No Title

Student Handbook of Academic Policies and Procedures Master’s Degree Programme

Kolding School of Design

Table of Contents

Page 1/15

1. The Master’s Degree Programme 1.1

Objective of the Master‟s Degree Programme

1.2

Academic competence for the Master‟s Degree Design Programme

1.3

Learning outcomes

1.4

Professionally relevant competencies

2. Admission Requirements 3. Structure of the Academic Programme 3.1

Progress

3.2

Types of instruction

3.3

List of course requirements

3.4

Course progression

3.5

Examination models

3.6

Course descriptions

4. Programme Examinations and Assessments 4.1

The ECTS system

4.2

Assessment

4.2.1 External and internal examinations 4.2.2 The 7-point scale and pass/fail 4.2.3 Course participation 4.2.4 Semester assessment 4.2.5 Written tests 4.2.6 Examination language 4.2.7 Registration for examinations 4.2.8 Withdrawal of registration from examinations 4.2.9 Approval of study activities 4.3

Examination attempts

4.3.1 Make-up examination/assessment due to illness 4. 4

Special examination circumstances

4. 5

Examination requirements

4.6

Materials charge

5. Copyright 6. Exemption 7. Academic Credits 7.1

Application for academic credits

8. Leave of Absence 8.1

Application for leave of absence

9. Internships

Page 2/15

10. Exchange Programmes 11. Expulsion and Other Disciplinary Measures 11.1

Rules and regulations

11.2

Academic integrity

11.3

Procedures regarding breaches of rules and regulations

11.4

Penalties

11.4.1 Expulsion from an examination 11.4.2 Expulsion from the Kolding School of Design 11.5

Procedures for dismissal

12. Complaints and Appeals 13. Entry Into Force and Transitional Rules 14. Appendices: Appendix #1: Learning outcome objectives Appendix #2: Admission Requirements and Rules Appendix #3: Course Descriptions Appendix #4: Assessment Guidelines Appendix #5: Processing of complaints and appeals

Page 3/15

1. The Master’s Degree Programme 1.1 Objective of the Master’s Degree Programme ”The objective of the design programme is to provide the student with expertise, methodical skills, and professional competency within the design disciplines, including arts and crafts.

Based on artistic concepts, the design programme develops the student’s capacity for aesthetics, innovative design and problem solving skills through approaches which alternate between concrete, materials-based projects and abstract theoretical assignments - approaches which qualify the students for positions where they have to solve concrete and theoretical as well as abstract design problems.”

Pursuant to section 1, subsection 1 and 2 of the Ministerial Order of the Danish Ministry of Culture

Page 4/15

1.2 Academic competence for the Master’s Degree Design Programme The Master‟s Degree Programme is a two-year full-time study programme corresponding to 120 ECTS credits or two academic years. The programme qualifies the student to perform specialised roles within the field of design and also to carry out a wide array of job functions, for which project planning, innovation and analysis are core competencies.

The artistic, experimenting and research-based academic setting creates a platform where the students can develop their insight into the field of design, in addition to their theoretical and practical skills and competencies, which enable them to work on all aspects of design, both within the specific discipline and in interdisciplinary contexts in Denmark and abroad.

In collaboration with the Danish Centre for Design Research and other higher education institutions, the Kolding School of Design offers research programmes pursuant to the Executive Order on PhD programmes and the PhD degree issued by the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Act no. 114 of 8 March 2002).

1.3 Learning outcomes In addition to building upon acquired competencies from the Bachelor Programme, the Master‟s Degree Programme enables the student to apply design theories and methods independently. The programme also qualifies the student to perform and participate in artistic and scientific development work.

Pursuant to the ”Qualifications Framework for Higher Artistic Education Institutions under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture,” the student must possess the following qualifications in the areas of knowledge and perception, skills and competencies at the conclusion of the Master‟s Degree Programme: Knowledge and understanding  knowledge of the subject area which, in selected topics, is based on internationally recognized design professional development work and leading research in relevant disciplines  ability to understand and reflect upon the knowledge of the subject matter, and also to identify artistic challenges and scientific problems Skills  ability to master artistic methods, tools and forms of expression of the discipline and to apply relevant scientific methods and tools, as well as having a grasp of general skills linked to employment within the specific design discipline  ability to evaluate and choose between the artistic methods, tools and scientific theories of the pertinent subject area, as well as propose new expressions and approaches which are firmly grounded in an artistic or scientific basis  ability to present and communicate artistic expressions, artistic development, and in certain cases research-based knowledge, and also to discuss relevant professional and scientific issues with peers and non-specialists Competencies  Ability to control complex, unpredictable work and development situations which require novel solutions or expressions  Ability to initiate and complete professional and interdisciplinary collaboration and assume professional responsibility  Ability to take responsibility for one’s own professional development and specialisation

Page 5/15

1.4 Professionally relevant competencies The Master‟s Degree Programme prepares the student for employment in both the private and the public sector. Specific professional competencies depend on which specialisation the student chooses during the programme.

Depending on the specific professional profile, typical jobs for a candidate with a post-graduate degree from the Kolding School of Design could be:      

Graphic designer Illustrator Textile designer Fashion designer Industrial designer Interaction designer

           

Multi-media designer Accessories designer Process facilitator Story board designer Art director Interface designer Web designer Animator Motion graphic designer Brand director Game designer/art-designer Social designer

          

Museum educator Teacher Cultural assistant Project leader/project assistant Event coordinator/experience designer Communication assistant Purchasing department employee Magazine employee Exhibition designer Curator Consultant

Page 6/15

2.0 Admission Requirements A prerequisite for admission to the Master‟s Degree Programme is a degree from the Bachelor Programme at the Kolding School of Design in a relevant discipline. External applicants, who do not fulfil this requirement, may be accepted provided a departmental assessment deems them in possession of equivalent educational competences and skills.

