Core Module Information
Module title: Light Art & Projection

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: DES11122
Module leader: Sarah Taylor
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Art Design and Photography
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

This module enables you to explore and develop your creative practice in light art and projection. You will research pioneering light artists who work in diverse contexts, including galleries, public spaces, and interior or exterior environments, to understand how light can shape perception, mood, and atmosphere.Through workshops and tutorials, you will experiment with projection mapping, optical fibre to test and develop your ideas. You will apply technical and conceptual skills to plan and prototype light installations, considering human experience, sustainability, and site-specific requirements.You will document and reflect on your process, critically evaluating your creative and technical decisions. By the end of the module, you will produce a coherent light art proposal and supporting materials that demonstrate your ability to research, plan, test, and communicate innovative lighting ideas.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically analyse pioneering work in light art, evaluating how light shapes experience in interior, exterior, and public spaces.

LO2: Conceptualise and develop innovative lighting proposals for interior and exterior contexts, integrating creative and technical considerations.

LO3: Test, analyse, and resolve lighting and projection design challenges using industry-standard tools and techniques.

LO4: Plan, document, and justify complex lighting projects, applying appropriate design principles, calculations, and technical methods.

LO5: Critically reflect on and evaluate your creative and technical decisions, demonstrating autonomy, professional judgement, and engagement with current practice.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Sarah Taylor
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 16 In these classes and workshops you will learn and explore practical methods for light art and projection.
Online Guided independent study 165 You will research pioneering light artists, explore themes, develop project ideas, and document your learning in a reflective log. This independent work, undertaken in your own time, consolidates workshop skills and supports both your reflective log and final proposal.
Face To Face Tutorial 4 Regular tutorials will provide you with guidance and feedback on research, design development, and technical approaches, supporting your learning and progress throughout the module.
Online Guided independent study 15 Reading Week: No teaching will take place this week. The week is intended to support reflection on and consolidation of your learning to date.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Oral Presentation 25 5 Week 5 HOURS= 5-7 mins each You will research two selected light artists and deliver a 5–7 minute PowerPoint presentation on each to staff and peers. You should critically analyse their work, context, and impact, and articulate how their approaches expand your understanding of light as an artistic medium.
Reflective Log 15 1~2~3~4~5 Exam Period , WORDS= 1800 words You will document and critically reflect on your design development, research, prototypes, and theme exploration, integrating visuals to illustrate your learning.
Oral Presentation 60 2~3~4~5 Exam Period HOURS= 15-20 minutes You will develop and present a detailed proposal for a light art or projection installation in response to a brief, where possible this will be from a live client. Your submission should demonstrate conceptual clarity, technical resolution, prototyping, and consideration of spatial and site-specific requirements. Research insights should inform your creative and technical decisions.
Component 1 subtotal: 25
Component 2 subtotal: 75
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Light Art & Projection