Module manager: Dr Tang Tang
Email: t.x.tang@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module aims to develop students’ understanding of contemporary theories and methods in social design and to equip them with practical tools to investigate and address social issues through participatory design processes.
Objectives:
· To develop your ability to critically engage with key theories and debates in social and participatory design.
· To strengthen your skills in identifying and investigating real-world social challenges through design research.
· To enable you to apply participatory and systems-based methods appropriate to your disciplinary practice.
· To enhance your capacity to communicate and reflect on design processes and outcomes through visual, written, and verbal formats.
Learning activities include lectures introducing concepts and tools, workshops for applying methods, and small-group tutorials for formative feedback on individual projects.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically analyse and interpret contemporary theories, practices, and ethical issues in social design.
2. Identify, frame, and investigate social challenges and opportunities through independent research and critical engagement.
3. Adapt and apply participatory and systems-based design methods to develop contextually relevant interventions.
4. Synthesise and communicate social, cultural, and environmental perspectives through coherent visual, written, and reflective design outputs.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Apply effective communication skills to present a coherent, evidence-based design argument to diverse audiences.
6. Synthesise research insights and critically reflect on their own social design practice to identify strengths, limitations, and areas for professional growth
This module introduces students to Social Design as a creative and critical practice for addressing complex societal challenges. Students explore how design can support social change, equity, and sustainability through collaborative, reflective, and systems-aware approaches. Combining theory, case studies, and practical projects, students will undertake co-design activities with peers, and where feasible with external community member or use groups, to explore how diverse perspectives shape design process and outcomes. The module encourages students to act as designers and researchers, reflecting on their positionality and ethical responsibilities in shaping social futures.
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.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Lectures | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Practicals | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 178 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will receive formative feedback through:
· Weekly workshops where staff provide verbal feedback on applied methods and evolving project ideas across the workshop cycle.
· Online small-group tutorial offering structured verbal feedback on research progress, design direction, and portfolio development.
· Brief in-class critique activities embedded within lectures to monitor understanding of theories, methods, and case studies.
These activities support continuous monitoring of student progress.
| 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
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