If the student has not passed all of the Bachelor Programme course modules, the student can apply for a dispensation to enrol the Master‟s Degree Programme if special circumstances apply. If the student has not graduated from the Bachelor th Programme by the end of the 7 semester, he or she will be removed from the list of enrolled students at the Master‟s Degree Programme and will be enrolled solely in the Bachelor Programme.

The student will only be able to re-enrol in the Master‟s Degree Programme once he or she has graduated from the Bachelor Programme.

Admission requirements and provisions are described in detail in Appendix #2

3.0 Structure of the Academic Programme The Master‟s Degree Programme qualifies the student to pursue a specialisation within one or more design disciplines.

Here, the students have the opportunity to immerse themselves and specialise in specific, individually chosen design subjects. The objective of several of the disciplines of the Master‟s Degree Programme is to identify professional goals and implement the projects. Internships are a compulsory part of the Master‟s Degree Programme. The programme is focused on business and industry, thus business collaboration, both in regular projects and in the final examination project, is widely used. The school makes it a priority to prepare the graduates for a diverse business life, and we encourage the students to pursue special concentrations in many different fields. Advisors with relevant expertise provide the required professional assistance and thorough understanding of the special, highly diverse projects.

The programme is structured so as to ensure both academic context and progress during the two years of study. The programme encompasses:   

Disciplines of methodology and theory Project-oriented disciplines Disciplines of communication and dissemination

The academic content is both subject-specific and interdisciplinary. Subject-specific courses focus on introduction in topics which pertain to the particular discipline, whereas interdisciplinary courses embrace all design disciplines.

Page 7/15

3.1 Progress Each semester assessment will provide the student with individual, forward-looking academic and learning guidance to ensure and enhance his/her progress.

3.2 Types of instruction Instruction at the Kolding School of Design includes the following:       

regular classroom instruction project work with individual guidance team work with guidance study trip/excursion independent study exam assignments presentation with critique

Seminars and individual research and development studies are part of the total programme. Internships and exchange programmes are other types of learning experiences.

3.3 List of course requirements Lists of course requirements are primarily prepared by the Department Head and the study coordinators. The lists are approved by the Head of Education prior to the start of the academic year/semester.

3.4 Course progression Next page

3.5 Examination outline Next page, second item

3.6 Subject descriptions Subject descriptions with learning outcome – Appendix #3

Page 8/15

4.0 Programme Examination and Assessments 4.1 The ECTS-system The ECTS is the European Credit Transfer System. ECTS credits are a number value assigned to a discipline, which indicates the student‟s required work load. Examples are preparation, course participation, written assignments etc. One academic year is divided into 60 ECTS credits equivalent to the course load for a full-time student in one academic year or two semesters.

4.2 Examination 4.2.1 External and internal examinations Tests can be assessed by either external or internal examinations.

External examinations are conducted by the school‟s examiner and one or more external examiners. Internal examinations are conducted by the instructor/examiner and one or more other internal examiners. The designation “no external or internal examiner” indicates that the test is assessed by the instructor alone.

One third of the core courses of the programme are assessed through external examination by examiners officially appointed by the Ministry of Culture. The remaining two thirds of the courses are assessed by one or more instructors/examiners appointed by the Kolding School of Design. (See Appendix #2 Assessment Guidelines) 4.2.2 The 7-point scale and pass/fail system The test grade may be awarded based on the 7-point scale or it may be given the assessment “pass” or “fail.”

The assessment “pass” or the grade 02 indicates that the test has been passed. Tests which have been passed cannot be retaken.

Tests representing no more than one third of the ECTS credits of the programme can be assigned the grade “pass” or “fail, except for credit transfer tests, which are only given the grade “pass.”

All tests are assessed on an absolute, not a relative, basis. The academic assessment is based on the objective of the programme and the specific discipline.

4.2.3 Course participation Course participation is the sole form of assessment in selected courses; it is based on active and satisfactory class participation. At the start of the instruction period, the teacher determines and defines the concept of active participation and potential assignments required for the course. The term „satisfactory‟ means that the student‟s participation is given a passing grade and that the student has attended at least 75% of the classes.

4.2.4 Semester Assessment The semester assessment at the conclusion of each semester is a core element of the Master‟s Degree Programme. Here the student presents his or her work and projects completed during the semester. The work is critiqued, and forward looking advice and guidance is provided.

Students whose assignments or projects from previous semesters received a failing grade can re-submit these assignments for assessment during the following semester assessment. The head of department decides how much time will be added to the regular assessment.

The assessment is accompanied by a written semester opinion and guidance cf. section 18, subsection 2 in the Act on Tertiary Artistic Education Institutions. If, at the time of the assessment, there are non-passed course modules, an agreement must be entered regarding how to pass these. Moreover, as part of the semester assessment the student‟s performance is graded “pass” or “fail.”

