Master's Degree Programme in Product Design – Design in Complexity Programme description

In this master's program you will be challenged to take a role as a facilitator and designer, and sometimes even as a project leader, developing strategies, services, systems and product solutions. The skills, knowledge and insight you will attain during this study are regarded valuable in private and public sector within product, service and systems design, as well as design Research.

We do not seek to explain what design is neither from a practical, theoretical, or idealistic point of view; rather we recognize that our society and environment represent complex networks of relations.

To design for the shift towards sustainable societies, increased populations, digitalization of professional, social and private life, demands thus professional designers that can comprehend and visualize the grand picture, define scopes for work, and develop solutions in relation to different strategic levels.

On successful completion of this program, students are able to design for complexity. The complexity relates to the social/political, environmental, economic and technological contexts in which the designer as well as the product and service that they create, will perform and influence.

The programme leads to the Master's degree in Product Design

Who is this program for?

This education is for you who want to contribute to ongoing national and international design research projects, connected to institutions and industry.

During the study, you will be involved in design processes that are synthesized from the research front in design for complexity, culture, and aesthetics in contexts along with beautiful international and Norwegian students and staff.

On successful completion of this program, students are able to design for complexity. The complexity relates to the social/political, environmental, economic and technological contexts in which the designer as well as the product and service that they create, will perform and influence.

Complexity of nature, people, and industry and society

The design methods that you will explore society and environment through are therefore linked to complexity, and in extension systems theory and design. Thus, the Design in Complexity program offers courses that provide you with tools, methodology and new perspectives towards problem solving, innovation, as well as research. The Design in Complexity education offers the opportunity to practice analytical and research dimensions of design. Design Research, products and services can serve as catalysts for change in human behaviour, security, sustainability, perceived meaning, and quality of life. System-oriented approaches are specifically developed to recognize and handle such connections. Skills in handling these approaches gives insight to work on various strategic levels. You will be able to processes comprehensible amount of data, contexts and people in complex situations which may relate to market mechanisms, health and social services, elicitation of engagement and experiences, circular economy and the closing of material loops, as well as designing for sustainable living - in both local and global perspectives.

Designers for the future contexts - Mission oriented design

The goals of governments, international corporations and society in a broader context, are increasingly in line with the UN Sustainability Goals and the Paris Agreement. The EU strategy report on research (2018) expresses the need of mission-oriented approaches towards new knowledge and solutions.

By mission-oriented research, EU asks for solutions that solve essential problems causing global trends. The Design in Complexity master program will introduce to you these contexts and trends where you may explore connected tools and themes of research, as well as building your own identity and qualities as a designer, and thus be prepared for the next decades. You will be challenged to seek your mission and orient yourself along these tasks, both in an industrial context as well as for organizations and public institutions.

This education is for you who want to contribute to ongoing national and international design research projects, connected to institutions and industry. During the study, you will be involved in design processes that are synthesized from the research front in design for complexity, culture, and aesthetics in contexts along with beautiful international and Norwegian students and staff.

Admission requirements for the Master`s Degree Program in Product Design. Requirements are determined by the general regulation for master`s degree at OsloMet. In order to be admitted you need to have finalized a bachelor's degree which must include:

• in-depth design study or education equivalent to at least 80 ECTS or
• an integrated design program of at least 120 ECTS
• A portfolio that documents of your design skills and experience, through a carefully selection of your own design work. Please include a short text that explains the project.
• and lastly a letter that describes your motivation for applying the master program Design in Complexity. Your letter of motivation must also include your choice of specialization.

The two latter documentations, will be assessed by an academic committee at Department of Product Design, which will evaluate the candidates academic level within product and service design indimensions such as data gathering, design theory, process documentation, visualization, experience with materials and processing/production techniques.Ranking of applicants is based on this asessment only.

For more information about admission requirements, please see:

https://www.oslomet.no/en/study/tkd/product-design-master

Applicants with foreign qualifications

Applicants with foreign qualifications compete for places with applicants with Norwegian qualifications on equal terms, providing the foreign qualification is comparable to the Norwegian qualification. Applicants from outside Norway, Sweden or Denmark must be able to document sufficient skills in written and spoken English. The language skill requirements are listed on:

https://www.oslomet.no/en/study/admission/english-proficiency-requirements-masters

Language skill requirements

For admission to a masters degree program students must fulfill the requirements in the GSU-list (can be found on the website).

Varied and student-active teaching methods are used in the programme. Good learning outcomes are first and foremost dependent on the students’ own efforts. The number of hours of adapted teaching at the university will be relatively low. Own effort means both benefiting from teaching and academic supervision and following this up with independent work in the form of theoretical studies and, if relevant, practical skills training. Normal study progress requires students to make great personal efforts. The most important work and teaching forms used in each course in the programme are described below. The individual course descriptions state which work methods each course employs. Practical training is described in a separate chapter; see below.

