Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Research as Critical Practice
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: DES11143
Module leader: Tom Flint
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 is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to undertake an advanced range of research methods appropriate to contemporary creative practice in design and lens media, from ethnography and interviews to phenomenology, collaborative methods and practice-based approaches . You will explore advanced research paradigms for creative practice which include critical, participative and performative-oriented research approaches and methods. You will develop and refine your skills in creative research methods, analysis of creative and practice-based research precedents, and critical and reflective interpretation of your projects. Using a wide range of primary and secondary sources you will learn to critically explore and evaluate design or lens media research practices. The module will cover research methods that will enable you to ask, learn, look and try things during the early exploratory stages of the creative process.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate critical appraisal of research methods for creative and critical practice.

LO2: Rationalise and devise appropriate research methods for practice-based projects.

LO3: Plan and undertake a sustained research investigation in the context of a creative major project.

LO4: Analyse, interpret and present a research assignment and supporting journal which includes the key findings of the research investigation.

LO5: Produce and appraise thorough research through the application of appropriate critical research methodologies.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, 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: Tom Flint
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Supervised time in studio/workshop 30 These sessions will include lectures, field trips and guest presentations of methods as well as student presentations. You will be guided and instructed in both the understanding and application of various research methods.
Online Guided independent study 170 In your independent study you will be expected to practice the methods presented and discussed in the studio sessions. You will be expected to present and discuss the work produced in your independent study.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Learning Log 40 2~4~5 Exam Period HOURS= 15 - 20 pages Over the course of the module, you will record activities in a learning log. This assessment is where you will create an outward facing document detailing your work over the course of the module.
Project - Practical 40 1~2~3~4~5 Exam Period HOURS= 1000 words You will create and present an A3 poster that can be physically interacted with. Accompanying the poster will be a 1000 word report documenting your process of creating the poster and the creative research methods you employed to develop it.
Oral Presentation 20 1~2~3~5 Exam Period HOURS= 60-90 seconds You will produce a narrative video of 60-90 seconds that demonstrates your final poster, it's production and your reasons for making design decisions.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Design Research and Practice
Research as Critical Practice
 

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