Module manager: Sonja Andrew
Email: s.m.andrew@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module examines the relationship between materiality and design. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, it provides students with perspectives on how we use and perceive materials in a range of design/arts practices, examining the relationship between materials, concept, form and function. It provides opportunities to experiment with materials towards design outcomes and consider material culture, reflecting on the communicative value of materials to audiences, and how we engage with materials in different narrative and cultural contexts.
This module aims to explore the relationship between materiality and design, examining the role of materials in realising design/art concepts. It involves focused materials experimentation and examines how materials are culturally used and read within objects/artefacts. The module considers materiality from physical and virtual perspectives and examines areas such as cultural perceptions of materials, materiality and memory, material histories, and material innovations.
The objectives are to:
1) Introduce students to specific areas of material culture to inform their approach to design/art concepts and materials experimentation.
2) Enable students to build skills in in material processes through focused experimentation.
3) Support students to integrate materials practice and associated theory through evaluative reflection.
Learning activities are focused.
To achieve objective 1, a series of lectures will introduce students to specific areas of material culture. Students will build on this knowledge through their own independent research to inform their project development.
To achieve objective 2, students will undertake materials experimentation in School workshop areas and the studio, producing and evaluating creative and technical outcomes.
To achieve objective 3, tutorials within practical sessions will support students in evaluative reflection on the creative and technical progress of their own practice and its relationship to their material culture research.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Identify relevant primary and secondary research resources to inform concepts and process.
2. Develop knowledge of specific materials, processes and technical methods, demonstrating their application through focused experimentation.
3. Explain the relationship between materials experimentation and specific areas of material culture.
4. Employ materials experimentation in an effective final outcome for a selected design/art concept.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Apply effective visual and written communication skills to document, explain and present creative practice.
6. Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of their own work.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Practical | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Practical | 6 | 3 | 18 |
| Private study hours | 167 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 33 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
In addition to on-going feedback as part of the learning in practical sessions, there will be opportunities for peer-led formative feedback and verbal formative feedback from staff at a mid point in the module.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Portfolio | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
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