Handbook home
Design Research (ABPL90305)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Summer Term
Overview
Availability | Summer Term |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will introduce students to a range of creative research methods. As distinct from traditional ‘quantitative research’ (classical scientific research method involving systematic collection of verifiable data) and ‘qualitative research’ (in-depth inquiry into human perceptions used in social sciences often involving interviews) ‘creative research’ is a relatively new methodology. In this subject we follow de Bono’s definition that creativity involves lateral moves sideways in contrast to the logical, linear thinking inherent to traditional research methods. We follow the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of ‘research’ meaning investigation or inquiry into things. The focus of our creative research will be uncovering new knowledge that can lead to the generation of imagined futures for designed environments.
Note:Students will be required to prepare installations, models, designed assemblages and drawings, as well as written essays during the course. Additional costs should be minimal. Recycling, reusing and scavenging of materials is positively encouraged. And digital presentations are allowed in lieu of costly printing for most presentations.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Learn a variety of creative research methods,
- Develop critical reading skills and academic writing styles required for a scholarly and rigorous approach to Thesis subject
- Develop the ability to frame a design thesis question and identify appropriate creative methods through which to test it
Generic skills
- Understanding creative research as a methodology
- Awareness of and beginning skills in a range of creative research methods
- Understanding of academic writing conventions
- Capacity to frame a research question clearly and concisely
- Capacity to determine the relevant research methods to explore a research question through design
- Capacity for independent, analytical and critical thought and reflection
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into one of the following courses:
MC-ARCH2Y Master of Architecture (200 points)
MC-LARCH2Y Master of Landscape Architecture (200 points)
MC-URBDES Master of Urban Design
Plus completion of 2 x 25-point master's studio subjects.
OR
Completion of the first 100 points of the following 300-point programs:
MC-ARCH Master of Architecture
MC-ARCH3Y Master of Architecture (300 points)
MC-LARCH Master of Landscape Architecture
MC-LARCH3Y Master of Landscape Architecture (300 points)
Plus completion of 2 x 25 points of master's studio subjects at second-year level or higher.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Design theory and history.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Assessment
Additional details
- Draft Research Statement (100 words) and Draft Annotated Bibliography (450 words) (Hurdle requirement for preliminary feedback) (No marking at this stage but feedback provided in terms of satisfactory /unsatisfactory), due week 1;
- Creative Research (3 no. pieces, equivalent to 1650 words), (30%) Revised research question & revised bibliography (statement 100 words, and annotations to bibliography approx. 450 words = 10%), 40% in total, due last day of teaching period;
- Elaboration of the research proposal: An essay integrating text with the creative research submitted in week 3 (3,300 words ) in the first week of March, 60%.
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Dates & times
- Summer Term
Principal coordinator Janet McGaw Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 11 February 2019 to 25 February 2019 Last self-enrol date 14 February 2019 Census date 22 February 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 1 March 2019 Assessment period ends 8 March 2019 Summer Term contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
On-line library guide
- Subject notes
There is no class in week 4, students work independetly
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Urban Design Course Master of Architecture Course Master of Architecture Course Master of Landscape Architecture - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 October 2023