No Title

Student Handbook

of Academic Policies

and Procedures

Master’s Degree Programme

Kolding School of Design

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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

Table of Contents

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Programme by the end of the 7th

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.

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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

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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.”

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The semester assessment is conducted according to the following schedule:

7th

– 9th

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

10th

semester

Duration including deliberation: 60 minutes. The time is divided as follows:





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.

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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).

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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.

http://www.danishdesigners/

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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


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.

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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)

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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

School of Design the 19th

of November 2009.

A revised handbook has been approved by the Study Board of Kolding School of Design on the 30th

of September 2010.

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The Student Handbook of Academic Policies and Procedures has been approved by the Head of Education for the

Faculty for Education and Research 20th of November 2009.

A revised handbook has been approved by the head of education for the Faculty for Education and Research on the 30th

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

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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

and reflection

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

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 in-

depth 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



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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

decision

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

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

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

Dissemination ”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


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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

responsibility

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

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


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

world

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Appendix 2


Admission Requirements and Rules

The application

Assessment criteria

The admission interview

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. The applicant must have a degree from an accredited institution

B. The applicant must pass the home assignment

C. 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.

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.

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

Foreign applicants

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 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.

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Additional rules of admission

Deadline for appeal

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.

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

Page 1/1

Application form Master

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: ______________________________________________

Assessment Guidelines

Page 1/4

Appendix 4


Legal provisions

Assessment

Examination and Assessment

Procedures

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 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.

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

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.


Page 2/4

ECTS Credits

Grading

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.

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

Grading Scale The ECTS Scale Definition

12 A

Given for the outstanding performance,

demonstrating complete fulfillment of

professional goals, with no or few

significant deficiencies

10 B

Given for the excellent performance that

demonstrates achievement of

comprehensive classroom objectives, with

some minor deficiencies

7 C

Given for the good performance that

demonstrates achievement of classroom

objectives, with some deficiencies

4 D

Given for the average performance,

demonstrating a lower degree of fulfillment

of professional goals, with several

significant deficiencies

02 E

Given for the adequate performance,

demonstrating the minimally acceptable

level of performance of classroom

objectives

00 FX

Given for the inadequate performance

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.


Page 3/4

The Diploma

The Diploma Supplement

Course Work

Deadline for 1st year‟s

course requirements

Reassessment

Exceptions

Special Circimstances

Registration / Un-registration

Internal and External Examiner

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 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.

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.

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

the end of the 2nd

year (4th

semester). Special circumstances may grant an exception.

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

semester.

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.

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.

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.

Assessment after the 2nd

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.


Page 4/4

Bachelor Programme

1st – 5th semester

6th semester


7th – 9th semester

10th semester

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









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

follows:









Appendix 5 – Processing of complaints and appeals

Page 1/2

Appendix 5

Processing of complaints and appeals

Appeals

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


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.

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

Complaint pertaining to assessment

of student activity

Complaints pertaining to decisions

by Kolding School of Design

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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