Would just like to add something into the interesting discussion about
PHD's and lecturing (although I am in agreement with the views being
expressed, most of whom call for a continuing mix of experience - of
practice and research - and ideally this blend can be achieved in the
each individual)
I recently (via a colleague) came across an advertisement for a design
academic position in UK (for what I understood would be to undertake a
range of responsibilities including teaching - i.e not someone to
specifically supplement a team of more practice orientated designers)
where design practice, commercial or industrial experience - however it
might be variably described, did not feature in the job description on
any level - not even under 'desirable'. I had the impression that it had
not crossed the advertiser's mind to include this as an aspect of their
job description. I found this rather surprising and rather worrying.
When I began my academic career (some time ago!) real world experience
was at the top of all of the lists - essential.
Why is commercial design engagement often seen within academia as
somehow 'lesser'?
I hope that however design education develops ( taking Catherine's
point that art and design PHD's are still in flux) that we won't throw
out the baby with the bath water. Especially in the UK where our
graduates need to expect to gain employment (otherwise-lets face it we
won't have any students in the future)- they need to be taught by those
with experience about how to manage their design lives out there in the
market place.
I fear a time when design practice may lose its entrepreneurial feel
for the moment and the 'can do' ingenuity of the outward looking,
worldly practitioner.
Fiona
Fiona Candy
Senior Lecturer
Department of Design
University of Central Lancashire
Preston
PR1 2HE
Lancashire
UK
T: 00 44 (0)1772 893368
F: 00 44 (0)1772 892920
E: [log in to unmask]
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