Pre-Master Programme

The Pre-Master Programme bridges the gap between the practical focus of art academies and the research and writing skills required in the master’s departments. The programme introduces prospective students to our five master’s departments and provides hands-on experience with their shared approach of design as a knowledge practice. Participants deepen their knowledge and design skills, while working on a personal design research project. Throughout this project, participants explore the positioning and contextualisation of their work by experimenting with writing practices and artistic research methodologies, integrating principles and skills of design.

MAIN GOALS OF THE PRE-MASTER PROGRAMME:

• Introduction to artistic research methodologies
• Exploration of writing as a reflective practice
• Broadening an understanding of design
• Taking a position in relation to complex and uncertain topics
• Learn about the master’s departments at DAE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The Pre-Master takes place on Saturdays at the Design Academy Eindhoven building, outside of educational hours (Monday to Friday). Every Saturday class will be guided by two tutors from a core team of six tutors. The tutors are all alumni from the range of master’s programmes, and will bring in their unique focus: on writing, artistic research, making, media, and publishing.

The classes take place in a dedicated space with room to present and limited storage. Learning activities are supported through custom facilities, since the normal facilities of the building are limited outside educational hours: the library, Zbar canteen, and workshops are closed on Saturdays. There is access to equipment from the Digital Workshop (speakers, cameras, projectors, etc.), a dedicated printer and special materials and equipment are made available on days of the programme that are focused on making.

In terms of workload, the Pre-Master does not require you to work outside the dedicated Saturdays. This is to accommodate those who work and/or study next to it. However, you will receive optional homework assignments and readings, and you will be free to further develop ideas and works at your convenience.

The 2024-2025 cohort will be the second iteration of the Pre-Master programme.

THE DAE MASTERS

The Masters of DAE focus on designing design itself: exploring what it can mean to design today. This requires a critical attitude and analytic eye. In each MA programme, students are encouraged to challenge their position and question their core values in order to establish a solid vision of how the design discipline relates to the wider world. MA students broaden their skills during collaborative and individual projects in the first year and dedicate the second year to writing a thesis which underpins their final design project. Because of the density of the first year, it is essential for students to enter the Academy with a basic understanding of design as a research practice, and one’s position in relation to the discipline and the world at large. Find more information on the Masters here

The Pre-Master Programme will allow students to catch on quickly and reflect constructively on the positioning of their practice, should they be accepted to the master’s department. A completion of the Pre-Master Programme does not guarantee admission in an MA department. While the programme is specifically scheduled to conclude before the second application deadline, it is not a preparation programme for application where tutors provide individual feedback on application letters and portfolios. However, engaging with the different ways of working at DAE will help the participants to position themselves, which supports the application letter. Moreover, as a practice-based program where participants work towards a personal artistic research project, work produced can be used for the portfolio.

COMPLETION OF THE COURSE GIVES YOU:

• preparation for the master’s degree courses at DAE
• a certificate of participation (on request)
• orientation within the current design field
• connection to other prospective students