Page 9/15

The semester assessment is conducted according to the following schedule: th

th

7 – 9 semester Duration including deliberation: 50 minutes. The time is divided as follows:  20 minutes for the student‟s presentation  10 minutes for questions from the internal and external examiners  15 minutes for deliberation  5 minutes for announcement of the assessment result th 10 semester Duration including deliberation: 60 minutes. The time is divided as follows:  30 minutes for the student‟s presentation  15 minutes for questions from the internal and external examiners  10 minutes for deliberation  5 minutes for announcement of the assessment result No sound or image recording is allowed during the assessment.

4.2.5 Written tests Written tests that are subject to external examination must be submitted to the Secretariat for Education in three copies.

For tests which are subject to internal examination only two copies are required. Technical problems in connection with submission of an assignment cannot alter a submission deadline.

The scope of the written assignments is included in the individual subject descriptions. The number of pages may deviate from the guidelines by plus/minus ten per cent. One normal page equals 2200 characters including spaces. Notes and bibliography, but not illustrations, front page, table of contents or attachments, are counted as part of the scope of the assignment. The front page of the assignment must indicate the number of characters/normal pages. Spelling and ability to express oneself is part of the assessment.

4.2.6 Examination language Tests, written assignments and semester assessments are normally conducted in Danish. Exchange students and Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish-Swedish and Icelandic speaking students may request that the examination be conducted in English. The student must inform the Secretariat for Education ahead of time if the examination is to be conducted in English.

The written portion of the final examination project must include a summary in English equivalent to one normal page.

4.2.7 Registration for examinations Students are automatically registered for all tests and assessments relating to the semester in which they are enrolled as well as tests the students failed in a previous semester.

4.2.8 Withdrawal of registration from an examination If a student wants to withdraw his registration from an assessment he or she must inform the administration at least two weeks prior to the assessment. Later withdrawals will be assessed as “fail” and will be considered one lost examination attempt.

If, for the exam/assessment, the student has withdrawn from course modules corresponding to more than 10 ECTS points of the course modules of the semester, the study activities for the semester in question cannot be approved.

If extraordinary circumstances, such as illness, apply, or a sudden, unforeseen event occurs immediately prior to or during the examination, the student may request an exemption to prevent this event from counting as an examination attempt. In case of illness, the student must provide a doctor‟s certificate. The student is responsible for the cost of the certificate.

Page 10/15 4.2.9 Approval of study activities At the end of each semester the student‟s study activities will receive the assessment “approved” or “not approved” based on the student‟s efforts throughout the semester.

A prerequisite for approval of the study activities is that the student has not withdrawn from course modules corresponding to more than 10 ECTS points of the course modules of the semester for the exam/assessment. Likewise, in order to receive an approval of study activity, the student must have participated in the semester assessment and have submitted a semester agreement in time. Submission date appears from the timetable of the study year in question.

The student will not be permitted to continue his or her studies, if the study activities are assessed as “not approved” for two consecutive semesters, or a total of three semesters.

Students who withdraw from an examination due to illness will not receive the assessment of their study activities until the subsequent semester assessment.

Students who are on exchange programmes or leave of absence can apply for a postponement of the assessment of their study activities until the subsequent semester assessment.

4.3 Examination attempts A student can only retake the same examination three times. If a student receives a failing grade in the same subject three times, he or she will not be able to continue the studies. If unusual circumstances apply the Study Board may grant an exemption and allow a fourth examination attempt. In exceptional cases, the Committee may allow several examination attempts, e.g. if the student only needs to pass one single test in order to have completed the Master‟s Degree Programme.

The student will not be permitted to continue his or her studies if study activities are not approved for two consecutive semesters or for a total of three semesters. The Study Board may grant an exemption in exceptional cases.

Students who are sitting for internal examinations for the second and third time may request an external examiner appointed by the Ministry of Culture.

4.3.1 Make-up examinations/assessment due to illness Under normal circumstances make-up examinations and assessments due to illness will be held in connection with the following semester‟s assessments. Make-up examinations of written assignments are excluded from this procedure.

Make-up assessments are conducted every semester on the Tuesday after autumn break and winter break, respectively.

Make-up examinations may be conducted in a different format from the regular assessment.

In case of the assessment of the final project, exemption may be granted by the programme administration.

4.4 Special examination circumstances Students with physical or psychological handicaps or equivalent difficulties may be offered special assistance in connection with examinations and assessments, if the Study Board decides that this is necessary in order to ensure equal opportunities for such students in the examination situation. It is a condition that this assistance will not result in a lowering of the examination standard. The Study Guidance Office will assist with the application to the Study Board and will provide additional advice e.g. submitting an application for SPS (Special Pedagogic Assistance).

Page 11/15

The transcript will not contain information about special assistance provided during the examination.

4.5 Examination requirements The student is not allowed to offer the same course work in order to pass the examination in several disciplines. This provision does not include the final project. Texts and materials which the students themselves have chosen may be offered for the examination provided they receive prior approval from the instructor within a stipulated time frame.

4.6 Materials charge The student must pay DKK 1,000 each study year for shared materials. However, on the fourth study year the charge is only DKK 500.

5.0 Copyright According to the Act on the Design Education, the Kolding School of Design “with all due respect for the students‟ copyright, does possess the copyright to the results or products created from solutions to problems (see subsection 2).

Subsection 2. If the project includes parties from outside the Kolding School of Design, such as companies, institutions etc. the school, the student and the third party shall come to an agreement about the extent to which the school, the student and the third party are entitled to make use of the results obtained in the course of the project. The agreement shall state whether information regarding the business of the third party, which appears in the finished project can be published.” (Act Section 32, subsection 1 and 2).

