What will I learn on this module?
The Design Studio Skills module serves as an essential starting point for developing core practical design skills. It provides a comprehensive introduction to key design practices that will prepare you for exploring specialised disciplines in subsequent modules. As an introductory study, it is designed to help you build confidence and competence in fundamental design approaches, ensuring you have a solid grounding in the basics before moving on to design specialisms.
Throughout the module, you will engage in hands-on studio work that covers a range of key design skills, including sketching, visual communication, model making, and the use of digital tools and design software. You will be introduced to the design process, beginning with research and idea generation, and progressing through development, refinement, and final presentation of your ideas. The emphasis will be on experimentation, allowing you to explore different media, materials, and design techniques in a supportive environment.
How will I learn on this module?
You will be given a series of mini-design briefs or challenges that will drive your hands-on learning experience. Centred around studio practice, you will participate in both individual and group-based design projects, allowing you to apply key design principles to solve creative problems. Through practical workshops and tutorials, you will be guided through each stage of the design process, from research and ideation to the development and presentation of your ideas.
In addition to structured learning, you will engage in critiques where you can present your work, gain peer feedback, and reflect on your design practice. Tutors will also provide personalised feedback and guidance, helping you to refine your work and experiment with different media and materials. Independent study will play a key role as you explore and research new ideas outside of taught hours.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be through weekly sessions, including lectures, practical workshops, and seminar-based discussions. These activities will help you develop your design process, refine concepts, and produce well-developed design outputs. Hands-on participation will encourage you to explore theories, concepts, and design strategies, promoting independent research and critical self-awareness.
Each design challenge or project begins with an introductory lecture outlining themes, learning outcomes, and expectations. Throughout the module, staged interim critiques will guide your progress, offering valuable feedback and opportunities to refine your work. Formative assessments will also support you in managing your workload and applying feedback before your final assessment.
Learning materials, including module documentation, presentations, and reading lists, are available on the university’s eLearning Portal. You will also have access to additional study skills workshops through Skills Plus, and international students can benefit from Academic Language Skills (ALS) support.
For further help, your Personal Guidance Tutor will be available to provide advice and direct you to relevant university services, ensuring you receive the support needed to succeed academically and personally.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
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)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
Demonstrate a foundational understanding of core design principles and their application across various disciplines.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
Independently generate ideas and prototypes that address design challenges.
Demonstrate technical proficiency and making skills through the appropriate use of materials, processes and technologies.
Personal Values Attributes:
Show curiosity and risk-taking by exploring new and unfamiliar design practices, techniques, and technologies.
How will I be assessed?
Formative feedback:
You will receive formative feedback from peers and tutors during studio and workshop engagement. This provides you with the opportunity to apply the feedback to your existing work and improve your competencies before your final summative assessments.
Formal formative feedback:
Formal formative tutorials and Interim sessions will provide feedback and informally record academic progress.
Summative assessment:
Summative assessment will be used for grading of the final submissions and will be formally recorded and will be based upon a final visual presentation material.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
DE3001
DE3002
DE3003
DE3004
DE3005
Module abstract
The Design Studio Skills module introduces you to the core practical skills essential for design practice. As a foundational module in the Design Foundation Year, you will engage in hands-on studio work, focusing on key techniques such as sketching, visual communication, model making, and the use of digital tools. The module provides a structured introduction to the design process, guiding you from research and idea generation through to the development and presentation of your work.
Throughout the module, you will undertake a series of design briefs or challenges, working individually and collaboratively on projects that explore different media, materials, and design disciplines. You will receive regular feedback through peer critiques and tutor-led reviews, helping you refine your concepts and develop critical thinking skills.
This module equips you with a solid grounding in design principles and prepares you for more specialised study, offering opportunities to experiment creatively and build confidence in your design practice.
Course info
UCAS Code W275
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Northumbria School of Design
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025 or September 2026
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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