the Academic Degree Postgraduate Program in Design Theory

Zhengzhou University of Light Industry

College of Art and Design

March 2025

I.Introduction

Zhengzhou University of Light Industry was granted the authority to confer master's degrees in Design Art (now Design Studies) in 2003, making it the first undergraduate institution in Henan Province to obtain this qualification. The Design Theory master's program currently has five supervisors, including two professors and three associate professors (four of whom hold doctoral degrees). The program has established research platforms such as the Academic Research Base of the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association and the Henan Intangible Cultural Heritage Research Center, which serve as vital resources for postgraduate training.

The Design Theory program at Zhengzhou University of Light Industry's School of Art & Design offers an English-taught curriculum that integrates global design theories with China's rich artistic heritage. Designed for international students, this program combines rigorous academic training with practical industry insights while fostering cross-cultural understanding through Chinese language acquisition. Students will develop comprehensive expertise in design history, criticism, and folk art theory, while gaining firsthand experience of China's dynamic design ecosystem through collaborative learning with domestic peers and industry engagement.

II.Educational Objectives

The program aims to cultivate international specialists who command global design theory frontiers, possess Chinese communication skills, understand Chinese cultural contexts, excel in cross-cultural academic and professional environments. Specific requirements include:

※Theoretical Competence Enhancement

Develop systematic mastery of international design art theories with focus on:

Design history and design criticism studies

Comparative analysis of Eastern/Western design cultures

Folk art theory research Cultivate critical thinking and academic research capabilities in cross-cultural contexts.

※Practical Innovation Capability Development

Equip students with abilities to:

Transform theories into practical design strategies

Analyze China's design industry cases

Explore dynamic relationships between design management and market principles

Develop innovative solutions balancing global and local demands

※Cross-cultural Academic & Language

Proficiency Dual-language competency development:

Professional English for academic research

Basic Chinese communication skills

Ability to read simple Chinese academic materials

Deepened understanding of China's design cultural context

※Chinese Culture & Folk Art Comprehension

Specialized understanding of:

Traditional Chinese aesthetics and craft wisdom

Core concepts and research methodologies of Chinese folk art

Unique perspectives for cross-cultural design studies

※Industry Adaptation Cultivation

Professional preparation through:

China/global design industry ecosystem knowledge

Design project management skills

Cultural resource transformation techniques

Market trend analysis capabilities Development of globally competitive, leadership-potential composite talents

III.Research Directions

The program focuses on design history and design criticism, with distinctive features in design theory, design management, and folk art theory. Research areas include:

※Design and creative practice.

※The relationship between design industry development and market dynamics.

IV.Duration and Credit Requirements

The academic master's program in Design Studies has a duration of three years. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits, including:

Degree courses: No fewer than 18 credits.

Non-degree courses: No fewer than 12 credits.

Note: Students with cross-disciplinary backgrounds or equivalent qualifications are required to take at least two additional undergraduate-level core courses, as determined by their supervisors. These courses must be completed with a passing grade but do not count toward the credit requirement.

V.Curriculum, Compulsory Components, and Credit Allocation

Course Schedule for Design Studies (Design Theory)

VI.Thesis Requirements

The master's thesis must demonstrate innovation, academic rigor, and the student's independent research capabilities, serving as the primary basis for awarding the degree.

※Topic Selection

The thesis topic should align with the discipline's characteristics, addressing issues of significant academic value and practical relevance to economic and social development. It must reflect the student's independent research abilities and comprehensive academic qualities.

※Formatting Standards

The thesis must comply with national academic standards, featuring a logical structure, clear organization, and fluent language. Theoretical principles must be accurately presented, and research methods (e.g., experiments, designs) must be sound. Citations, formulas, symbols, units, and illustrations must adhere to standardized conventions.

※Quality Requirements

Demonstrate a correct understanding of fundamental theoretical issues in the research area.

Establish a well-structured theoretical framework.

Incorporate contemporary perspectives and feasible methods to propose innovative and exploratory design solutions.

Additional procedures, including the thesis proposal, midterm review, pre-defense, final defense, and degree application, must follow the university's regulations for postgraduate training.