The Kolding School of Design also advises students to study the website www.danishdesigners.com.

6.0 Exemption Under extraordinary circumstances, the Study Board may grant exemption from rules and regulations instituted by the Kolding School of Design.

Applications for exemption from rules and regulations pertaining to academic matters or principles must be submitted to the programme administration no later than seven (7) days prior to the particular Study Board meeting at which the application will be considered.

7.0 Academic Transfer Credits Students who have previously completed an education, parts of an education or single subjects which may serve as a substitute for parts of the programme at the Kolding School of Design may apply to the Study Board to receive academic credit. The final examination project is not eligible for academic transfer credit.

Page 12/15

7.1 Application for academic transfer credits Application forms for academic transfer credits are available on the school‟s intranet. The Head of the Department must sign the completed application indicating his or her recommendation of whether the credits sought are merited. Detailed documentation regarding the content and academic level of the subject/subjects passed must accompany the application.

The application must be submitted to the programme administration no later than seven days prior to the Study Board meeting at which the application will be considered.

If the application is declined or partly declined, the applicant must receive detailed justification as well as instructions for submission of complaints/appeals. The applicant may appeal decisions, which do not fully grant his/her request to the Qualifications Board.

8.0 Leave of Absence At the student‟s request the Kolding School of Design may grant leave of absence of up to one full academic year.

Depending on the time of the leave of absence the student may resume the studies at the start of the September or the January semester.

Students on leave are still enrolled in the Kolding School of Design and are therefore not permitted to apply for admission to another academic programme during that period. At the conclusion of the leave of absence the student may find that certain courses and requirements of the programme have changed and they will have to continue their studies under the new provisions.

8.1 Application for leave of absence Application forms for leave of absence are available on the school‟s intranet. The programme administration approves the leave of absence.

9.0 Internship Internship at a company or an institution is a compulsory component during the first year of the Master‟s Degree Programme. Between 15 and 30 ECTS credits must be obtained through internship in a Danish or a foreign company or institution.

In order for the internship to be approved the student must provide a written evaluation of the internship and write an internship report.

10.0 Exchange Programme The student may collect ECTS credits at a Danish or a foreign academic institution which has been pre-approved by the Kolding School of Design.

The Head of the Department in which the student is enrolled must approve the exchange programme.

In order to receive credit for the exchange programme the student must submit proof of examinations passed including the corresponding ECTS credits. Students participating in exchange programmes for which no ECTS credits are awarded must be assessed by the Kolding School of Design.

Page 13/15

Exchange programmes at institutions with which the Kolding School of Design has no exchange agreement must receive approval from the student‟s department prior to the commencement of the programme.

11.0 Disciplinary Measures 11.1 Rules and regulations The student shall behave respectfully and properly at all times while he or she is enrolled at the Kolding School of Design, so that no harm is caused to other students or to the surrounding community. The student shall not cause harm to the possessions of the community or the Kolding School of Design.

The student shall obey all internal rules and regulations as well as signs and posted guidelines.

In general, the student shall obey the rules laid down by the Kolding School of Design.

11.2 Academic integrity During the course of the study and the examinations the student shall adhere to the principles of academic integrity and provisions pertaining to examinations and assessments.

Academic dishonesty is defined as plagiarism, suppression of academic information, cheating, fraud and other actions which serve to misrepresent the student‟s efforts or results. Failure to quote a source in written papers will be considered a suppression of academic information.

11.3 Procedures regarding breaches of rules and regulations The Head of Education shall consider cases regarding breaches of rules and regulations or examination rules as well as the principles of academic integrity. The Head of Education may bring the matter before the President.

Should a suspicion of examination fraud be raised the Head of Education shall investigate the matter and report it to the Principal, in case the suspicion of fraud is confirmed. Other serious cases of academic dishonesty shall also be reported to the Principal.

11.4 Penalties In cases of breach of rules and regulations the school can impose one of the following sanctions:  issue of a warning  expulsion from the examination  expulsion from the Kolding School of Design for a limited time or indefinitely The Head of Education and the Rector may terminate the matter by issuing a verbal or a written warning.

The Rector is authorised to dismiss a student.

In cases where the Head of Education recommends expulsion, this decision has to be brought before the Rector.

11.4.1 Expulsion from an examination A student may be expelled from an examination if he/she has cheated or helped a fellow student to cheat, or if the student has breached the rules and regulations of the examination or the assessment in some other manner. (See Appendix #2)

Page 14/15

Expulsion from the examination means that one examination attempt is lost and the student will not be assessed in the subject in question; a previously assigned grade may also be withdrawn.

11.4.2 Expulsion from the Kolding School of Design A student who in a gross manner or repeatedly breaches the school‟s rules and regulations may be dismissed if the Rector finds that expulsion is justified in order to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the school including examinations and assessments.

11.5 Procedures for expulsion The course director is responsible for adherence to the provisions of the Public Administration Act and for ensuring that the student is given the opportunity to express his or her views of the case before a decision is made.

The Head of Education may call the student for a hearing in order to further clarify the case. The student is allowed to bring along a person (expert) to support the appeal.

The decision of a lower-ranking faculty member may be brought before the Rector. In cases involving legal matters, the Rector‟s decision may be appealed to the Ministry of Culture. The appeal must be addressed to the Kolding School of Design, which provides a written response, which will be sent to the appellant. The appellant can submit comments within a period of seven (7) days. The school will forward the appeal to the Ministry with the school‟s response and the appellant‟s comments attached.

