This course grounds students in theoretical and methodological issues at the intersection of design and research. It contextualises contemporary design discourse and practice, and their relation to knowledge, research and production. Practice-led studio research results in creative explorations in design, such as a design project, a portfolio of theoretical designs or crafted objects, or an exploration of design technologies. This creative investigation is based on research processes that involve identifying research questions, undertaking a theoretical and contextual review, gathering and analysing data, and identifying, applying, and describing methodologies and methods. A written research proposal and oral presentation allows for a clear articulation of the development of the research and processes undertaken.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- navigate and contextualise contemporary design discourses and practices;
- demonstrate an understanding of key theoretical and methodological models of design practice in relation to research;
- critically analyse and interpret research in, for and through design;
- apply relevant theories and methods to formulate a design research project; and
- document and critically reflect on design processes and creative investigations.
Indicative Assessment
- Design Research Presentation (15-20 minutes) (25) [LO 1,2,5]
- Annotated Bibliography 2500 words (25) [LO 1,2,5]
- Project Proposal 3500 - 4000 words (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
260 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours contact over 12 weeks consisting of workshop, workshop-like activities; and
b) 224 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 12
- Unit value:
- 12 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $8040 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $11160 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4013 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |