Pre-Master Programme

The Pre-Master's offers a hands-on introduction to the research-based design approach of DAE's Master’s departments, where creative practices become ways of investigating the world, not just tools for translating research. Maybe you can make things, but can you learn about something by making? Maybe you can do research, but can you do that through creative practices?

Are you curious if design research is for you? Or, do you want to apply to an MA department but don’t feel ready? This six-month Saturday course is for people who have graduated or are graduating from a BA and offers the opportunitiy to learn to do research through design.

Register here

LEARNING AIMS

In the Pre-Master's you will learn:

• Situating: understanding how design affects your research topic.
• Positioning: formulating a research question based on how you relate to a topic.
• Artistic research: using creative practices as methods of exploring a question.
• Narration: analysing findings through storytelling.
• Materialisation: sharing findings by making works in an exhibition setting.

Throughout the programme, you will also get a sense of the five Master’s departments and the experience of studying at DAE.

THE PROGRAMME

You will be guided by a core team of five tutors, who are alumni from the range of Master’s programmes, and will bring in their individual expertise:

• Tutor Narration: Louisa Wolf graduated from Information Design in 2022 and works as documentation manager at Project Kamp, connecting video, web and graphics through storytelling and design research.
• Tutor Artistic Research: Soph Boobyer graduated from Geo—Design in 2023 and works as a curator, researching exhibition-making and collective labour. She makes up half of graft. 
• Tutor Situating: Léa Cadieux graduated from Social Design in 2022, her practice explores media as material for connection and she works at the Trans Realities Lab of DAE.
• Tutor Materialisation: Helen Milne graduated from Contextual Design in 2020 and works as a textile designer and researcher, pursuing a PhD at TU/e Industrial Design.
• Main Tutor & Positioning: Gijs de Boer graduated from Contextual Design in 2019 and teaches at the Critical Inquiry Lab. He works as an artistic researcher and is part of Extra Practice in Rotterdam. 

Each Saturday class are typically guided by two tutors, with an emphasis on practical assignments supported by input presentations, discussions and peer feedback. Some making workshops will be supported by guest tutors who are experts on a specific medium.

The Pre-Master's is structured in two Modules. Rather than following a linear process – say, from desk research to writing to making to publishing – each Module will go through cycles of making and reflecting.

Module One runs from October to December and provides more structured input. It centers on finding ways of working that suit your practice and topic, and results in a research presentation in a time-based medium (audio, video, performance). 

Module Two, from January to March, is more open, focused on a self-directed project where you are mainly supported through individual project mentoring. The second module results in a riso-printed publication and an exhibition for friends and family. The Modules mirror the structure of the MA, where the first year has many introductory classes and the second year's graduation project leads into a thesis and exhibition. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The Pre-Master's classes take place on Saturdays at a dedicated space in the Design Academy Eindhoven building. Learning activities are adapted to the Saturday format, with access to equipment from the Digital Workshop (speakers, cameras, projectors, etc.). Some facilities of the building, like the workshops, library, and Zbar canteen are closed on Saturdays. The programme includes a few workshop days where special materials and equipment are made available at DAE or an alternative location in Eindhoven. 

The Saturday format is designed to accommodate those who work or study alongside it, and can be completed within the Saturday sessions. However, you will receive optional homework assignments and readings, and will be free to further develop ideas and work at your convenience. 

More information in the Q&A.

TOWARDS THE MASTERS

In each MA programme, students are encouraged to challenge their position and develop their methods in order to establish a solid vision of how their design practice relates to the wider world. Because of the demanding first year, it is beneficial for students to enter the Academy with a basic understanding of design as a research practice, and a clear idea of how they want to develop. Find more information on the Masters here.

The Pre-Master's Programme will allow participants to get familiar with the approach and reflect constructively on the positioning of their practice, should they be accepted to the master’s department. A completion of the Pre-Master's does not automatically lead to admission into an MA department, but can increase the chances. The programme is specifically scheduled to conclude before the second application deadline. Tutor guidance focuses on a self-initiated project, but this process will indirectly help to sharpen motivation letters and portfolios. Engaging with the different ways of working at DAE will help the participants to position themselves, and a personal artistic research project can be used for the portfolio.

OUTCOMES OF THE COURSE

• Experience in doing research through design
• Orientation in relation to the Master’s programme at DAE
• Familiarity with the design community around DAE 
• Connecting with other prospective students
• A certificate of participation

GENERAL CONDITIONS

1. The Pre-Master Programme has a maximum number of places. When more applicants apply, participants will be selected on whether the motivation fits the learning aims of the programme.

2. Design Academy Eindhoven reserves the right to cancel a course if there are not enough registrations. If this occurs, the course fee already paid will be refunded as quickly as possible.

3. No claim can be made for a refund if no use is made of one or more parts offered during the course. Participants in the course must have valid civil liability insurance.