12.0 Complaints and Appeals 12.1 Assessment of complaints/appeals Appeals pertaining to assessments, including the performance assessment, must be addressed to the Course Director.

The appeal must be in writing and well justified and must be received by the Kolding School of Design no later than two weeks after the date of the decision. If extraordinary circumstances apply, the Kolding School of Design may make exemptions to this deadline.

An appeal has never resulted in a lower assessment than the original one.

Appeals pertaining to decisions made by the Kolding School of Design Decisions made by the Kolding School of Design may be appealed. The appeal must be received no later than two weeks after the appellant has been informed about the decision. The appeal must be in writing and well justified. In case of extraordinary circumstances the Kolding School of Design may make exemptions to this deadline.

13.0 Entry into Force and Transitional Provisions The current Handbook of Academic Practices is being drafted pursuant to Act on Tertiary Artistic Educations under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Order no. 889 of 21 September 2000 and Act on the Design Education at the Danish School of Design and the Kolding School of Design, Order no. 617 of 27 June 2003.

The Student Handbook of Academic Policies and Procedures has been approved by the Study Board of the Kolding th School of Design the 19 of November 2009. th A revised handbook has been approved by the Study Board of Kolding School of Design on the 30 of September 2010.

Page 15/15

The Student Handbook of Academic Policies and Procedures has been approved by the Head of Education for the th Faculty for Education and Research 20 of November 2009. th A revised handbook has been approved by the head of education for the Faculty for Education and Research on the 30 of September 2010.

The provisions included in the Handbook of Academic Practices shall apply to all students who are currently enrolled in the Kolding School of Design.

Appendices: Appendix #1: Learning outcome objectives Appendix #2: Admission Requirements and Rules Appendix #3: Course Descriptions Appendix #4: Assessment Guidelines Appendix #5: Processing of complaints and appeals

Appendix 1 Learning outcome objectives Master’s Degree Programme

Page 1/4

The below table displays the Kolding School of Design learning outcome objectives in relation to the current framework description for the Master’s Degree Programme of the advanced artistic educational institutions of Denmark.

Knowledge and understanding The field of knowledge

”Must within the subject area possess knowledge, which in specific areas is based on internationally acknowledged artistic practice, design professional development work and leading research within relevant subject areas” 

possesses knowledge of selected design professional areas corresponding to the highest international level



has substantial knowledge of professional information searching and a scientific approach to scientific literature



has knowledge of requirements and potentials related to a PhD programme

Level of comprehension

”Must comprehend and reflect on the knowledge of the subject area as well as identify artistic

and reflection

challenges and scientific problems” 

understands that various forms of realisation and knowledge influence design



understands which methods relate to different forms of realisation and knowledge



is able to identify links between knowledge generated through design professional development projects and knowledge generated in design research



is able to independently delimit, organise and prioritise knowledge



understands how to apply scientific theories and methods to a delimited project



understands how to frame and delimit a problem in a way that makes it suitable for scientific analysis



understands the difference between research and development



understands the requirements and potentials of the design profession



understands the design profession



is able to critically and independently reflect on the design profession in general and indepth on own area of expertise



is able to reflect on the process and method of a complex design project



is able to produce a written reflection of process, collaboration and result



is able to put a design project into an international context

Appendix 1 – Learning outcome objectives Master’s Degree Programme

Page 2/4

Skills Type of skills

”Must master the artistic methods, tools and modes of expression of the subject area and be able to apply relevant scientific methods and tools as well as master general skills affiliated with subject area employment” 

utilises and has an independent take on national and international research based knowledge



is able to apply theoretical concepts to explain the practical design work



convincingly utilises the scientific theory of the design profession together with an artistic design practice



masters the artistic techniques and methods of the design profession



is able to demonstrate an innovative design project in which mode of expression and aesthetics are at the highest artistic level

Assessment and

”Must be able to assess and choose from the artistic methods and tools of the subject area as

decision

well as the scientific theories and on artistic or scientific basis present new expressions and solutions” 

is able to identify and motivate a relevant design professional challenge



is able to analyse and assess own complex investigations and experiments



is able to assess and utilise the scientific methods, techniques and theories of the design profession in terms of setting up a design project

Dissemination



is able to analyse and assess complex design projects, processes and results



is able to identify strengths and weaknesses of a design project



is able to analyse and assess the core values and target groups of a company/institution



is able to analyse and assess the production facilities of a company/institution

”Must be able to perform artistic dissemination and discuss professional and relevant scientific problems with peers and non-specialists” 

is able to articulate and critically reflect on the design profession in general and engage in in-depth discussions of own professional area of expertise with peers, affiliated trade groups and non-specialists



is able to disseminate complex design projects including work process and results in writing, visually and orally to peers and non-specialists

