice, graduates go on to work in education, theatre design, media, public relations, marketing and event organisation.

Graduates have found employment at organisations including Madame Tussauds, the Science Museum, the British Museum, Imagination and Event Communications as well as placements in China and Singapore.

Applicants will need to have one of the following:

• 280 UCAS points, with a minimum of 100 points (grade B or above at A Level) in a relevant art/design subject
• Foundation Art and Design (Pass) 
• Equivalent Scottish, Irish or Overseas qualifications 
• An equivalent qualification to those listed above, i.e. Access to Higher Education Certificate.

All applicants will be required to have at least five GCSEs, including a grade C or above in English Language. Mature students with relevant experience and/or portfolio of work are selected on individual merit.

Applicants will be invited for interview, where they will have opportunity to go through their portfolio with a member of the academic team. Portfolios should demonstrate evidence of a range of design skills including drawing, model making and preferably computer work.

"Design for Exhibition and Museums is one of very few university courses which really enhances your future career prospects as it provides its students with excellent support in finding work after graduation."

Fiona Pook - Graduate, BA (Hons) Design for Exhibition & Museums

For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding