CD7003 - Changing Direction

You will be expected to develop and realise your final project through self-directed learning supported by individual tutorials, peer learning, group critiques and presentations.

You will be assigned a personal tutor matched to your subject focus and supported through online and live in-class sessions..

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:
• LO1) Critically apply theoretical knowledge of communication design and evaluate contemporary discourse on the subject.
• LO2) Independently plan, organise and manage effective research and development to inform your self-determined project.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• LO3) Conceive design ideas or concepts that are highly appropriate, innovative or impactful.
• LO4) Demonstrate creativity, expertise and judgement in crafting design propositions or prototypes.
• LO5) Clearly communicate and present design development and creative outcomes to specialist and non-specialist audiences in a professional manner.
• LO6) Analyse, evaluate and critically reflect on your design research and practice through academic writing.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• LO7) Engage, stimulate and respond to, dialogue with experts and stakeholders.
• LO8) Anticipate, negotiate and respond to ethical, responsible and social design issues.

This module will be 100% summatively assessed at the end of the module through a single portfolio submission, supported by a verbal presentation. Where possible, it will be digital submission through the Elearning Portal.

Your portfolio will consist of a range of outputs that will evidence your learning against the learning outcomes. These outputs may include:

1. Final major project presentation
2. A working prototype or demonstration of your design proposition.
3. An annotated portfolio and press kit of visual evidence documenting the research, development, realisation and evaluation of the final design piece. Approximate 60 pages or equivalent subject to negotiation with the module tutor.
4. A research paper or equivalent of 5000 words supporting the theoretical, historical, contemporary contexts underpinning your final project.
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 five individual learning outcomes.

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This module is dedicated to the realisation of your Final Major Project. It is the culmination of your Masters journey leading to a highly personal self-initiated issue-driven project that evidence a critical, innovative and impactful approach to communication design. You will draw on skills, knowledge and experience developed in the previous modules to turn your concepts into a compelling and thought-provoking communication design pieces. You will articulate, frame and communicate your proposition in a clear, relevant and compelling way for the appropriate audience. Your design proposition will be supported by in-depth research, critical creative explorations and external collaborations and engagement evidence through a portfolio of critical writing that underpins your practice and demonstrate a mastery of your chosen subject area. The resulting outcome will reflect a deeply personal exploration in an area or topic, underpinned by an advanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary communication design practice.