Web-based work and teaching methods

Several forms of digital learning resources are used in the programme, such as digital textbooks, digital lectures, video clips, podcasts, tests, learning pathways and assignments. These resources can be used to prepare for teaching sessions, during seminars using the flipped classroom method, and as part of self-study. This form of teaching requires the students to meet prepared for the scheduled teaching sessions. Interaction can also take place digitally, in the form of Skype meetings, webinars etc.

Self-study and student cooperation/group work

Learning requires a high degree of own activity and self-study, including both individual work and cooperation with fellow students. Through activities such as exchanging ideas, presentations, discussions, writing assignments and problem-based assignments, students will be stimulated to learn by communicating knowledge and experience, expressing their own opinions and, together, reflecting on their own attitudes, actions and understanding of the field. Students are encouraged to take initiative to schedule and actively participate in study groups to promote learning.

Lectures

Lectures are primarily used to introduce new subject matter, provide an overview and highlight main elements and links within different topics, and also to communicate relevant issues.

Seminars

Seminars emphasise dialogue and discussion between the subject teacher(s) and students in order to stimulate the student's academic development. Verbal presentations by students and discussions are emphasised.

In connection with the master's thesis, seminars are held where the master's theses are presented and discussed. The students receive feedback from their fellow students and teachers, which enables them to learn from each other. Research-related issues, methods and academic supervision are among the topics discussed in the seminars. Seminars can also take place on digital collaboration platforms.

Written assignments and academic supervision

Through written assignments and the master's thesis, students will formulate research questions for assignments and work on them over time, either individually or in cooperation with other students. They will learn theory and develop skills in using and referencing sources, analysis, discussion and written and oral communication. The primary purpose of this is to develop their ability to reflect critically, see elements in context and develop a deeper understanding of a subject.

Developing academic writing skills is a key aspect of all parts of the programme. Supervision is an important component of the work on the master's thesis. The supervision is intended to ensure that the project complies with research ethics principles and help students to formulate the research question and ensure quality in the collection and analysis of data.

The increasing globalisation of the labour market makes international experience and knowledge of languages and cultures increasingly important. Internationalisation contributes to raising the quality of education and strengthens the academic community relating to the master’s programme, at the same time as it strengthens the students as global citizens.

The programme has a focus on multicultural and global problems. This approach contributes to an increased understanding and improves the students' ability to work in a professional capacity in a multicultural society. The students gain access to specialist terminology in English through the syllabus, which comprises both textbooks and international research literature.

The staff’s network, research collaboration and cooperation with colleagues in other countries contribute to internationalisation. The programme is represented in international networks.

OsloMet has exchange agreements with educational institutions in Europe and worldwide.

Courses adapted to incoming exchange students

The following courses have been adapted for incoming exchange students:

• MAVIT4050 Theory of Science and Research Methods, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT4060 Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT4100 Quality Improvement and Implementation of Evidence-based Practice, 10 ECTS credits
• MAPHN4100 National and Global Nutrition Challenges, 10 ECTS credits
• MAPHN4200 Public Health Nutrition Policies and Interventions, 10 ECTS credits
• MAMUS4100 Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions – Part 1, 10 ECTS credits
• MAFAR4100 Innovation within Healthcare, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT4700 Food, Health and Sustainability, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT4900 Quality of Life, 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT5100 Health Communication, 10 ECTS credits
• MAPSY4400 Mental Health of Migrants and Minorities, , 10 ECTS credits
• MAVIT5700 Pain – Multidimensional Assessment and Health Professional Interventions, 10 ECTS credits

The course MAVIT4100 Quality Improvement and Implementation of Evidence-based Practice will always be taught in English. The other courses listed above will be taught in English if international students have registered for them. Otherwise, courses will generally be taught in Norwegian.

Semesters adapted to outbound exchange students

Students who wish to take courses at an educational institution abroad as part of their master’s degree normally go on an exchange in the third semester. Students admitted to a specialisation that as a norm has a master’s thesis worth 50 ECTS credits can apply to instead write a master’s thesis worth 30 ECTS credits. The students are responsible for finding relevant courses at partner institutions and must apply to have them approved in advance. An international coordinator can provide guidance in relation to selecting a course.

Reference is otherwise made to the criteria that apply to student exchanges and the information about stays abroad.

Coursework requirements are all types of work, tests and compulsory attendance that are requirements for being permitted to take the examination. Required coursework is assessed as approved/not approved. The coursework requirements for each course are described in the relevant course description.

The primary purpose of coursework requirements is to promote students' progress and academic development and to encourage them to acquire new knowledge. The programme's main coursework requirements are in the form of compulsory attendance, written assignments and tests.

Compulsory attendance

Attendance is compulsory in areas where the student cannot acquire knowledge and skills simply by studying literature.

If a student does not take part in a group presentation, he/she must give an individual presentation to the lecturer.

If a student otherwise exceeds the maximum limit for absence stated in the course description, the subject teacher will consider whether it is possible to compensate for absence by meeting alternative requirements, for example individual written assignments. If it is not possible to compensate for the absence, the student must take the course the next time it is taught. Whether or not it is possible to compensate for absence depends on the extent of the student’s absence and which activities he/she has missed.