Appendix 1 – Learning outcome objectives Master’s Degree Programme

Page 3/4

Competencies Space of action

”Must be able to control work and development situations that are complex, unpredictable and require new solutions or expressions” 

is able to identify an artistic and scientific problem



is able to complete and utilise a project description



is able to draw up and keep to schedule taking into consideration the space of action



is able to plan and carry through a design process from original idea to execution and presentation



is able to initiate, manage and complete a design professional development project



has practical experience working as a designer, independently or with a company or an institution



is able to organise and manage complex design projects



is able to manage complex and unpredictable work situations and activities, which require new solutions affiliated with development and implementation of design professional development



is able to put a project into perspective regarding a business, an artistic or a scientific context



is able to qualify one’s professional competency in correlation with a market

Collaboration and

”Must be able to independently initiate and carry through specialist and cross-disciplinary

responsibility

collaboration and claim professional responsibility” 

is able to identify a design professional challenge in conjunction with a company or public institution



is able to bring one’s design professional areas of knowledge, skills and competencies into play with those of others within complex contexts of subject and business



is able to collaborate with others on planning and carrying through a design process from original idea to execution and presentation



is able to claim professional responsibility for the completion of a design professional development project within a cross-disciplinary framework



is able to discuss a design project with peers and non-specialists



is able to engage in problem and solution oriented dialogue with peers



is able to engage in scientific dialogue with design researchers and peers from adjacent fields of research

Learning

”Must be able to independently claim responsibility for one’s own professional development and specialisation” 

is aware of own creative competencies and personal ambitions



is able to put into perspective one’s professional and personal competencies with regards to a future work life



is able to set up a complex professional goal for oneself

Appendix 1 – Learning outcome objectives Master’s Degree Programme

Page 4/4 

is able to relate one’s own competencies to the needs and expectations of the outside world

Appendix 1 – Learning outcome objectives Master’s Degree Programme

Appendix 2 Master’s Degree Programme Admission Requirements and Rules Page 1/3

Graduates from Kolding School of Design’s Bachelor Programme are automatically accepted to the Master’s Degree Programme. Other applicants seeking admission to the Master’s Degree Programme are only admitted if there are vacant student places and the applicants meet the following entry requirements: A. B. C.

The application

The applicant must have a degree from an accredited institution The applicant must pass the home assignment The applicant must receive a positive evaluation on the application and the admission interview

The application must include the application form (available on the web or at the Administration Office), copy of diploma and, if applicable, proof of English language test. The annual deadline for application is 15 April; classes start early September the year the application is submitted. If the applicant has not passed the qualifying examination by the admission application deadline, the diploma must be forwarded to Kolding School of Design as soon as it is received by the applicant.

The home assignment is available on the web page at a certain date. The date will be evident from a letter that will be sent to all applicants meeting the entry requirements. The applicant has about two weeks to answer the assignment, which will subsequently be assessed by a design professional panel.

Applicant names will be replaced by participant numbers ensuring impartial and anonymous assessment of assignments.

Assessment criteria

For the home assignment a design professional panel will assess and evaluate the applicant on the following attributes:     

Talent and personal development potential Ability to investigate and record at an advanced level Ability to apply the methods and tools of the design field at an advanced level Ability to identify problems and challenges within the field of design Ability to demonstrate one’s own potential

The applicant must forward a portfolio when submitting the home assignment.

The admission interview

Upon positive evaluation of the application the applicant will be invited to attend an admission interview. Shortly after, the applicant will be informed whether or not the applicant is admitted to the Master’s Degree Programme.

The admission interview lasts approx 30 minutes and is based on the applicant’s home assignment and portfolio. The interview takes place at Kolding School of Design. The design professionals assess the applicant based on the following attributes:

Page 2/3

   

Qualifying exams

     

Results

Ability to combine theory and practice Ability to analyse and apply practical and theoretical perspectives to one’s own design solutions Ability to perform an objective evaluation of theory and method Ability to set individual and professional objectives

Applicants with the following exams will be considered: Graduates from Kolding School of Design’s Bachelor Programme (who did not continue directly on to the Master’s Degree Programme) Graduates from The Danish Design School’s Bachelor Programme Graduates with a bachelor from the design departments of the architectural schools Graduates from the Advanced Programme at TEKO – “Industrial Design” Foreign applicants with courses that award bachelor credit or basic design programme credit from design universities/schools

All applicants will receive a letter informing them of the result of their admission test.

Eventually, the student places will be awarded to the most qualified applicants among those applicants who have passed the admission test. Passing the admission test is not a guarantee that the applicant is admitted to the Master’s Degree Programme.

The number of admissions to the Master’s Degree Programme varies from year to year depending on the number of internal students from the Bachelor Programme who want to continue directly on to the Master’s Degree Programme. Kolding School of Design graduates are given first priority.

Foreign applicants

Foreign applicants who do not have Danish or another Nordic language as part of their qualifying exam are encouraged to sign up for Danish language classes at a language school during their studies.

Furthermore, foreign students who do not come from the Nordic countries or an English speaking country must pass the IELTS test with a minimum score of 6.5 or the TOEFL test with a minimum score of 575 on the paper-based test or 88 on the internet-based test.

The Master’s Degree Programme is free for applicants from the EU or EEA countries. For other applicants, the tuition fee amounts to € 10,700 per study year (2010 figure).

All admitted applicants must expect to pay for their materials.

Applicants who already have a Master’s degree will only be accepted if there are vacant student places.

If special considerations must be taken into account, the applicant may apply for exemption from the qualifying exam and Master’s degree rule. The application must be in writing and be substantiated and any relevant documentation must be enclosed. The Student Administration will process the application.

Page 3/3

Additional rules of admission Deadline for submission of the exemption application is also 15 April. However, it is beneficial for both the school and the applicant if the exemption application is received and processed prior to the admission application deadline.

Kolding School of Design will make special considerations for certain types of disabilities.

Applications for special considerations must be attached to the admission application along with all necessary documentation. This application must be received no later than 15 April.

