CD7012 - Collaborate & Challenge

This module will support the research and development of your chosen area of enquiry through three parallel stands that builds on what you have learnt in the previous modules.

The module has three strands which underpins the learning activities across your master’s journey: Context, Methods and Practice.

In the Context strand, you will learn how to think critically about new and emerging technology by viewing it in the context of contemporary and emerging issues and debates in the broad field of disciplines that constitute communication design.

In the Methods strand, you will learn how traditional design thinking and skills can be combined with emerging methods of inquiry and you will learn about some of the latest approaches and techniques that are forging new ground in communication design.

In the Practice strand, you will explore your practice through a series of design briefs informed by new and emerging design themes and challenges. You will learn to work productively with your tutors and peers, respond creatively to difficult challenges, and start defining an area of interest that will inform your self-initiated project.

The programme leader, the module tutors and your project advisor all play a role in guiding you throughout the programme.

You will be supported through online and live in-class support-sessions by tutors with relevant expertise in communication design or related subject and are either experienced practitioners, researchers or practitioner-researchers. Further academic support is provided via e-Learning tools, such as online discussion groups, blogs and wikis. Additional contact with tutors may be available during office hours by arrangement.

Additional support is provided through the English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP) module where English is not your first language.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Exhibit knowledge, understanding and strategy in the selection and application of design approaches, research and development methods throughout all stages of the design process.
• Create artefacts or prototypes using interdisciplinary tools that showcase your advanced skill set.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Demonstrate creativity and criticality in the generation of ideas, concepts, design proposals and solutions for set briefs.
• Effectively communicate and present creative and complex design solutions to professional standards.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Work cooperatively or collaboratively to research, develop, test and communicate advanced design proposals or solutions.
• Demonstrate the learning gained from collaboration through a high-level critical self-reflection that contributes to personal and professional development.

This module will be 100% summatively assessed at the end of the module through a portfolio submission and a critical reflection. Where possible, it will be digital submission through the eLearning Portal.

1. An annotated portfolio of visual evidence documenting the process and outcomes of the practical briefs. Approximate 60 pages or equivalent subject to negotiation with the module tutor. (KU2, KU3, IPSA1, IPSA, PVA2)
2. A 1500 words critical evaluation of portfolio and reflection on learning. (PVA5)

You will receive feedback in one to one and/or group tutorial sessions, and at interim and final presentations. Formative assessment will be provided through tutorials or formal presentations. Summative assessment will be written, giving a marks breakdown of how the submission met the individual learning outcomes.

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This module gives you the opportunity to develop and advance your design practice through a series of collaborative projects. You will learn how to apply your existing knowledge to new current and emerging design challenges through working on live or simulated real-world projects.

These team-based collaborative briefs will develop your key competencies such as collaboration, communication and the core critical skills that are fundamental and increasingly sought after within the creative marketplace. Building on your work in previous modules, you will explore and develop responses to your live project briefs that demonstrate a critical awareness and creative response to the set challenges.