Written assignments

Several courses have compulsory written assignments or reports as part of their coursework requirements. Written work that is not approved must be improved before re-submission. If the work is not approved on re-submission, the student cannot take the ordinary examination/assessment.

The students are entitled to a third attempt before the resit/rescheduled examination. If an assignment is not approved the third time it is submitted, the student must re-take the course with the next class.

During the second semester, students will be required to complete practical training. This training has a value of 20 ECTS credits and is designed to give students real work experience in private business or the public sector. Students will acquire knowledge of relevant organisational models, decision-making mechanisms and gain experience of the methods used in the organisation. The goal is that students will be able to further develop their skills in the product design environment.

Individual cooperation agreements are entered into between the University and relevant businesses, municipalities and other public sector bodies regarding the practical organisation of specific student assignments which can be completed at the cooperation partner's location within a period of three months. The assignments will tend to involve research and development tasks at the cooperation partner's location. Practice in public sector may be that students assign to ongoing research projects within the institution. The student is assigned a contact person with the cooperation partner or the research project for the agreed time period. Guidance will come from both the staff working at the place of practical training as well as the University teaching staff.

As some businesses prefer that students complete a placement of between three to six months, the location of the practical training the study programme has been so positioned that students may extend their practical placement into the summer months. Placement that exceeds three months is a volunteer option, and is not a part of the formal study programme. Practice training more than three months do not account for more ECTS credits.

It is possible to exchange with foreign universities and university colleges in the second semester. We advise you to choose between one of the institutions with whom we have established agreements. It is possible to study abroad for one year as part of the master's education (60 ECTS credits).

Since the design-subject in itself focuses and evolves in an international context, the programme also includes activities with international lecturers, teachers, researchers and companies. Usually there are between a couple and ten international students in the class.

Coursework assignments

Coursework assignments are defined in the individual course descriptions and further requirements are described in the work and teaching plan for the course. Assignments are carried out individually and in groups.

Coursework assignments are given the assessment Approved/Not approved. In courses with coursework assignments, the students must receive an approved on the coursework assignments in order to be able to take examinations and be given a final assessment of the course.

Not approved coursework requirements

Legitimate absence based on e.g. a medical certificate, does not exempt students from meeting the coursework requirements. Students who due to illness or any other documented legitimate absence, who do not meet the coursework requirements within the appointed deadline, should as far as possible, be given a new attempt to meet the requirements, before the relevant examination.

Provisions governing examinations are laid down in the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges and the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet . The form of assessments will be approved/not approved for compulsory assignments, and Pass/Fail for the exam in the MAPD Practical Placement or in the other exams a graded scale from A (highest) to F (lowest) where A to E is a pass grade and F is a fail grade. The grade achieved in each course will be stated on the diploma.

Assessment methods vary between courses. They include written reports, oral presentations, physical models, prototypes, videos, portfolio assessments and oral examinations.

A portfolio assessment provides an overall assessment awarding one grade for the whole portfolio. Students may only appeal against the determination of the examination grade awarded for the whole portfolio.

If the portfolio consists of elements such as an oral presentation, practical work etc., the examination result cannot be appealed against. The right to appeal is stated in the individual course descriptions.

If the examination in a course consists of more than one part, all parts of the examination must be passed in order to pass the course.

A portfolio assessment provides an overall assessment awarding one grade for the whole portfolio. Students may only appeal against the determination of the examination grade awarded for the whole portfolio.

If the portfolio consists of elements such as an oral presentation, practical work etc., the examination result cannot be appealed against. The right to appeal is stated in the individual course descriptions.

If the examination in a course consists of more than one part, all parts of the examination must be passed in order to pass the course.

If the portfolio consists of elements such as an oral presentation, practical work etc., the examination result cannot be appealed against. The right to appeal is stated in the individual course descriptions.

Normally each course has two internal examiners to assess students' work. Each semester one course will be chosen to include an external examiner, thus the students' work will be assessed by one external and one internal examiner.

The Master's thesis is assessed by the one external examiner and one internal examiner, the supervisor is not a part of the grade setting in the master thesis.

The purpose of the Quality Assurance System at OsloMet is to strengthen the students learning outcome and development by increasing the quality throughout. OsloMet wants to cooperate with its students and their participation in the Quality Assurance System is crucial. Some of the overall goals of the Quality Assurance System are:

• Ensuring that the educational institution, including practical training, learning and study environment keep a high quality
• Ensuring the relevance of the study programmes for the professional field
• Ensuring a continuously improving quality development

Student evaluations:

• Course evaluations
• Annual student survey among the students at OsloMet

For more information about the Quality Assurance System, please see our website (available in Norwegian only): https://student.oslomet.no/regelverk#etablering-studium-evaluering-kvalitetssystem

External programme supervisors

External programme supervisors are a part of ensuring the quality of the individual study programmes. An external programme supervisor is not an examiner, but someone who supervises the quality of the study programmes. All study programmes at OsloMet shall be supervised by an external programme supervisor. However, how the external programme supervisors are used may vary. Reference is made to Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at OsloMet: https://student.oslomet.no/retningslinjer-sensorer