Design
Bachelor Programme
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Duration | Language | Campus |
4 Years Full-Time (Day) | English | Ilha Verde Campus |
This programme will prepare you for a career as a designer in a wide range of professional fields.
The Bachelor of Design enables students to develop the creative abilities and technical skills necessary to become competent design professionals. Students are exposed to a wide range of techniques and fields, with a particular focus on graphic design, digital design, product design, and furniture design. Digital design and fabrication are given high priority.
The curriculum emphasises ethics as well as expertise, requiring students to constantly evaluate the consequences of their work for human environments and societies.
The programme coordinator is Nuno Soares.
Student Experience
- Students are trained in graphic design, digital design, product design, and furniture design
- Students learn to design according to international standards while being grounded in the local context
- Students have access to a Design StudiosStudio and Specialised Fabrication Labs
- Students learn among internationally recognised professionals for skill development in a global context
Career Opportunities
- Graphic designer
- Product designer
- Furniture designer
- User Experience designer
- Digital Interface and Multimedia designer
Typical Applicants
- Have a strong interest in the design and creative fields
- Are interested in fabrication, prototyping, and manufacturing
- Have a portfolio of creative work (required)
Admissions Information >
Study plan & description of modules
For the programme’s government approval [in Chinese and Portuguese] click here.
Please click on any specific module below to see its description.
Modules
Year 1Integrated learning activities involving all skill areas help students practice and apply the fundamentals of English in a more varied setting and develop more accuracy and control of their spoken and written English. Reading activities promote vocabulary expansion and model accurate structure. Students participate in discussion forums and are introduced to presentation skills for groups and individuals. Logical thinking in both oral and written formats is guided. As well, students are introduced to the five-paragraph essay format and practice writing summative, descriptive and comparative compositions.
Students will concentrate on gaining grammatical control of their communication (subject and verb agreement, modal auxiliaries, singular and plural nouns, pronouns, articles, sentence structure, statements, questions, simple and compound sentences, prepositions, gerunds and infinitives, adverbs and adjectives, punctuation, and some complex sentence patterns). At the end of the module, students should be able to write a paragraph without making major grammatical errors. Development of the five-paragraph essay format will continue and students will practice writing compositions that are opinion-based, persuasive and begin to compare literature from different sources. Development will continue in regard to presentation skills and discussion forums.
This module provides practice integrating those reading skills necessary for academic success at university. These skills include reading for detail, inferring vocabulary in context, finding main ideas, critical reading, understanding sequence, summarizing, recognizing organization, and outlining. In addition, it emphasizes academic vocabulary. Students are introduced to language skills for research and are expected to apply previously taught presentation skills to give more analytical presentations. In this course students are also introduced to basic components of the research paper: abstract, data analysis and interpretation.
This module teaches advanced grammar necessary for academic writing. It includes a review of basic grammar and a detailed study of noun, adjective, and adverb clauses, as well as prepositional, participial, gerund, and infinitive phrases. It will also provide written composition practice. Students will be introduced to the argumentative essay structure including the refutation of counter arguments. Students will engage in more complex discussion forums, debates and participate in organizing public presentations.
Drawing is the fundamental language that designers in different fields use to communicate their design ideas to clients, manufacturers, builders, and others. This module uses a lecture/lab format, in which topics are presented by lecturers, then drawing assignments are completed by students. The assignments range from freehand sketching to technical drawing and orthographic projection. Students will also be introduced to the use of drafting tools and basic design drawing procedures.
"This module is an overview to the design field from its origins to the present day. The lectures will examine a variety of concepts and works ranging from graphics, product, fashion furniture, interiors, and architecture. These works will be positioned in a wider social, cultural, political and economical context within a historical narrative.
Together with a chronological overview of periodic styles, this module will have a thematic approach in order to address concepts and methodologies relevant to the discipline of design. This will allow a bridge between historical and theoretical knowledge and the practice of design.
This module will also take into account the relation between the object and its designer, as well as the evolving role of the designer — from industry related to activist, producer and creative leader. "
This course will cover a varied range of mathematical principles and discuss how techniques of effective thinking and creativity can be taught and learned through mathematics. Such mathematical techniques allow students to create new insights, new ideas, and new solutions, as well as develop critical thinking over a wide range of problems and real-life situations that they may face both on their professional and personal lives.
This module is an introduction to digital fabrication technologies applied in architecture and design fields. It will awaken and enhance students’ ability to three‐dimensionally present spatial and formal solutions, with a focus on rapid prototyping and material experimentation. Using physical models to test and explore design solutions should be any architect or designer’s primary tool, along with drawing and research. In the past, model making was mostly outsource to specialized companies with all its limitations in time, cost and interpretation. Digital fabrication technologies provide an opportunity for architects and designers to take over their digital plans and empower them to control the full process from the digital design to the physical model.
This course is designed to meet the needs of design majors by providing them with an understanding of the impact of graphic design on any design elements and everything in our society. Though lectures, discussions, and project analyses, students gain a basic understanding of how graphic design is used to visualize and communicate ideas.
"Architecture and Design are subjects that have a strong mathematical basis, namely Geometry, Trigonometry, Topology, and the study of patterns (including their modeling and generation), among other topics. In this course, students will establish the link between mathematics and design through the understanding of theoretical mathematical principles and practical exercises and challenges, some of them using computer software and algorithms as interactive examples of generative design.
In fact, with the advent of computers and new 2D and 3D-modeling software, formal manipulation and the creation of novel forms has become increasingly important in Design and Architecture. While these tools have made complex geometry much more accessible, an understanding of the basic principles behind these geometries is often missing. A basic knowledge of these principles will not only make these tools more efficient, but it will allow artists, communicators, designers to make much more intelligent formal explorations.
Furthermore, knowledge of mathematical concepts– such as the Divine Proportion, The Golden Section, Fibonacci Numbers, Graph Theory, Fractal Theory, Probabilities, Randomness, Recursion, Hyper-dimensionality, and Geometry in general - will allow contemporary designers and communicators to understand their designs on a deeper level. "
"This module focuses on the concepts, theories and methods of design thinking as a process to foster creativity and innovation.
