Content

The programme comprises courses through which you create your individual specialization by defining your profile in alignment with the courses and themes.

The programme has two main focal points that are described in the syllabus as the aims of the degree:

• further development of one’s own design specialization
• critical reflection about design

Apart from your individual projects, the programme focuses on the investigation, analysis and critical reflection about design from a number of different perspectives. Not least in the hopes of a more sustainable society. The reflective part of the programme involves self-defined courses with theoretical contents as a basis for reasoned discussion. In the self-defined project you analyse and clarify the possible consequences of your project for individuals and society, and also the approach that governs your choices and your way of working.

Term one

starts with an introductory course in which you will be given the opportunity of getting acquainted with HDK, and the methods and basic conditions that are available. After that follows a sub course where there will be time and space for a self-defined project within a specific thematic. The thematic is formulated in class and focus will be on approaches relevant to communication and presentation, applied to exhibitions.

Term two

starts with a continuation of the previous term’s project work. People with different forms of competence in design will cooperate as a team and the project will be concluded with an exhibition directed at industry and market. After that you will also have time and space for a project which you will formulate yourself to deepen your sense of familiarity with your own process. During the term you will be able to choose a specialist course from a selection of thematic subcourses that may vary from year to year. Last of all, there will be a series of seminars and workshops which will provide a theoretical and methodical foundation for analysis of the world around, user-cooperation and the perspective of sustainability.

Term three

will give you time and space for the project you have formulated yourself in which, apart from more in-depth artistic and practical work, you are to apply a holistic perspective to what you are doing. The theme for this holistic perspective may vary from year to year, but it involves an analysis of the world around with the aim of broadening your horizons. Workshops, lectures and seminars will support and build a foundation for the reasoning and reflective aspect of your project. The term will be concluded with preparation for formulating your graduation project. After that follows a project where you as s student independently formulate and carry on a design project. The focus is on the design proficiency and the experience through personal interpretation.

During your period of study, you will have the opportunity of gaining experience of the job market through internship. You will also be able to extend your network of international contacts and your international know-how through exchange studies at one of HDK’s partner schools.

Term four

will be spent entirely on a graduation project as drawn up by yourself. All degree projects at second cycle (MA) level are exhibited at the Röhsska Museum after examination.

Text Lotta Kvist

Photo from the degree project of Maria Sandberg 2010.