About IDBE
Written Assignments
Between the residential sessions students prepare four written assignments for examination including a case study, two essays and a final thesis.
Case study (5,000 words)
Typically the case study is based on a recent project in which the student has gained or is gaining first-hand experience, but it may also be based on work done by others. The topic is agreed near the start of the course by the individual student and his or her Director of Studies. The case study may focus on the design product and its development, or the process and the participants. More than a chronological account, the case study needs to be reflective and demonstrate insight into the case.
Essays (3,000 words each)
For the two essays, students are encouraged to study topics which may be on the margins of their primary areas of professional responsibility. With the agreement of their Director of Studies, essay subjects can be wide-ranging. A subject specialist will be appointed as a Supervisor for the work.
Thesis (12,000 – 15,000 words)
The thesis is prepared during the second year of the course. It is an extended piece of writing which involves identifying a topic of personal significance sufficient to sustain interest for twelve months. It requires gathering and analysing evidence and presenting an in-depth and persuasive account of it. The topic is agreed with the Director of Studies, and each student is supported by a specialist Supervisor who monitors progress during the three residential periods of the second year of the course.
Other important information
Award of the Masters degree is dependent not only on attendance at residential weeks, but specifically on achieving a pass mark for all four assignments. There is support for all the written work from each student’s Director of Studies as well as a subject Supervisor for the essays and thesis. Lectures on writing skills are provided within the course and further information on written work can be found in the Course Handbook. The written assignments are examined by two independent examiners.
Examples of essay and thesis titles can be found here.