The learner will be guided in the preparation of an academic research essay. In order to ensure the essay meets all the learning outcomes, the learner will select a topic from a list of suitable topics. Guidance will be provided on planning, research and analysis, structure and coherence, drafting, editing and rewriting, referencing and presentation.

Effective library research methods. Identification and critical evaluation of scholarly works, studies, models etc. supporting the topic. Achieving depth and breadth of analysis of the literature. Integrate analysis of literature with primary analysis of design practice in an essay. Refining the research topic, defining key terms and developing a structural framework for the essay.

Integration and synthesis of sources, structural coherence and presentation, academic style and referencing.

Design Studio - a dedicated space designed to allow for studio based learning. This space is specific to a particular learning group. While used to deliver studio based education the space is available to be used outside the time frame of the working day. It provides a safe learner driven, peer-reviewed environment, supported on a one-to-one basis. It supports the synthesis of parallel concurrent modular knowledge, skills and competency with prior learning & personal aesthetic judgement, to resolve specific design research question/s.

Computers/Plotters/Printers – in this year each learner requires the use of a personal computer of suitable specification to run software used on the design programme. There should be access to the internet and the IT Carlow library databases, blackboard and turnitin.There should be access to printing and plotting facilities in order to complete final deliverables.

Software on student PCs - Microsoft Office software and a recent version of EndNote referencing software.