The module addresses Design Thinking as:
A way of improving the existing products or conditions_a solution based problem-solving tool
A human centered enterprise
A mean of dealing with complex social and cultural problems_a tool to address a wide range of issues, ranging from graphic design, to sustainability, at both a micro and macro level. "
"The development of thinking skills is fundamental to learning. Students will learn how to develop higher order thinking skills, especially through an appreciation of different philosophic and logic systems and an understanding of important research results from the analysis of human thought processes. In addition, students will learn to reason ethically and morally through readings, discussion of moral dilemmas, and other suitable exercises. They will also learn principled and conceptual thinking and reasoning skills.
Topics will be discussed through case studies and students will learn and understand
important concepts of thinking through class and group discussion."
Year 2Students will learn and apply a variety of public presentation techniques useful for both individual presentations as well as participation in group discussions. An important aspect of the module is that it uses an active learning process whereby students learn a new skill and put it into practice. By the end of the module students are expected to possess a number of public speaking strategies that will help them to prepare any range of public presentations, including proposals, as well as have the opportunity to participate in seminar organization and implementation.
The primary aim of this module is to assist students in preparing themselves for the type of writing required for themes, essay examinations, term papers, and lengthy reports. The principles of rhetorical organization and development are thoroughly presented within the context of each student's language and cultural background. Students will engage in problem solving and idea development through the combination of independent investigation, and consultation with peers.
Students will practice the process, purposes, and strategies of persuasive and explanatory writing. Students read and discuss works by both professional and student writers and explore techniques of argument and persuasion in writing a series of 5-6 essays. The module stresses revision, relies on frequent workshops of student writing, and aims finally to sharpen the students’ ability to use evidence in a reasonable, convincing way.
This is an advanced interdisciplinary writing course module emphasizing critical reading and thinking, argumentative writing, library research, and documentation of sources in an academic setting. Practice and study of selected rhetorics of inquiry (for example, historical, cultural, empirical, and ethnographic) employed in academic disciplines, preparing students for different systems of writing in their academic lives. Throughout this course, students will: significantly improve their academic writing; develop an understanding of how members of a particular discipline conceive of and engage in the rhetorical practices of that discipline; demonstrate understanding of the key conversations, the forms, and the conventions of writing in a particular discipline; gain experience in the construction of knowledge within a discipline and practice using its discourse; read critically and analyze rhetorically writings from a particular discipline and use those lenses to frame their own discourses; write in the different forms and styles of a particular discipline; and develop techniques for conducting research on the Internet and with other electronic databases.
This module provides an understanding on the Chinese National Culture, it’s History and Philosophy. Furthermore, the module provides an overview of the key features and evolution of the China's political and legal system. There will be several topics covered in this course, including Chinese political ideology and organizations (the Chinese Communist Party and state institutions), legal and judicial systems and institutions, legislative systems and processes (the People's Congresses and the Political Consultative Conferences), and bureaucratic processes. In addition, the course introduces the concept of the One Country Two System and its operation."This module lets students explore approaches and techniques in product design. Examples of different kinds of consumer and industrial products from different genres and parts of the world are analyzed to identify their strengths and weaknesses from different perspectives, including aesthetic, functional, structural, ergonomic, cultural and usage patterns.
Students also work through a progressively more complex series of product design assignments, helping them to develop with confidence their technical skills, methodology and thinking approach. The final major project assignment covers the entire design process, from Research & Analysis to Concepts Generation and developing the Final Product Solution. "
This module introduces students to the broad range of metallic, ceramic, organic and other materials, and composites now in wide industrial use. Understanding the commonly used measures of performance of materials and the relative strength and weaknesses of different popular materials is emphasized. Processing treatments to adjust material properties, and methods and approaches to developing composite materials are also considered. Factors that influence the choice of materials, such as mechanical and chemical and other properties, costs, processing methods, are explored.
"This module lets students explore approaches and techniques in automobile and transportation system design, identifying strengths and weaknesses from different perspectives, including aesthetic, stylistic, cultural, technologic, ergonomic and usage patterns. This will have to be done in relation to the main phases of the ""creative automotive design process"".
Starting from the research & analysis phase in line with a given project brief in the field of automotive/vehicle (assignment), the students will have to generate new ideas and identify new automotive related concept opportunities mainly based on market research, project brief objectives and specifications (supplied by project sponsor).
Initially presented via ""concept boards"" including various medium such as diagram, text, hand sketch/renderings, mock-up, or any other necessary materials, the most promising design concept will be selected.
This last one will have to be further developed from a technological, functional and aesthetical angle using 3D CAD software (renderings, technical drawings, etc) and other explanatory materials such as text description, pictures and prototyping. "
"This module will act as an introduction to the graphic and interactive (digital) design fields. It will assist students with an understanding of graphic and digital products having in consideration technologies and relevant applications that are necessary for creating visually dynamic and graphic user-interfaces.
The knowledge and skills taught in this module are basic within the contexts of graphic and digital media. The module requires that students identify specific problems in cutting-edge products and encourages active participation in a variety of exercises using specific guidelines and principles.
Lectures will examine a variety of products, which will help students on future product development through best working practices. Students will also be powered with skills for the optimization of images, development of branded products and creation of graphical content for print and digital platforms."
This module introduces the basic topics of probability, descriptive and inference statistics. It covers techniques for counting and probability theory but not forgetting inferential statistics (parametric and non-parametric models).
"This course aims to explore the relationship between people and the things they engage or tasks they perform every day by establishing an iterative and applied design methodology which utilizes CAD/CAM systems for prototyping and 1:1 production.
With an undercurrent of sustainability, the course will develop a series of drawings and models testing and evaluating ergonomic designs for furniture or other physically engaging apparatus created out of flat-packable sheet material.
Starting with the collection and documentation of anthropometric data for each individual in the class, we will summarize and compare it with larger professional studies, to better understand our physical relationship with the objects and furniture around us. We will then move into individual designs, modelling with paper or cardboard and basic tools. Later we will learn how to prepare CAD files and operate a laser cutter so that models can be created with higher accuracy and thicker material. Following a number of iterations and pairing individuals to combine and re- evaluate designs, we will be creating the data for CNC milling the designs at full scale. "
Year 3Introduction to basic Portuguese with stress on oral drill and pronunciation. This course will focus on personal information.
