Master in practice-based design research
The DER Design programme covers the entire spectrum of design professions: textile design, fashion design, graphic and digital design, spatial and environmental design, product design, sound and interaction design, with a strong focus on speculative design research. This unique approach allows students to pursue a wide range of career paths: design studios, R&D, research and teaching in design and crafts, or research.
Information
Skills
● Develop an abstract and a state-of-the-art review;
● Present research hypotheses in a structured manner;
● Demonstrate writing skills, in particular through logical progression of arguments, relevance of references and examples cited, explanation of methods used, and clear presentation of results, with an impactful introduction and conclusion;
● Master information literacy, ensuring the quality of the bibliography, sources, captions, and careful use of tables or figures when necessary.
● Design research project skills: Completion of a project presented in a design exhibition:
● Mobilise craftsmanship and specialised skills, including the use of new technologies and the transmission of design knowledge;
● Produce high-quality work, both in terms of documentation and design, with particular attention to the communication and presentation of results, as well as readability, including syntax, spelling, microtypography, compliance with the standards of the Imprimerie Nationale, and graphic layout;
● Choose a relevant field of research and conduct investigations in line with the internship and research project;
● Formulate sound hypotheses and develop critical thinking skills, drawing on methodological, historical, sociological, philosophical and critical practical approaches;
● Ensure that the research topic is current and original;
● Highlight the specific challenges of the discipline and promote its role in the field of scientific research.
Objectives
The goal of the Master’s degree “Research in Design” is to prompt students to question contemporary life forms through projects and research in design. The goal of the second year is to continue the training in design research with an emphasis on research tools and practice for which each student will develop a personal focus.
Career Opportunities
Further Study Opportunities
Chercheur/chercheuse en R&D ou expert·e en modélisation et analyse de données dans des entreprises ou laboratoires de pointe.
Doctorat
Doctorat / PhD interdisciplinaire en Science de la durabilité (nombreuses disciplines possibles)
Fees and scholarships
The amounts may vary depending on the programme and your personal circumstances.
Admission Route
Capacity
Available Places
Target Audience and Entry Requirements
Entry profiles for this programme are diverse:
- École Normale students having completed a first year at ENS Paris-Saclay,
- or students trained at the French Ministry of National Education's school of applied arts or the Ministry of Culture's art and design school at M1 level at least
- or students in the first year of Master's courses in design or in other creation/design fields.
Application Period(s)
From 23/03/2026 to 24/04/2026
Supporting documents
Compulsory supporting documents
Motivation letter.
Portfolio.
All transcripts of the years / semesters validated since the high school diploma at the date of application.
A short note, exploring your statement of intend in terms of research project, would be expected in case of interview.
Curriculum Vitae.
Additional supporting documents
VAP file (obligatory for all persons requesting a valuation of the assets to enter the diploma).
Supporting documents :
- Residence permit stating the country of residence of the first country
- Or receipt of request stating the country of first asylum
- Or document from the UNHCR granting refugee status
- Or receipt of refugee status request delivered in France
- Or residence permit stating the refugee status delivered in France
- Or document stating subsidiary protection in France or abroad
- Or document stating temporary protection in France or abroad.