BA (Hons) Design Crafts Bachelor's degree at De Montfort University

Introduces craft materials and processes with inductions in practical workshops covering fine metals, ceramics, glass, plaster, wood, plastics, textiles, paper, fibre and digital making. Covers hand, machine and digital techniques including construction, cutting, joining, model and mould making, casting, colouring, printing, forming, surface patination and additive and subtractive techniques. Develops awareness of circular economy, ethical material culture and material waste reduction.

Assessment: Materials samples, 60%. Technical logbook, 40%.

Introduces the design and making process through individual response to a brief. Explores basic methods of communication within the design process and experimentation with media and approaches to drawing in 2D and 3D. Ideas developed through collage, colour, surface treatment, texture, mark making, expression, CAD, and technical drawing. Considers materials, reuse, ethical material culture and longevity of craft products.

Assessment: Craft making, 80%. Drawing and design portfolio, 20%.

Explores the relationship between users, objects and environments and the design and making process. Builds on basic design and craft skills. Considers construction and user interaction in terms of decorative or functional use whilst considering sustainable material production and sourcing. Develops and makes a series of material prototypes testing understanding of the user. Explores aesthetics and ergonomics of craft objects.

Assessment: Design and artefacts project, 80%. Presentation/display, 20%.

Consolidates previous learning to make choices in materials and test contexts. Research a particular design craft context of choice and produce a finished artefact, design or product in response. Encourages use of digital technologies and/or traditional craft processes. Theoretical content delivered by the Design Cultures department to contextualise current practice within a historical framework. Includes content on Classical tradition, changing status of makers/craftspeople, impact of industria

Assessment: Craft project, 50%. Essay, 50%.

Interpret and respond to an external brief from competitions, commissions and commercial briefs. Identify two appropriate briefs and demonstrate ability to design an artefact or product fulfilling the requirements. Work collaboratively or individually. Seminars on market research, design, CAD and visual communication. Market and trends research undertaken and potential methods of production explored.

Assessment: Project 1, 50%. Project 2, 50%.

Introduces basic processes and practices associated with digital design, development and rapid proto-typing of three-dimensional artefacts. Explores 3D computer modelling and rapid-prototyping within the design process. Explores hybrid of hand and digital making. Design artefacts or products for the market with integrity and distinctive design aesthetic. Develop ideas reflecting current trends and emerging sustainability issues.

Assessment: Portfolio of drawing, design and research, 50%. Consolidation, 50%.

Engages with contemporary debates and research in craft and design. Introduces broad knowledge of historical and contemporary design practice in wider global context. Develops research methods, vocabulary and critical awareness. Covers key designers, thinkers and writers, sustainability, gender, cross-cultural awareness, ethical and sustainable craft practice, globalisation, role of gender in making, contemporary curatorial practices and relationship between design and technology.

Assessment: Literature review, 30%. Essay, 70%.

Take ownership of personal design direction as emerging creative practice. Produce refined artefact(s) and present them in professional public exhibition display. Write own brief through negotiation with tutors. Collaboratively organise, finance, publicise and professionally present work at public exhibition. Research E-marketing and related websites/blogs. Develop knowledge of professional Design Crafts contexts through lectures, seminars and study visits. Write creative CV and compose enquiry

Assessment: Craft project, 80%. Presentation/exhibition, 20%.

Practical module runs parallel to theoretical module 'Craft Contexts'. Practical creative ideas developed with consideration of wider cultural, political and social issues. In depth research into trends, environments, sustainability, communities and lifestyles supports development of practical and design work. Develop deeper understanding of contexts for practice through theoretical content. Respond in personal direction reflecting preferred craft materials or discipline to test creative ideas i

Assessment: Live project, 50%. Investigation, 50%.

Consolidate skills of research, organisation, critical analysis and communication to develop and agree a self-directed title for a written assignment. Choose between an extended essay or a personal design statement of 4,000 words. Link between assignment and studio projects encouraged. Two stages to assessment: detailed plan and final written assignment. Sessions on time management, planning, record-keeping and presentation.

Assessment: Essay plan, 20%. Essay, 80%.

Encourages development and exploration of ideas in depth and demonstrate professional skills as designer maker in preparation for final personal project. Research and sketchbook work support progress and used in communication of ideas/concepts. Prototypes, maquettes and samples developed into final pieces. Document deeper knowledge of technical and material aspects in technical log book including references to other makers and material suppliers. Write draft project proposal for final module.

Assessment: Portfolio of 2D drawing and design, 20%. Craft project, 80%.

Culmination of the studio aspects of the course, where a body of finished work is produced for public exhibition. Work exemplifies fully developed abilities of concept.