Continuation of Portuguese I, introduction to basic Portuguese in context, and will focus on people and objects.
This course is the continuation of Portuguese II and will focus on public services and immediate needs, such as ordering food in a restaurant or complaining to the doctor.
This course will be a continuation of Portuguese III and an introduction to level A2 of CEFR with the introduction to the past forms.
This module provides students with an overview of major debates, trends, and factors that influence China's foreign policy. It will help students understand the pillars, principles and actors that shape the Chinese foreign policy. In this regard, the following topics will be explored in the course: the module will examine the actors, principles, constraints, and tools involved in the process of making foreign policy. On the other hand, the module will describe China's relations with the rest of the world through case studies. In order to achieve this, the course combines theoretical lectures, guest speakers, group exercises, and practical workshops. Additionally, this module will prepare students to conduct research on Chinese foreign policy.This module acknowledges the importance of temporal and spatial pixel-manipulation within digital media. It intends to develop the student’s technical and conceptual skills of render, lighting and materials, useful for presenting their design and architecture projects to clients. The module focuses on a commercial approach, presenting the students with real-world tools for the outside job market. The students will also acquire and understand the vocabulary on the digital medium, and will became familiar with creating digitally inside a 3rd dimension space.
The Woodworking module will encourage the students to develop the required skills to design & build an original furniture project, from concept to prototype. Students will improve their technical knowledge - materials characteristics, woodworking techniques and safe operation of hand and power tools - as well as develop their design skills - concept sketching, lateral thinking, technical drawings, ergonomics, project planning – in order to accomplish contemporary furniture project with an original approach to their form/function.
"The Infographics and Multimedia Design course provides students with in-depth, hands-on experience in the design and authoring of original multimedia works. Students will have the opportunity to study graphic design and interactive design, emphasizing both technological proficiency and visual literacy. By having a firm grasp on the visual, creative and technological components of multimedia and information graphics, the student will be ready to apply this expertise to a design job in the graphic design, advertising and marketing professions. Furthermore, this programme aims to develop learners in knowledge understanding and skills in graphic communication and multimedia through studio-based assignments. The contemporary context of Graphic Design will be investigated. As Graphic design moves from the creation of closed, static objects to the development of open, interactive frameworks, designers seek to understand their own rapidly shifting profession.
This subject, “Infographics for New Media” is going to be the students final design projects and they should use it as an opportunity to develop a communication graph that summarizes the best of their design knowledge and skills. Students should look for their design assets and where they see themselves working in the future, and use this knowledge to help in the development of their design concept and production of their design project. In the course of this module, students will be required to thoughtfully research, ideate, plan, prepare, produce and present their infographics, making the decisions – regarding the concepts, materials, technologies, strategies, etc. – that best translate their ideas.
Students will be asked to develop their Final Project under the theme “Infographics for new media”. The theme encompasses design projects that relate with the idea of developing emerging visual displays strategies within the scope of new media (web/mobile).
From start to finish, students will learn the core elements of info graphics and multimedia design. The module is divided in two parts: a first one that will explore and produce an offline infographic (5 sessions) and prepare it for the second part, that leads to the development of the infographic for the web (7 sessions). This course will explore several areas:
• Infographics concept and definitions
• History of Infographics
• Visual communication
• Digital tools for Infographics
• Multimedia design
• HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• jQuery
• SVG and SVG Manipulation from JavaScript
• Patterns for interactive Web Infographics"
"This module aims to approach the complex subjects pertaining to interior design, interpretation and re-interpretation of standard models and relations at different levels and scales, the comprehension of spatial organization, including the confrontation with mixed-use structures and the dynamics generated through design.
It addresses the disciplinary and operational concepts within the practice of design while deepening the critical awareness and understanding of the cultural context of interior architecture, as well as the development of the discourse that manifests the necessary vocabulary/knowledge and the ability to communicate the intentions of the project. As a result, the design process is considered as a means for the understanding of the built environment and a vehicle for the transformative intervention.
It is intended that by the end of the module the student will have acquired proficiency in the domain regarding the different aspects within the practice of interior design regardless of the topic and scale, from conceptualization and structuring of universes in terms of integration of programmatic components to choosing the respective furnishings, materials and lighting, including also the principles of construction. "
"The objective of this module is to able the student to be a creator..
In Design-Lab Animation the students are also given the knowledge of the most advanced tools today in digital animation creation, and are taught on the most efficient way to use them according to a real life production pipeline. "
"In the theatre, we say that people will only care to listen to you if you have pleasure to be on stage.
Our capacity to effective communicators is built upon this foundation: Play, Playfulness, Pleasure.
This class is designed as an introduction to acting and the interplay of human communication in the Dramatic arts. We will use the techniques or principles used in dance and theatre as a basis for developing your creativity, self-expression, collaborative skills and public speaking skills.
There are many ways to communicate. The performing arts are a great tool for problem solving, innovating, and working within constraints. You will learn to think creatively “on your feet”. There are no right or wrong answers in the process of creation, only choices that become more appropriate within the given circumstances. We all see that the world is both becoming more and more removed from social interaction, yet at the same time the same technology, has created a need for sharing ideas. Artistic self-expression has become increasingly democratic. At the heart of this dichotomy is the ability to communicate together. This class is part of that essential ingredient. To be comfortable with your own capacity to share your imagination, vision, point of view with others."
Year 4"This accelerated course module is designed for students of Chinese heritage and advanced beginners with good speaking and listening skills. The focus is on reading, writing, and grammar, along with continuing improvement of oral communication skills. The purpose of instruction is to utilize previous language background to lay a solid foundation for further Chinese language study.
本課程為母語為粵語或具有較高漢語水平的人士開設,旨在通過對學習者普通話听、説、讀、寫的訓練,提高語言水平,瞭解普通話的基本知識,為更高層次的普通話學習打下基礎。"
"This accelerated course module is designed for students of Chinese heritage and advanced beginners with good speaking and listening skills. The focus is on reading, writing, and grammar, along with continuing improvement of oral communication skills. The purpose of instruction is to consolidate the foundation which students have built in their first level Chinese courses, to expand their vocabulary, and to introduce them to more complex grammatical structures.
