The final thesis complements or reinforces each designer’s original design philosophy, and should demonstrate strong research practice integrating theory and the designer’s unique perspective in response.

The final thesis challenges designers to deepen their knowledge on their area of interest and to become actively involved with academic research and relevant theoretical discourses. The theme of the thesis is self-proposed and provides students with the opportunity to explore a topic of their interest. Students are expected to discuss the socio-economic, cultural, historical and political issues directly and/or indirectly related to their chosen research topic, and to situate their research topic within contemporary cultural, political and artistic discourses.

Requirements:

— a scholarly standard of presentation (footnotes, citations, bibliography etc.)

— source, synthesize, and present information from a variety of academic sources appropriate to their chosen research topic and apply critical analysis to the chosen topic

— introduce several theoretical arguments and create a unique argument around them

— display initiative and responsibility for independent learning

Dates might change in order to accommodate personal appointments and one-on-one-tutorials.

The designers will be assisted in the development of their own specific theoretical interests and the supervisory process encourages a reflexive approach to the development of their research. The designers are encouraged to fully utilize libraries, online resources and other research institutions. Students are expected to take the initiative in their research, the course leader offers a mentoring and advisory role. Regular group tutorials and workshops from October to December.