Appeal option If the applicant wishes to appeal Kolding School of Design’s decision regarding the applicant’s application for admission to the Master’s Degree Programme, the applicant can file an appeal with the school. The appeal must be well justified and must be addressed to the rector. The school will consider the appeal, and the appellant will receive a written response.

In cases involving legal matters, Kolding School of Design’s admission decision can be brought before the Danish Ministry of Culture. Decisions involving academic considerations cannot be appealed to a higher jurisdiction. The appeal must be submitted to the school, and the school will write a statement, which the appellant will be given at least one week to respond to. The school will forward the appeal to the Ministry enclosing the school’s response and any comments by the appellant.

Deadline for appeal

The deadline for appeal is two weeks from the day the appellant receives the decision.

Application form Master

Page 1/1

Birth date and year: ____________________________________________

Given name: _________________________________________________

Sir name: ____________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________

Postal number and city :_________________________________________

Country: _____________________________________________________

Nationality: ___________________________________________________

E-mail address: _______________________________________________

Phone number :_______________________________________________

Qualifying exam (enclose documentation in confirmed copy): ___________________________________________________________

Study area at DK: ____________________________________________

Signature/Date: ______________________________________________

Appendix 4 Assessment Guidelines Page 1/4

Legal provisions

Pursuant to Ministerial Order No. 617 of 27 June, 2003 covering the Design Degree at the Danish School of Design and Kolding School of Design, and pursuant to Ministerial Order covering the grading scale and other forms of assessment at certain educational institutions under the auspices of the Danish Ministry of Culture, the following provisions are laid down for the assessment of students:

Assessment

Assessment is used as a generic term for the pedagogical activities which conclude the instruction and course work of a semester. The students are required to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

Examination and Assessment

The student‟s proficiency, performance, and level of effort are assessed at the end of each

Procedures

semester (semester assessment). The student will also receive a professional recommendation with concise guidelines of how he or she should proceed academically in the following semester. The student receives the semester assessment in writing.

One third of the main areas of the Full Degree Programme shall be assessed by external examiners officially appointed by the Danish Ministry of Culture. The remaining two thirds shall be assessed by one or more faculty members appointed by Kolding School of Design.

An assessment commences with an explanation from the examiner outlining the formal procedures of the assessment. The student is requested to introduce his or her presentation method after which the student presents the project(s) including justifications for their proposed solutions.

Based on the student‟s presentation the appointed faculty members and the external examiner(s) conduct a conversation with the student regarding the project and the proposed solutions.

After the assessment the faculty member and the external examiner discuss the presentation. Deliberations are closed. In case of disagreement the external examiner‟s assessment shall prevail. The result of the assessment is announced to the student accompanied by a short oral explanation of the result. The assessment is public.

The certificate containing the grades and evaluations may be collected at the administrative office of the Institute after 12 o‟clock two days following the assessment.

Note: No sound or image recording is allowed at the assessment.

Assessment Guidelines

Page 2/4

ECTS Credits

ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) – the European system for educational credit transfer. ECTS credits are a value allocated to course units to describe the student workload required to complete them. One semester represents 30 credits, and each course is given a certain number of credits.

Grading

As of the academic year 2007-2008 a new grading scale was introduced which includes 7 numeric grades, compared to the ECTS grading scale consisting of letters. The new 7-level grading scale is directly translatable to the ECTS scale and is absolute, meaning that the grade is assigned based on the level of an “average” student, not on the level of other students in the specific class.

The 7-level grading scale includes the following 7 levels of assessment:

The 7-level

The ECTS Scale

Definition

Grading Scale Given for the outstanding performance, 12

A

demonstrating complete fulfillment of professional goals, with no or few significant deficiencies Given for the excellent performance that

10

B

demonstrates achievement of comprehensive classroom objectives, with some minor deficiencies Given for the good performance that

7

C

demonstrates achievement of classroom objectives, with some deficiencies Given for the average performance,

4

D

demonstrating a lower degree of fulfillment of professional goals, with several significant deficiencies Given for the adequate performance,

02

E

demonstrating the minimally acceptable level of performance of classroom objectives Given for the inadequate performance

00

FX

which does not demonstrate an acceptable level of classroom objectives

-3

F

Given for a completely unacceptable performance

All main course requirements are graded (including the first-year assessment, the examination project of the Bachelor Programme, and the final project of the Master‟s Degree Programme). A main course can be worth no more than 30 ECTS credits. The grade assessment follows the 7-level grading scale. However, up to 1/3 of the ECTS credits of the programme can be taken pass/fail.

Assessment Guidelines

Page 3/4

The Diploma

The diplomas for the Bachelor Programme and the Master‟s Degree Programme are issued

by Kolding School of Design. They include the grades achieved and the courses completed given in ECTS credits.

The Diploma Supplement

The Diploma Supplement is an English supplement to the student‟s diploma. It provides additional information pertaining to the academic institution, the content of the course curricula, the scope and academic level of the programme, and its professional relevance.

Course Work

No student who has been given the assessment ‟fail‟ three times for the same assessment is allowed to continue his or her enrollment in the academic programme; in addition, students whose course work is rated as „not acceptable‟ for two consecutive semesters or for a total of three semesters will not be allowed to continue in the program. st

Deadline for 1st year‟s

Students have to pass the examinations and assessments for the 1 academic year before

course requirements

the end of the 2

Reassessment

Reassessment normally takes place in connection with the assessment for the following

nd

th

year (4 semester). Special circumstances may grant an exception.

semester.

