Research course

Relational Design

Institution
Bangor University · School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering
Qualifications
MSc(Res)

Entry requirements

We invite applications from mid-career professionals or graduates of architecture, design, engineering and business; applicants with other backgrounds, such as ecology, or geography, are also welcome. All applicants are judged on their individual merits, plus work or business experience.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Relational Design Masters is an exciting new approach to the development of wellness-related products and services for a region. Framed by the opportunity presented by the three trillion euro wellness industry, its focus areas are adventure, tourism, and education.

You will learn how to combine a region’s social, technological and ecological assets in ways that create new livelihoods, viable services, and sustainable enterprises.

The Masters is not theoretical. It is designed to help you make a positive step-change in a live project. Your research efforts will be therefore be delivered in the form of a Business Proposal, an Exhibition, and a public Presentation to stakeholders and peers.

Our faculty and in-house experts will help you develop and tell your story effectively. Throughout the course, you will have access to our senior advisor, John Thackara – during his visits for live crits, and 1:1 on skype at other times.

The course is people and place-centred, technology-enabled, and design-led. It equips you with practical skills in design, prototyping new products and services, and business model innovation.

The Masters is based in one of Europe’s most resilient regions. North Wales enjoys unspoiled land, clean air and biodiversity; abundant water; sea; low population density – and ancient but still thriving cultural roots. The North Wales region boasts a dynamic innovation ecosystem of local firms, makers, hackers, and the North Wales Tech Community.

The course is based in Bangor University’s Pontio Centre. This thriving arts and innovation centre serves as an interface between education, research, and local social and business communities. You will have access to a range of world-class academic experts, including for example environmental science, sport science and psychology, as well as computer science and electronic engineering specialists.

Internationally, the Masters is connected in live projects with cities and anchor institutions active in Transition and Territorial Design, Health, Wellness, and Tourism. We are also involved in networks that are developing new business and governance models such as Cooperation Platforms.

Examination
 will be by Viva Voce; this takes place before the public presentation and exhibition of your work. The Viva will be before an internal examiner, external examiner, and chair. The course continues, intentionally, until August to give you time for reflection. and to prepare the next stage of your innovation research journey.

The Relational Design Masters is residential, and runs full time from September to August. The course language is English.

Research Excellence Framework (REF) score

The 2014 Research Excellence Framework recognised that more than three-quarters of Bangor’s research is either world-leading or internationally excellent. Based on the University submission of 14 Units of Assessment, 77% of the research was rated in the top two tiers of research quality, ahead of the average for all UK universities.

Information for international students

We have many years’ experience of making offers of entry based on qualifications awarded worldwide and we welcome applications from international students. Entry will require a qualification deemed to be equivalent in level to the UK bachelor degree. International applicants are normally required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. The minimum English language requirements will normally be:

  • IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each individual component score
  • Pearson PTE: a score of 62 (with no element lower than 58)
  • Cambridge English Test – Advanced: 176 (with no element lower than 169)

For information and further detailed guidance on entry requirements for International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages on the International Education Centre section of our website.

Fees and funding

UK students
£10,200
International students
£19,600 - The price includes cost of participation in an international project, including travel and accomodation on two international trips to Queretaro, Mexico.

Many sources of funding are available to students to assist with the cost of study. Click on the below links for more information.

Third-Party Sponsorship

As things stand, there is no funding in place in Bangor University specifically to support payment of the MRRD course fees. However, we are ready to assist as best we can in your search for sponsorship or industry support. The course is about the development of a live project. We therefore suggest that you approach companies, or public agencies, with the argument that their support would benefit them directly - not just you personally.

If you identify a promising candidate who might support your project on the course, our team will be happy to supply a customised letter in support of your application. In those cases, send me the name, title and coordinates of the individual to whom we should write. Be sure to include the website url of their organisation.

Paid Work

The Masters will be hosted in the coLAB Design Studio, which is located adjacent to the fabLAB. This provides an opportunity to engage with fabLAB activities during the day when it is open to members.

Training in the use of tools and processes in the fabLAB will be given as part of the Masters. Opportunities will exist to supervise fabLAB activities in the evenings. This currently pays £13.22 (Lab Demonstrator rates) for upto a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc(Res)
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Phone
01248 351151