BA Honours in Design

The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design serves as a crucial bridge for students, propelling them into the realm of postgraduate studies while deepening their expertise in their chosen design discipline. Building upon the foundation laid during their undergraduate studies, this programme aims to expand students' knowledge, understanding, and experience of design as both a process and a way of thinking. 

 

Connecting theory with practice, studies in this programme refine professional expertise by delving into fundamental theory and research methods. Students embark on local and globally relevant research and design projects, applying design thinking to complex real-world challenges. The curriculum challenges students to design in diverse contexts, covering sustainability, commercial design, entrepreneurship, user experience, project management, and instructional design for online education. 

 

Interdisciplinary knowledge is woven into the program, encouraging students to see design as an integrating process benefiting from collaboration. Service Design, a core subject, involves significant group projects where students engage sustainably, ethically, and socially responsibly with peers, stakeholders, and local communities. 

 

Specialisations detailed below: 

• Ideation Design: Ideation Design is a specialisation that immerses students in the creative process of generating and refining ideas. It challenges them to think innovatively, fostering a mindset that transcends traditional boundaries. 
• Fashion Design: The Fashion Design specialisation is dedicated to the art and science of creating clothing and accessories. It covers the entire fashion design process, from conceptualisation to production. 
• Graphic Design: The Graphic Design specialisation delves into the realm of visual communication using graphic elements. It encompasses a wide range of design practices, from traditional print media to digital platforms. 
• User Experience Design: User Experience (UX) Design is centred on the holistic experience users have with products and services. This major emphasises understanding user needs and creating seamless, enjoyable interactions. 
• Interior Design: The Interior Design specialisation delves into planning and designing environments for people that impact how they live and work, by considering the psychological, emotional and physical needs and how interior design can best meet these needs.  

Successful applicants, further develop their chosen undergraduate design specialisation during the BA Honours in Design programme. For example; students enrolling with a degree in graphic design may not change to interior design during their Honours level studies.

In essence, the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design not only propels students toward advanced academic pursuits but also enhances their proficiency in their chosen design discipline. This programme acts as a vital link, building upon the solid foundation laid during undergraduate studies to foster a deeper understanding of design as both a process and a way of thinking. 

 

The Inscape Way 

 

Comprehensive Knowledge Base:  

The programme immerses students in a broad spectrum of design, providing an in-depth study of design history, theories, and contemporary practices. From fundamental principles to advanced concepts, students gain a well-rounded understanding of their chosen design discipline. 

 

Skill Development:  

Students undergo comprehensive training in both practical and soft skills essential for modern design practitioners. This includes technical skills such as drafting, 3D modeling (BIM), and industry-standard software, as well as soft skills like client communication, project management, and creative thinking. 

 

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: 

A core focus of the programme is to develop students' ability to approach design challenges with innovative problem-solving skills. Through project-based learning, case studies, and real-world simulations, students learn to analyse and respond to complex design scenarios, considering factors like functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and user experience. 

 

Application Across Various Contexts: 

Recognising the diverse applications of design, the programme prepares students to work in various contexts such as residential, commercial, and industrial design. The curriculum equips students with the versatility to adapt their skills to different design settings and client needs. 

 

Foundation in Principles and Practices: 

Students gain a thorough grounding in the fundamental principles of design, including space, form, colour theory, materials, lighting, and acoustics. Alongside, they are exposed to best practices in the industry, including ethical considerations, sustainability, and the impact of design on well-being and the environment. 

 

Readiness for Further Academic Pursuits (Articulation): 

For those inclined towards academic research or higher education, the programme lays a strong foundation. It not only prepares students for immediate entry into professional practice but also equips them with the academic rigor required for postgraduate studies, such as a master's degree. 

 

The Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Design at Inscape goes beyond traditional education, embodying The Inscape Way to prepare students for the dynamic and evolving world of design. This unique approach ensures that graduates not only possess specialised knowledge and skills but also exhibit adaptability, technological proficiency, and innovative design thinking, making them valuable contributors to the design industry.