Programme structure

MDes begins with a Compulsory Common subject, Research and Analysis for Design, followed by elective subjects that enhance individual student profiles and experiences. Students then concentrate on their specialism subjects in Studios and Lab Studies. The programme concludes with a Compulsory Common subject, Research and Academic Writing, along with a specialism Capstone Project or Industry Research Project to synthesise student learning.

ISD consists of a series of intensively taught subjects that support the ISD Studios and Lab Studies specialism.

1. ISD Studios subjects: encompass a variety of formats, including individual projects, teamwork, and both self-initiated and externally sponsored projects. This diversity encourages collaboration and creativity.
2. Lab Studies subjects: offer a unique platform for students to engage with real-world research projects. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced lab equipment, which is typically more research-oriented than conventional classroom materials. They also have the opportunity to work alongside established researchers in the field.

In addition to core subjects, a range of elective subjects is available, allowing students to customise their learning experience based on personal interests. Students are expected to demonstrate full commitment to their studies and thrive in a collaborative studio environment.
ISD culminates in an Industry Research Project, which integrates research, industry collaboration, social investigation, creative exploration, user understanding, and prototype testing to develop solutions for the selected project.

To receive the award of Master of Design, students must successfully attain a total of 37 credits from the following subject categories – Compulsory Common subjects for 6 credits, Compulsory Specialism subjects for 15 credits, Elective subjects for 15 credits (12 credits from Elective Pool A and 3 credits from Elective Pool B), and the Academic Integrity and Ethics (AIE) Requirement subject~ for 1 credit – and the non-credit bearing e-learning module of National Education.

 

Compulsory Common subjects (6 credits)

• SD5008 Research and Analysis for Design (3)
• SD5009 Research and Academic Writing (3)

 

Compulsory Specialism subjects (15 credits)

Specialism Major subjects

• SD5513 Theories in Interaction Design (3) or
• SD5514 Advanced Visualisation and Interaction (3)

 

Lab Studies subjects

• SD5532 Lab Studies in Intelligent Systems Construction (3)

 

Specialism Studio / Project subjects

• SD5538 ISD Specialism Studio (3)
• SD5539 ISD Capstone Research Project (6)

 

Elective subjects

Elective Pool A (12 credits)

Foundation subjects

• SD5114^Design Methods (Advanced) (3)
• SD5115 Design Project Management (3)
• SD5116 Design for Transformation (3)
• SD5511 UX Design Fundamentals (3)
• SD5512 Prototyping and Scripting (3)
• SD5411 Designing Services (3)
• SD5711 Design for the Biosphere (3)
• SD5712 Design for Change (3)
• SD5713 Design Systems Thinking (3)

 

Specialism Major subjects

• SD5117^Innovate with Lifestyle and Culture (3)
• SD5513 Theories in Interaction Design (3)
• SD5514#Advanced Visualisation and Interaction (3)
• SD5412 Advanced Service Design Methods and Tools (3)
• SD5413 Socio-Technical Service Ecosystem (3)
• SD5414 Systemic Innovation and Designing Future Services (3)
• SD5716 Regenerative Ecosystems Design (3)
• SD5717 Territories, Societies, and Spatial Complexes (3)

 

Elective Pool B (3 credits)

Interdisciplinary Studio / Project subjects

• SD5131^Interdisciplinary Project (3)
• SD5431 Interdisciplinary Studio (3)
• SD5731 Regenerative Environments Design (3)

 

Lab Studies subjects

• SD5132 Lab Studies in Human Cyber-Physical Systems (3)
• SD5531 Lab Studies in Systems Design (3)
• SD5532^#Lab Studies in Intelligent Systems Construction (3)
• SD5432 Lab Studies in Data-Driven Service Design (3)
• SD5732 Lab Studies in Applied Technologies for Territorial Design (3)

Academic Integrity and Ethics Requirement subject (1 credit)

• ABCT5T01~Academic Integrity and Ethics in Science (1)

Class Delivery Mode & Duration

Both full-time and part-time students follow the same timetable and attend classes together, which are typically held during weekdays.

For full-time students, the normal duration of the programme is one year, while part-time students typically complete it in three years. Each academic year consists of three semesters, including the Summer Term. A full-time study load corresponds to 37 credits per year, whereas part-time students take 6–9 credits per semester during Semesters 1 and 2.

 

Remarks:

# Denotes subject containing pre-requisite requirement.

^ Denotes subject containing co-requisite requirement.

~ Tuition fees will not be charged for the 1-credit AIE subject.