Module manager: Dr Kenneth Feinstein
Email: K.A.Feinstein@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
DESN3440 DESN3441
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The aim of the module is to critically appraise and employ appropriate visual research methods in the development and consolidation of advanced 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) Support students to develop their research informed practice-led project
2) Support development of advanced conceptual skills and its application to a high resolution.
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 within a professional environment.
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 integrate key theories and concepts. Objective 2 will be achieved through tutorial feedback and workshops. Interactive teaching in relation to research and ideation will be achieved through Objective 3. Objective 4 will support presentation and evaluation.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Analyse works, conceptually and aesthetically, in contemporary art and design to develop practice-led research.
2. Apply critical knowledge and engage in advanced critical dialogue in the fields of contemporary art and design in order to develop works to a professional standard.
3. Create a coherent body of work that reflects a critical understanding of the relationship between a conceptual framework and critical analysis leading to a completed creative project.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4. Present work within a professional environment using effective communication methods.
5. Reflect critically and analytically on their own practice and ability to communicate ideas
6. Assess different methods of communication by incorporating ethically aware and globally diverse perspectives in relation to different audiences.
The module provides students with the opportunity for the further exploration and consolidation of concerns that have developed in the Levels 1 and 2 modules. Students will employ appropriate media and processes to develop their ideas through to completed outcomes.
Using various media, materials and technologies, the student’s creative and imaginative interests develop through the creation of original artworks/artefacts incorporating practice-led research methodologies.
The final output of this module will include creative works and the presentation of practice-led research conducted in the development of this work.
There will be an emphasis on the exhibition context, issues of curation, display and audience.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Seminars | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Practicals | 20 | 3 | 60 |
| Private study hours | 522 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 78 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600 | ||
There are two summative assessments for this module. The first, the project concept, is designed to give students an opportunity to formulate an idea, articulate and use it to design a future work. This will give them needed foundation so that they can write grants, design exhibitions, or present projects.
The second assessment allows students to present a completed project in a professional exhibition environment. Along with this they will have a written component which will allow them to be able to reflect on their creative process.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Project concept | 20 |
| Coursework | Portfolio | 80 |
| 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