Module manager: Deborah Gardner
Email: d.a.gardner@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Creative Practice 2A DESN 2447 Creative Practice 2B DESN 2448
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will provide you with a deeper understanding of practical research methods in order to ideate, develop and consolidate contemporary art and design-led responses to contemporary themes. As a result, you will learn how to arrive at a critical understanding of the relationship between materials, concepts and processes. The module will enable you to further explore and develop skills, such as 2D, 3D, 4D, craft, technological and digital making processes available within the School of Design. A more focused engagement with research methods will develop your skills in critical appraisal and analysis. The module will also enhance your understanding of contextualised debates in art and design through visual and written research.
The aim of the module is to appraise and employ appropriate visual research methods in the development of experimental approaches to ideas and material processes. These methods will be employed in relation to Art and Design contextual themes.
The module objectives are to:
1) Provide students with key contextual theories in art and design-led practices
2) Support acquisition of advanced making and technical skills
3) Support students in the generation of research-informed responses to a variety of art and design themes.
4) Enhance students’ abilities to present and evaluate their art and design outcomes
Learning activities will consist of lectures, seminars, workshops and an integration of online resources. Objective 1 will be achieved by a lecture and seminar series that will outline key theories and concepts. Objective 2 will be achieved through workshops that will provide applied art and design teaching and technical instruction. Interactive teaching in relation to research and ideation will be achieved through Objective 3 and Objective 4 will support presentation and evaluation.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Ideate, experiment and apply a range of appropriate visual research methods in response to creative contemporary Art and Design themes.
2. Identify and evaluate relevant methods and resources in the research of contemporary Art and Design challenges.
3. Analyse appropriate research methods and creative outcomes.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Demonstrate effective skills in presenting ideas and practical outcomes through diverse output modes
5. Create critically appropriate art and design consolidated outcomes in response to a contextual project theme.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Practical | 22 | 2 | 44 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Independent online learning hours | 5 | ||
| Private study hours | 337 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 58 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
In addition to weekly group tutorials and regular seminar sessions, there will be opportunities for peer-led feedback in semesters 1 and 2 and individual student formative feedback tutorials with a member of staff at the end of semester 1.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | portfolio | 80 |
| Coursework | Reflective log | 20 |
| 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