Exceptions

If students fail to complete course requirements for the Bachelor Programme they may request a special permission for admission to the Master‟s Degree Programme from the Faculty-Student Committee; the application should be forwarded to the Office of Academic Administration.

Special Circimstances

The Office of Academic Administration can assist physically or mentally challenged students or non-Danish-speaking students by providing guidance and special aid for special purposes. It is assumed, however, that the aid does not directly influence the student‟s academic achievement.

Registration / Un-registration

Kolding School of Design will register a student for the examinations and assessments required by the course curriculum. Students may un-register for the examinations and assessments by written application to the academic advisors.

Internal and External Examiner

Assessment after the 2

nd

semester is performed by a faculty member appointed by Kolding

School of Design and an external examiner appointed by the Danish Ministry of Culture. The Bachelor Programme segment concludes with an assessment project. A faculty member from Kolding School of Design and an external examiner appointed by the Danish Ministry of Culture perform the assessment of this project.

Assessment Guidelines

Page 4/4

Bachelor Programme 1st – 5th semester

The schedule for Bachelor Programme assessment after each semester is as follows: 

20 minutes for the student‟s presentation



10 minutes for questions from the internal and external examiners



15 minutes for deliberation



5 minutes for announcement of the assessment result



30 minutes for the student‟s presentation



10 minutes for questions from the internal and external examiners



15 minutes for deliberation



5 minutes for announcement of the assessment result

6th semester

Master’s Degree Programme 7th – 9th semester

The schedule for the Master‟s Degree Programme assessment after each semester is as follows:

10th semester

Assessment Guidelines



20 minutes for the student‟s presentation



10 minutes for questions from the internal and external examiners



15 minutes for deliberation



5 minutes for announcement of the assessment result



30 minutes for the student‟s presentation



15 minutes for questions from the internal and external examiners



10 minutes for deliberation



5 minutes for announcement of the assessment result

Appendix 5 Processing of complaints and appeals

Page 1/2

Complaints pertaining to assessments are processed in compliance with Ministerial Order no. 617 of 27 June 2003 regarding the design education at The Danish Design School and Kolding School of Design.

Complaints can pertain to: 

the basis for the assessment (the set assignment)



the approval of the choice of exam project (the Bachelor Programme) or graduation project (the Master’s Degree Programme)



the assessment process



the assessment

Complaints must be in writing and must be received by the school no later than two weeks after the date of the decision. If extraordinary circumstances apply Kolding School of Design may make exemptions to this deadline.

The complaint must be put before the original adjudicators who can either dismiss the complaint or conduct a new assessment. The complaint can only be dismissed in case of a unanimous decision by the assessment panel. In case of dissent, there will be a new assessment.

No later than two weeks after the submission of a complaint, the adjudicators must have completed the complaint and informed Kolding School of Design about their decision.

If a complaint results in a reassessment, new assessments must be conducted for all students if the assessments show similar deficiencies. Possibly, Kolding School of Design can appoint new adjudicators to conduct the reassessment.

A complaint cannot lead to a poorer assessment than the original.

Appeals

The decision by the adjudicators to dismiss or reassess a complaint can be brought before an appeals board. The appeal must be in writing and submitted to Kolding School of Design no later than two weeks after the appellant has been informed about the decision. In case of extraordinary circumstances Kolding School of Design may make exemptions to this deadline.

Appeals boards are set up according to need and as soon as possible after receiving an appeal. The board comprises of two censors appointed by the Danish Ministry of Culture,

Appendix 5 – Processing of complaints and appeals

Page 2/2

one of whom is appointed chairman, along with one teacher and one student from the study unit in question. These are appointed by Kolding School of Design.

If the appeals board cannot reach an agreement, the decision will be put to a vote. In the event of a tie, the chairman’s vote will be decisive.

The appeals board can dismiss the appeal or decide that a new assessment by new adjudicators is in order. In the event of a new assessment, the appeals board will appoint the new adjudicators of whom at least one must be appointed by the Danish Ministry of Culture.

If the appeals board decides that a new assessment is in order this applies to all students who have received a similar deficient assessment of the same assignment.

Kolding School of Design must be informed about the decision of the appeals board no later than two months after the submission of the appeal.

An appeal cannot lead to a poorer assessment than the original. Students are allowed to continue their studies during the processing of complaints or appeals.

Complaint pertaining to assessment Any complaints pertaining to the assessment of student activity must be in writing and of student activity

submitted to Kolding School of Design no later than two weeks after being presented with the activity statement. In case of extraordinary circumstances Kolding School of Design may make exemptions to this deadline.

The complaint is brought before the study unit in question. The teachers can change the activity statement or dismiss the complaint. No later than two weeks after the submission of a complaint it must be completed and Kolding School of Design must be informed about the decision. The complainant will be notified of the decision as quickly as possible.

In case of disagreement among the teachers the decision will be up to an internal appeals board comprising of rector or rector’s substitute, the head of department of the study unit in question and a student representative from the study unit.

If the appeals board is not able to reach a unanimous decision, the decision will be put to a vote. The decision by the appeals board is final.

Complaints pertaining to decisions

In legal student matters, Kolding School of Design’s decisions can be brought before the

by Kolding School of Design

Danish Ministry of Culture. The complaint must be submitted to Kolding School of Design, which will then make a statement. The complainant must be given no less than one week to comment the statement. The statement as well as any comments by the complainant must be forwarded to the Danish Ministry of Culture.

Appendix 5 – Processing of complaints and appeals