本课程为母语是粵語或具有较高汉语水平的人士开设。在进一步提高学习者听、说能力,改善交际技巧的同时,重点对学习者进行阅读、写作和语法的训练。"
Students read and discuss material from such sources as newspapers, journals, contemporary literature, media broadcasts and films. Students complete assignments in areas which focus on a practical application of Mandarin including in business, trade, tourism, education or linguistics. 本課程在學生完成普通話I、普通話II課程的基礎上,通過報紙、期刊、廣播、電影等大量現實語料的學習,幫助進一步讓學生進行提高語言水平,並能在商務、貿易等日程生活實際中正確運用。
"This module covers a variety of modern Chinese literary genres including essays, short stories, biographies, and criticisms. Emphasis will be on reading comprehension and expansion of vocabulary. Class discussions are on some substantive issues related to the readings.
普通話IV的講授主要包括三個內容:一是將繼續幫助學生提昇普通話水平,主要選用一些中國現代文學作品,包括散文、故事、人物傳記、評論等,作為補充材料,幫助學生理解、擴展詞彙的同時,瞭解中國社會及文化,並對一些相關問題進行討論,從而讓學生達到普通話的高級水平;二是普通話水平測試介紹及應試訓練;三是講授普通話教學法,幫助學生在教与學兩方面,於更高層次上瞭解和掌握普通話。"
The course aims to develop a basic understanding of China’s historical relations with the world. Specifically, it explains the socio-historical environment and cultural identity of Macau, covering key aspects of its development over four centuries. The module will enhance understanding of the key socioeconomic aspects in the relationship between China and the Portuguese speaking world. The course addresses Macau’s past and present, including the basic concepts, theories, principles and spirit of the Constitution and the Basic Law. It covers residents’ fundamental rights and duties, political structure, economy, and culture. Furthermore, key events that have shaped its geographical space, its demography and its plural communities will also be covered. The students will study and explore aspects of the history, economic and administrative development, and the social, cultural and artistic patrimony of Macau through lectures, film, fieldwork, and reading of local writers and specialists who had written about Macau and its people."This module provides an overview of Entrepreneurship as a structured process based on Innovation, and to Systematic Creativity. Students will undertake a journey that starts with ideas about existing needs and problems, in their field of expertise and converge into Business Models that describe how one can create, deliver and capture value in Products, Services, Experiences or Processes.
The module sessions is based on theory lectures and practical project development, where students explore tools and methodologies, that support them in their creative process and in formulating an innovative entrepreneurial endeavor. The business module is also validated by a target audience and is complemented with a strategy to attract the necessary funding.
Classroom sessions will involve presentations of concepts, group work, peer presentations, and discussions. For this module you students attend learning sessions and workshops and complete several individual and group assignments in class and in their own private study time. The learning sessions will be a mixture of discussions and teamwork, presentations, and other interactive activities. Additionally, students are expected to devote time each week to preparing for class and completing assignment work."
The portfolio is a carefully designed visual and textual presentation of the unified body of work of a student, incorporating their full range of projects, skills, and vision. It is a synthesis of all modules and topics areas within the course (design, technology, history, theory, communication) and a holistic means of assessing student achievements. As the most important document for demonstrating the quality and competency of the individual designer or architect, the portfolio is used nationally and internationally for entry into design or architecture schools, postgraduate study programs, and into professional practice.
"All students must complete at least eight weeks of internship at an approved design department office. During the internship, the students must keep a log of all their work, and examples of their outputs.
This module will run as a studio with no fixed sessions where the lecturer will assist the students with their final assignments. The lecturer will also be seeing how the students are doing in the respective organisation and assist the students if any issues arise."
"Students will be asked to develop their Graduation Projects under the theme of “In(com)possible Design”. The theme encompasses design projects that relate with the idea of developing compatible and consistent design products, where the two main concepts such as “impossible” and “compossible” are brought together. To be “incompossible” means to be unable to exist if something else exists, to be incompatible, inconsistent or not capable of joint existence.
The “composability” is a philosophical concept defined by the German Philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646 – 1716). It has a logical sphere more restricted than that of logical possibility. The “compossibility”, to exist, it is not enough that something is possible, it must be compatible with others that constitute the real world.
Out of Leibniz's theory, the notion of compossibility can be simply defined in the following way: two possible are composibles if they are possible at the same time.
Compossibility differs from possibility stricto sensu in that it is a possibility with something else. This notion draws attention to the fact that several individually possible facts are not necessarily possible with each other. Imagine a door, that can open and close. The condition “The door open” is possible; The condition “The door close” is also possible. So, we can confirm that both conditions of that door are compossible. But, in our real world, the door cannot be opened and simultaneously closed, in a sense that these two conditions, if put together, are “incompossible”.
The concept of incompossibility is very interesting when we thing about projects that relate to interactivity and interaction design. This concept should be understood as a continuity in terms of positive design, and as a strategy to develop innovative design products. Impossible design is possible, should it be in(com)possible?"
Student will have the opportunity to develop projects that focus on Integrated Marketing Communication approaches, facilitate theoretical models and hands-°‐on practice. Students will learn to prepare communication plan, as they attempt to communicate their advertising and promotion ideas associated with both local and global brands.
"Students will be asked to develop their Graduation Projects under the theme of “In(com)possible Design”. The theme encompasses design projects that relate with the idea of developing compatible and consistent design products, where the two main concepts such as “impossible” and “compossible” are brought together. To be “incompossible” means to be unable to exist if something else exists, to be incompatible, inconsistent or not capable of joint existence.
The “composability” is a philosophical concept defined by the German Philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646 – 1716). It has a logical sphere more restricted than that of logical possibility. The “compossibility”, to exist, it is not enough that something is possible, it must be compatible with others that constitute the real world.
Out of Leibniz's theory, the notion of compossibility can be simply defined in the following way: two possible are composibles if they are possible at the same time.
Compossibility differs from possibility stricto sensu in that it is a possibility with something else. This notion draws attention to the fact that several individually possible facts are not necessarily possible with each other. Imagine a door, that can open and close. The condition “The door open” is possible; The condition “The door close” is also possible. So, we can confirm that both conditions of that door are compossible. But, in our real world, the door cannot be opened and simultaneously closed, in a sense that these two conditions, if put together, are “incompossible”.
