Master of Design (by Research)

Enrolment in a master's by research involves the independent investigation of a research problem that has been formulated by the student. It is expected that the research undertaken will make a contribution to the discipline in which the student is enrolled by applying, clarifying, critiquing or interpreting that knowledge. Students are supported by a minimum of two supervisors throughout their enrolment.

Students develop a studio research project that results in a body of design works with accompanying written and visual documentation. The documentation is a commentary that outlines the development of the project and its conclusion, and provides a critical context within which the work may be viewed and assessed.

The design works are new works that demonstrate a conclusion to the research at the master's level. Works completed for other purposes, or before enrolment in the degree , are not permitted for inclusion in the exhibition. Unless site-specific, the faculty requires master's examination exhibitions to be conducted on-campus at the Caulfield campus.

Disciplines offered include:

• design
• graphic design/visual communication
• industrial design
• interior architecture
• multimedia/multimedia design.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Successful completion of the program will signify that the student has successfully completed a course of research training and has satisfied the examiners that they can carry out a research design project and critically analyse the results.

Conditions of enrolment

Students are to refer to the Handbook for Research Master's DegreesHandbook for Research Master's Degrees (http://www.monash.edu/migr/research-degrees/handbook/masters) for all policies and procedures relating to their enrolment.

Assessment

Examination normally occurs through an exhibition of design work and the supporting documentation. The documentation is not examined separately, but is considered together with the work and unites theory with practice.

This course consists of an original research project, creative or design works and documentation, and completion of two units.

Students must, in consultation with and under the direct supervision of a member/s of the academic staff:

(1.) carry out a program of research and design on an agreed topic approved by the faculty in the student's chosen discipline for a specified period, including attending and/or presenting at seminars and other related activities as indicated by the faculty

(2.) successfully complete a sequence of two units which guide them through the methodological and documentary dimensions of their project:

• MDS5022 Design theory workshop
• MDS5031 Research methods in design

(3.) submit for assessment a written exegesis of 10,000-20,000 words on the program of research including a photographic record of the design work being bound into the document which meets the requirements of the examiners.

(4.) stage an exhibition of original design work for examination.

Students are required to undertake regular progress milestones to support them in conducting research of an appropriate quality, originality and depth as required by their course of study, in accordance with the Graduate Research Progress Management policyGraduate Research Progress Management policy (http://policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/research/mrgs/grad-research-progress-mgmt-policy.html) and supporting procedures.