2026/27 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

DESN5145M Interdisciplinary Art and Design

30 Credits Class Size: 35

Module manager: Dr Eirini Boukla
Email: E.Boukla@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Module replaces

DESN5445M

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Interdisciplinary Art and Design offers flexible and innovative approaches to visual and social issues and develops creative practice to a professional standard. The module introduces a theoretical framework for this and then engages with the possibilities and advantages inherent in a hybrid practice of Art and Design. Practice that operates at this interface in contemporary culture often provokes diverse audiences to speak out and think critically and creatively. The module will encourage students to explore creative projects across a wide variety of formats both digital, analogue and combinations of both. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.

Objectives

This module gives students the opportunity to:
· Employ theoretical and practical perspectives in relation to an integrated Art and Design brief.
· Explore the creative potential of interdisciplinary Art and Design approaches and critical design methodologies and interrogate the boundaries of the two disciplines.
· Investigate the potential of hybrid Art and Design artefacts in a range of contexts: creative industries, exhibition, museum, community, educational, public arena.
· Engage with the needs of audiences/users of integrated Art and Design practices in the specific context of experimental, critical, and creative approaches.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Establish a critique of contemporary art and design practices and how these disciplines interact with each other.
2. Employ appropriate research methods to create an art and design project.
3. Evaluate and analyse current theories, principles used in interdisciplinary Art and Design practice.

Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Conceptualise an issue and formulate a creative solution
5. Generate ideas, demonstrate originality and imaginative thinking, and think beyond expected or accepted ideas

Syllabus

A combination of lectures and practical sessions. Lectures will engage students with the theory, research and professional approaches to contemporary issues in interdisciplinary Art and Design. The lecture content will be built around (and inform) each stage of the research, design and the fabrication process. Students will develop the ability to incorporate their research and theoretical skills into the development of original creative works.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lectures 11 1 11
Practicals 10 3 30
Private study hours 259
Total Contact hours 41
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 300

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Each practical session will offer the chance of regular formative feedback on both written and practical elements. This will include staff and peer-to-peer critiques.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Portfolio 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team