The concept of incompossibility is very interesting when we thing about projects that relate to interactivity and interaction design. This concept should be understood as a continuity in terms of positive design, and as a strategy to develop innovative design products. Impossible design is possible, should it be in(com)possible?"
"Design management is the area of design that connects the management of people with projects, processes and procedures behind a sustainable and experienced organisation. Design management relates to the management and relationships between different disciplines and responsibilities. This module reviews and examines the practical and operational actions and processes in typical design practices and the common issues and concerns that managers go through.
Design is not isolated from other fields and in fact it is part of a relationship. That relationship is what drives the problem-solving aspect, allowing it to unravel any challenge. In this module, we will explore that relationship, showing how design is managed and how it can have a positive impact and function comprehensively in relation to various contexts. Design management is one of the main challenges faced by anyone learning about and working within the design field, businesses and creative industries today. Design is accessible in a tangible way and it’s seen in people, projects, products and in services in which we are in constant connection every single day.
In this module, we will examine what are the differences between design management and design leadership and how to reconcile the two, explaining how students can merge design and business aspects effectively."
Together with a chronological overview of periodic styles, this module will have a thematic approach in order to address concepts and methodologies relevant to the discipline of design. This will allow a bridge between historical and theoretical knowledge and the practice of design.
This module will also take into account the relation between the object and its designer, as well as the evolving role of the designer — from industry related to activist, producer and creative leader. "
In fact, with the advent of computers and new 2D and 3D-modeling software, formal manipulation and the creation of novel forms has become increasingly important in Design and Architecture. While these tools have made complex geometry much more accessible, an understanding of the basic principles behind these geometries is often missing. A basic knowledge of these principles will not only make these tools more efficient, but it will allow artists, communicators, designers to make much more intelligent formal explorations.
Furthermore, knowledge of mathematical concepts– such as the Divine Proportion, The Golden Section, Fibonacci Numbers, Graph Theory, Fractal Theory, Probabilities, Randomness, Recursion, Hyper-dimensionality, and Geometry in general - will allow contemporary designers and communicators to understand their designs on a deeper level. "
The module addresses Design Thinking as:
A way of improving the existing products or conditions_a solution based problem-solving tool
A human centered enterprise
A mean of dealing with complex social and cultural problems_a tool to address a wide range of issues, ranging from graphic design, to sustainability, at both a micro and macro level. "
Topics will be discussed through case studies and students will learn and understand
important concepts of thinking through class and group discussion."
Students also work through a progressively more complex series of product design assignments, helping them to develop with confidence their technical skills, methodology and thinking approach. The final major project assignment covers the entire design process, from Research & Analysis to Concepts Generation and developing the Final Product Solution. "
Starting from the research & analysis phase in line with a given project brief in the field of automotive/vehicle (assignment), the students will have to generate new ideas and identify new automotive related concept opportunities mainly based on market research, project brief objectives and specifications (supplied by project sponsor).
Initially presented via ""concept boards"" including various medium such as diagram, text, hand sketch/renderings, mock-up, or any other necessary materials, the most promising design concept will be selected.
This last one will have to be further developed from a technological, functional and aesthetical angle using 3D CAD software (renderings, technical drawings, etc) and other explanatory materials such as text description, pictures and prototyping. "
The knowledge and skills taught in this module are basic within the contexts of graphic and digital media. The module requires that students identify specific problems in cutting-edge products and encourages active participation in a variety of exercises using specific guidelines and principles.
Lectures will examine a variety of products, which will help students on future product development through best working practices. Students will also be powered with skills for the optimization of images, development of branded products and creation of graphical content for print and digital platforms."
With an undercurrent of sustainability, the course will develop a series of drawings and models testing and evaluating ergonomic designs for furniture or other physically engaging apparatus created out of flat-packable sheet material.
Starting with the collection and documentation of anthropometric data for each individual in the class, we will summarize and compare it with larger professional studies, to better understand our physical relationship with the objects and furniture around us. We will then move into individual designs, modelling with paper or cardboard and basic tools. Later we will learn how to prepare CAD files and operate a laser cutter so that models can be created with higher accuracy and thicker material. Following a number of iterations and pairing individuals to combine and re- evaluate designs, we will be creating the data for CNC milling the designs at full scale. "
Year 3Introduction to basic Portuguese with stress on oral drill and pronunciation. This course will focus on personal information.
Continuation of Portuguese I, introduction to basic Portuguese in context, and will focus on people and objects.
This course is the continuation of Portuguese II and will focus on public services and immediate needs, such as ordering food in a restaurant or complaining to the doctor.
This course will be a continuation of Portuguese III and an introduction to level A2 of CEFR with the introduction to the past forms.
This module provides students with an overview of major debates, trends, and factors that influence China's foreign policy. It will help students understand the pillars, principles and actors that shape the Chinese foreign policy. In this regard, the following topics will be explored in the course: the module will examine the actors, principles, constraints, and tools involved in the process of making foreign policy. On the other hand, the module will describe China's relations with the rest of the world through case studies. In order to achieve this, the course combines theoretical lectures, guest speakers, group exercises, and practical workshops. Additionally, this module will prepare students to conduct research on Chinese foreign policy.This module acknowledges the importance of temporal and spatial pixel-manipulation within digital media. It intends to develop the student’s technical and conceptual skills of render, lighting and materials, useful for presenting their design and architecture projects to clients. The module focuses on a commercial approach, presenting the students with real-world tools for the outside job market. The students will also acquire and understand the vocabulary on the digital medium, and will became familiar with creating digitally inside a 3rd dimension space.
The Woodworking module will encourage the students to develop the required skills to design & build an original furniture project, from concept to prototype. Students will improve their technical knowledge - materials characteristics, woodworking techniques and safe operation of hand and power tools - as well as develop their design skills - concept sketching, lateral thinking, technical drawings, ergonomics, project planning – in order to accomplish contemporary furniture project with an original approach to their form/function.
