> However I am still unsure of the ACTUAL distinctions between PhD and
> Doctor's of Design, perhaps even the master and PhD (beyond the time
frame,
> and beyond the reality that many people can convert to PhDs anyway during
> Masters) and would really appreciate entering into this discourse on this
list.
How about this (using the terminology as it is understood in the UK...)?
1. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Awarded for research leading to an original contribution to knowledge. Is
not a taught degree: students do not pick and choose modules presented by
staff (except perhaps for induction into the ways and methods of good
researching). Instead, the precise subject matter covered and the road from
start to completion is determined by the student, with advice from his/her
personal supervisor. The element of risk is high. Success is far from
guaranteed and will depend on carefully crafting one's research programme-
nobody will do it for you. It is a case of first finding all the dots and
then proceeding to join them. The work will evolve around a very specific
specialist subject.
2. Doctor of Design (DDes)
I have no experience of this degree, nor know anybody who has one, but I can
imagine what it might entail. It would be a taught course degree: students
would pick and choose modules presented by staff, and undergo specific
assignments. The subject matter covered could be broad or narrow, depending
on course aims. Its purpose would be professional development, pitched at a
level higher than a first (Bachelors) degree. If students manage to cover
the prescribed work to a high standard, a degree will be awarded. It is a
case of joining the dots presented to you.
However, taking Rosan's point about degrees fitting particular purposes, I
find it difficult to see what a DDes would offer over an MDes (or for that
matter, an MA MSc etc. in Design). I am uneasy over the role of a DDes.
Having also not benefited from the La Clusaz conference, perhaps other list
members could offer some insight into the role of a DDes? Ken Friedman has
offered good overviews of the PhD/DDes distinction in previous postings to
this list, but I'm not sure anybody has tackled the MDes/DDes distinction.
3. Master of Research (MRes)
How about throwing this one into the pot? Is this a taught (modularized)
degree on how to go about research, with a chance to put what has been
learnt into practice? Is it in fact not a design degree at all, but a
'non-disciplinary' degree that has application in all kinds of fields? Do
any Design departments offer an MRes??
4. Doctor of Research (DRes)
I've made this one up.
Outside of the medical profession, I have always been under the impression
that a Doctors degree equated to (and was reserved for) original research
leading to a contribution to knowledge. Perhaps that's just a reflection of
my UK upbringing, but it's the reason for my unease towards wider use of the
Doctor degree title.
Owain
---
Dr Owain Pedgley, R&D Industrial Designer
Sports SET Network: www.sportsetnet.org.uk
[log in to unmask]
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|