Design Research (ABPL90305)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2023
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About this subject
Overview
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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: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students must meet one of the following prerequisite options:
Option 1
Admission into one of the following:
- MC-ARCH2Y Master of Architecture
- MC-LARCH2Y Master of Landscape Architecture
- MC-URBDES Master of Urban Design
AND
Completion of 50 credit points (2 x 25 credit points) of Graduate level studio subjects
Option 2
Admission into one of the following:
- MC-ARCH Master of Architecture
- MC-ARCH3Y Master of Architecture
- MC-LARCH Master of Landscape Architecture
- MC-LARCH3Y Master of Landscape Architecture
AND
Completion of a minimum of 100 credit points of study
AND
Completion of 50 credit points (2 x 25 credit points) of Graduate level 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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Draft Research Statement (100 words) and Draft Annotated Bibliography (450 words) (for preliminary feedback) (No marking at this stage but feedback provided in terms of satisfactory /unsatisfactory)
| Week 1 | N/A |
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%), due last day of teaching period
| End of the teaching period | 40% |
Elaboration of the research proposal: An essay integrating text with the creative research submitted in week 3
| In the first week of March | 60% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
Not available in 2023
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
- 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
Last updated: 4 March 2025