"The Infographics and Multimedia Design course provides students with in-depth, hands-on experience in the design and authoring of original multimedia works. Students will have the opportunity to study graphic design and interactive design, emphasizing both technological proficiency and visual literacy. By having a firm grasp on the visual, creative and technological components of multimedia and information graphics, the student will be ready to apply this expertise to a design job in the graphic design, advertising and marketing professions. Furthermore, this programme aims to develop learners in knowledge understanding and skills in graphic communication and multimedia through studio-based assignments. The contemporary context of Graphic Design will be investigated. As Graphic design moves from the creation of closed, static objects to the development of open, interactive frameworks, designers seek to understand their own rapidly shifting profession.
This subject, “Infographics for New Media” is going to be the students final design projects and they should use it as an opportunity to develop a communication graph that summarizes the best of their design knowledge and skills. Students should look for their design assets and where they see themselves working in the future, and use this knowledge to help in the development of their design concept and production of their design project. In the course of this module, students will be required to thoughtfully research, ideate, plan, prepare, produce and present their infographics, making the decisions – regarding the concepts, materials, technologies, strategies, etc. – that best translate their ideas.
Students will be asked to develop their Final Project under the theme “Infographics for new media”. The theme encompasses design projects that relate with the idea of developing emerging visual displays strategies within the scope of new media (web/mobile).
From start to finish, students will learn the core elements of info graphics and multimedia design. The module is divided in two parts: a first one that will explore and produce an offline infographic (5 sessions) and prepare it for the second part, that leads to the development of the infographic for the web (7 sessions). This course will explore several areas:
• Infographics concept and definitions
• History of Infographics
• Visual communication
• Digital tools for Infographics
• Multimedia design
• HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• jQuery
• SVG and SVG Manipulation from JavaScript
• Patterns for interactive Web Infographics"
"This module aims to approach the complex subjects pertaining to interior design, interpretation and re-interpretation of standard models and relations at different levels and scales, the comprehension of spatial organization, including the confrontation with mixed-use structures and the dynamics generated through design.
It addresses the disciplinary and operational concepts within the practice of design while deepening the critical awareness and understanding of the cultural context of interior architecture, as well as the development of the discourse that manifests the necessary vocabulary/knowledge and the ability to communicate the intentions of the project. As a result, the design process is considered as a means for the understanding of the built environment and a vehicle for the transformative intervention.
It is intended that by the end of the module the student will have acquired proficiency in the domain regarding the different aspects within the practice of interior design regardless of the topic and scale, from conceptualization and structuring of universes in terms of integration of programmatic components to choosing the respective furnishings, materials and lighting, including also the principles of construction. "
"The objective of this module is to able the student to be a creator..
In Design-Lab Animation the students are also given the knowledge of the most advanced tools today in digital animation creation, and are taught on the most efficient way to use them according to a real life production pipeline. "
"In the theatre, we say that people will only care to listen to you if you have pleasure to be on stage.
Our capacity to effective communicators is built upon this foundation: Play, Playfulness, Pleasure.
This class is designed as an introduction to acting and the interplay of human communication in the Dramatic arts. We will use the techniques or principles used in dance and theatre as a basis for developing your creativity, self-expression, collaborative skills and public speaking skills.
There are many ways to communicate. The performing arts are a great tool for problem solving, innovating, and working within constraints. You will learn to think creatively “on your feet”. There are no right or wrong answers in the process of creation, only choices that become more appropriate within the given circumstances. We all see that the world is both becoming more and more removed from social interaction, yet at the same time the same technology, has created a need for sharing ideas. Artistic self-expression has become increasingly democratic. At the heart of this dichotomy is the ability to communicate together. This class is part of that essential ingredient. To be comfortable with your own capacity to share your imagination, vision, point of view with others."
Year 4"This accelerated course module is designed for students of Chinese heritage and advanced beginners with good speaking and listening skills. The focus is on reading, writing, and grammar, along with continuing improvement of oral communication skills. The purpose of instruction is to utilize previous language background to lay a solid foundation for further Chinese language study.
本課程為母語為粵語或具有較高漢語水平的人士開設,旨在通過對學習者普通話听、説、讀、寫的訓練,提高語言水平,瞭解普通話的基本知識,為更高層次的普通話學習打下基礎。"
"This accelerated course module is designed for students of Chinese heritage and advanced beginners with good speaking and listening skills. The focus is on reading, writing, and grammar, along with continuing improvement of oral communication skills. The purpose of instruction is to consolidate the foundation which students have built in their first level Chinese courses, to expand their vocabulary, and to introduce them to more complex grammatical structures.
本课程为母语是粵語或具有较高汉语水平的人士开设。在进一步提高学习者听、说能力,改善交际技巧的同时,重点对学习者进行阅读、写作和语法的训练。"
Students read and discuss material from such sources as newspapers, journals, contemporary literature, media broadcasts and films. Students complete assignments in areas which focus on a practical application of Mandarin including in business, trade, tourism, education or linguistics. 本課程在學生完成普通話I、普通話II課程的基礎上,通過報紙、期刊、廣播、電影等大量現實語料的學習,幫助進一步讓學生進行提高語言水平,並能在商務、貿易等日程生活實際中正確運用。
"This module covers a variety of modern Chinese literary genres including essays, short stories, biographies, and criticisms. Emphasis will be on reading comprehension and expansion of vocabulary. Class discussions are on some substantive issues related to the readings.
普通話IV的講授主要包括三個內容:一是將繼續幫助學生提昇普通話水平,主要選用一些中國現代文學作品,包括散文、故事、人物傳記、評論等,作為補充材料,幫助學生理解、擴展詞彙的同時,瞭解中國社會及文化,並對一些相關問題進行討論,從而讓學生達到普通話的高級水平;二是普通話水平測試介紹及應試訓練;三是講授普通話教學法,幫助學生在教与學兩方面,於更高層次上瞭解和掌握普通話。"
The course aims to develop a basic understanding of China’s historical relations with the world. Specifically, it explains the socio-historical environment and cultural identity of Macau, covering key aspects of its development over four centuries. The module will enhance understanding of the key socioeconomic aspects in the relationship between China and the Portuguese speaking world. The course addresses Macau’s past and present, including the basic concepts, theories, principles and spirit of the Constitution and the Basic Law. It covers residents’ fundamental rights and duties, political structure, economy, and culture. Furthermore, key events that have shaped its geographical space, its demography and its plural communities will also be covered. The students will study and explore aspects of the history, economic and administrative development, and the social, cultural and artistic patrimony of Macau through lectures, film, fieldwork, and reading of local writers and specialists who had written about Macau and its people."This module provides an overview of Entrepreneurship as a structured process based on Innovation, and to Systematic Creativity. Students will undertake a journey that starts with ideas about existing needs and problems, in their field of expertise and converge into Business Models that describe how one can create, deliver and capture value in Products, Services, Experiences or Processes.
The module sessions is based on theory lectures and practical project development, where students explore tools and methodologies, that support them in their creative process and in formulating an innovative entrepreneurial endeavor. The business module is also validated by a target audience and is complemented with a strategy to attract the necessary funding.
Classroom sessions will involve presentations of concepts, group work, peer presentations, and discussions. For this module you students attend learning sessions and workshops and complete several individual and group assignments in class and in their own private study time. The learning sessions will be a mixture of discussions and teamwork, presentations, and other interactive activities. Additionally, students are expected to devote time each week to preparing for class and completing assignment work."
The portfolio is a carefully designed visual and textual presentation of the unified body of work of a student, incorporating their full range of projects, skills, and vision. It is a synthesis of all modules and topics areas within the course (design, technology, history, theory, communication) and a holistic means of assessing student achievements. As the most important document for demonstrating the quality and competency of the individual designer or architect, the portfolio is used nationally and internationally for entry into design or architecture schools, postgraduate study programs, and into professional practice.
"All students must complete at least eight weeks of internship at an approved design department office. During the internship, the students must keep a log of all their work, and examples of their outputs.
This module will run as a studio with no fixed sessions where the lecturer will assist the students with their final assignments. The lecturer will also be seeing how the students are doing in the respective organisation and assist the students if any issues arise."
"Students will be asked to develop their Graduation Projects under the theme of “In(com)possible Design”. The theme encompasses design projects that relate with the idea of developing compatible and consistent design products, where the two main concepts such as “impossible” and “compossible” are brought together. To be “incompossible” means to be unable to exist if something else exists, to be incompatible, inconsistent or not capable of joint existence.
The “composability” is a philosophical concept defined by the German Philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646 – 1716). It has a logical sphere more restricted than that of logical possibility. The “compossibility”, to exist, it is not enough that something is possible, it must be compatible with others that constitute the real world.
Out of Leibniz's theory, the notion of compossibility can be simply defined in the following way: two possible are composibles if they are possible at the same time.
Compossibility differs from possibility stricto sensu in that it is a possibility with something else. This notion draws attention to the fact that several individually possible facts are not necessarily possible with each other. Imagine a door, that can open and close. The condition “The door open” is possible; The condition “The door close” is also possible. So, we can confirm that both conditions of that door are compossible. But, in our real world, the door cannot be opened and simultaneously closed, in a sense that these two conditions, if put together, are “incompossible”.
The concept of incompossibility is very interesting when we thing about projects that relate to interactivity and interaction design. This concept should be understood as a continuity in terms of positive design, and as a strategy to develop innovative design products. Impossible design is possible, should it be in(com)possible?"
Student will have the opportunity to develop projects that focus on Integrated Marketing Communication approaches, facilitate theoretical models and hands-°‐on practice. Students will learn to prepare communication plan, as they attempt to communicate their advertising and promotion ideas associated with both local and global brands.
"Students will be asked to develop their Graduation Projects under the theme of “In(com)possible Design”. The theme encompasses design projects that relate with the idea of developing compatible and consistent design products, where the two main concepts such as “impossible” and “compossible” are brought together. To be “incompossible” means to be unable to exist if something else exists, to be incompatible, inconsistent or not capable of joint existence.
The “composability” is a philosophical concept defined by the German Philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646 – 1716). It has a logical sphere more restricted than that of logical possibility. The “compossibility”, to exist, it is not enough that something is possible, it must be compatible with others that constitute the real world.
Out of Leibniz's theory, the notion of compossibility can be simply defined in the following way: two possible are composibles if they are possible at the same time.
Compossibility differs from possibility stricto sensu in that it is a possibility with something else. This notion draws attention to the fact that several individually possible facts are not necessarily possible with each other. Imagine a door, that can open and close. The condition “The door open” is possible; The condition “The door close” is also possible. So, we can confirm that both conditions of that door are compossible. But, in our real world, the door cannot be opened and simultaneously closed, in a sense that these two conditions, if put together, are “incompossible”.
The concept of incompossibility is very interesting when we thing about projects that relate to interactivity and interaction design. This concept should be understood as a continuity in terms of positive design, and as a strategy to develop innovative design products. Impossible design is possible, should it be in(com)possible?"
"Design management is the area of design that connects the management of people with projects, processes and procedures behind a sustainable and experienced organisation. Design management relates to the management and relationships between different disciplines and responsibilities. This module reviews and examines the practical and operational actions and processes in typical design practices and the common issues and concerns that managers go through.
Design is not isolated from other fields and in fact it is part of a relationship. That relationship is what drives the problem-solving aspect, allowing it to unravel any challenge. In this module, we will explore that relationship, showing how design is managed and how it can have a positive impact and function comprehensively in relation to various contexts. Design management is one of the main challenges faced by anyone learning about and working within the design field, businesses and creative industries today. Design is accessible in a tangible way and it’s seen in people, projects, products and in services in which we are in constant connection every single day.
In this module, we will examine what are the differences between design management and design leadership and how to reconcile the two, explaining how students can merge design and business aspects effectively."
This subject, “Infographics for New Media” is going to be the students final design projects and they should use it as an opportunity to develop a communication graph that summarizes the best of their design knowledge and skills. Students should look for their design assets and where they see themselves working in the future, and use this knowledge to help in the development of their design concept and production of their design project. In the course of this module, students will be required to thoughtfully research, ideate, plan, prepare, produce and present their infographics, making the decisions – regarding the concepts, materials, technologies, strategies, etc. – that best translate their ideas.
Students will be asked to develop their Final Project under the theme “Infographics for new media”. The theme encompasses design projects that relate with the idea of developing emerging visual displays strategies within the scope of new media (web/mobile).
From start to finish, students will learn the core elements of info graphics and multimedia design. The module is divided in two parts: a first one that will explore and produce an offline infographic (5 sessions) and prepare it for the second part, that leads to the development of the infographic for the web (7 sessions). This course will explore several areas:
• Infographics concept and definitions
• History of Infographics
• Visual communication
• Digital tools for Infographics
• Multimedia design
• HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• jQuery
• SVG and SVG Manipulation from JavaScript
• Patterns for interactive Web Infographics"
It addresses the disciplinary and operational concepts within the practice of design while deepening the critical awareness and understanding of the cultural context of interior architecture, as well as the development of the discourse that manifests the necessary vocabulary/knowledge and the ability to communicate the intentions of the project. As a result, the design process is considered as a means for the understanding of the built environment and a vehicle for the transformative intervention.
It is intended that by the end of the module the student will have acquired proficiency in the domain regarding the different aspects within the practice of interior design regardless of the topic and scale, from conceptualization and structuring of universes in terms of integration of programmatic components to choosing the respective furnishings, materials and lighting, including also the principles of construction. "
In Design-Lab Animation the students are also given the knowledge of the most advanced tools today in digital animation creation, and are taught on the most efficient way to use them according to a real life production pipeline. "
Our capacity to effective communicators is built upon this foundation: Play, Playfulness, Pleasure.
This class is designed as an introduction to acting and the interplay of human communication in the Dramatic arts. We will use the techniques or principles used in dance and theatre as a basis for developing your creativity, self-expression, collaborative skills and public speaking skills.
There are many ways to communicate. The performing arts are a great tool for problem solving, innovating, and working within constraints. You will learn to think creatively “on your feet”. There are no right or wrong answers in the process of creation, only choices that become more appropriate within the given circumstances. We all see that the world is both becoming more and more removed from social interaction, yet at the same time the same technology, has created a need for sharing ideas. Artistic self-expression has become increasingly democratic. At the heart of this dichotomy is the ability to communicate together. This class is part of that essential ingredient. To be comfortable with your own capacity to share your imagination, vision, point of view with others."
本課程為母語為粵語或具有較高漢語水平的人士開設,旨在通過對學習者普通話听、説、讀、寫的訓練,提高語言水平,瞭解普通話的基本知識,為更高層次的普通話學習打下基礎。"
本课程为母语是粵語或具有较高汉语水平的人士开设。在进一步提高学习者听、说能力,改善交际技巧的同时,重点对学习者进行阅读、写作和语法的训练。"
普通話IV的講授主要包括三個內容:一是將繼續幫助學生提昇普通話水平,主要選用一些中國現代文學作品,包括散文、故事、人物傳記、評論等,作為補充材料,幫助學生理解、擴展詞彙的同時,瞭解中國社會及文化,並對一些相關問題進行討論,從而讓學生達到普通話的高級水平;二是普通話水平測試介紹及應試訓練;三是講授普通話教學法,幫助學生在教与學兩方面,於更高層次上瞭解和掌握普通話。"
The module sessions is based on theory lectures and practical project development, where students explore tools and methodologies, that support them in their creative process and in formulating an innovative entrepreneurial endeavor. The business module is also validated by a target audience and is complemented with a strategy to attract the necessary funding.
Classroom sessions will involve presentations of concepts, group work, peer presentations, and discussions. For this module you students attend learning sessions and workshops and complete several individual and group assignments in class and in their own private study time. The learning sessions will be a mixture of discussions and teamwork, presentations, and other interactive activities. Additionally, students are expected to devote time each week to preparing for class and completing assignment work."
This module will run as a studio with no fixed sessions where the lecturer will assist the students with their final assignments. The lecturer will also be seeing how the students are doing in the respective organisation and assist the students if any issues arise."
The “composability” is a philosophical concept defined by the German Philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646 – 1716). It has a logical sphere more restricted than that of logical possibility. The “compossibility”, to exist, it is not enough that something is possible, it must be compatible with others that constitute the real world.
Out of Leibniz's theory, the notion of compossibility can be simply defined in the following way: two possible are composibles if they are possible at the same time.
Compossibility differs from possibility stricto sensu in that it is a possibility with something else. This notion draws attention to the fact that several individually possible facts are not necessarily possible with each other. Imagine a door, that can open and close. The condition “The door open” is possible; The condition “The door close” is also possible. So, we can confirm that both conditions of that door are compossible. But, in our real world, the door cannot be opened and simultaneously closed, in a sense that these two conditions, if put together, are “incompossible”.
The concept of incompossibility is very interesting when we thing about projects that relate to interactivity and interaction design. This concept should be understood as a continuity in terms of positive design, and as a strategy to develop innovative design products. Impossible design is possible, should it be in(com)possible?"
The “composability” is a philosophical concept defined by the German Philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646 – 1716). It has a logical sphere more restricted than that of logical possibility. The “compossibility”, to exist, it is not enough that something is possible, it must be compatible with others that constitute the real world.
Out of Leibniz's theory, the notion of compossibility can be simply defined in the following way: two possible are composibles if they are possible at the same time.
Compossibility differs from possibility stricto sensu in that it is a possibility with something else. This notion draws attention to the fact that several individually possible facts are not necessarily possible with each other. Imagine a door, that can open and close. The condition “The door open” is possible; The condition “The door close” is also possible. So, we can confirm that both conditions of that door are compossible. But, in our real world, the door cannot be opened and simultaneously closed, in a sense that these two conditions, if put together, are “incompossible”.
The concept of incompossibility is very interesting when we thing about projects that relate to interactivity and interaction design. This concept should be understood as a continuity in terms of positive design, and as a strategy to develop innovative design products. Impossible design is possible, should it be in(com)possible?"
Design is not isolated from other fields and in fact it is part of a relationship. That relationship is what drives the problem-solving aspect, allowing it to unravel any challenge. In this module, we will explore that relationship, showing how design is managed and how it can have a positive impact and function comprehensively in relation to various contexts. Design management is one of the main challenges faced by anyone learning about and working within the design field, businesses and creative industries today. Design is accessible in a tangible way and it’s seen in people, projects, products and in services in which we are in constant connection every single day.
In this module, we will examine what are the differences between design management and design leadership and how to reconcile the two, explaining how students can merge design and business aspects effectively."
Last Updated: September 2, 2024 at 3:47 pm