COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Design program is structured to support creative experimentation, professional development, and independent practice over three trimesters. In the first trimester, students are encouraged to take risks and explore playfulness in their work, responding to a range of instructions that help interrogate practical approaches while developing primary and secondary research. This early work forms the foundation for developing individual practice and introduces key issues in design and communication, fostering professional, critical, and collaborative skills. In the second trimester, students consolidate their learning and begin to focus their practice within their chosen pathway or subject area. Academic staff and technical specialists support the refinement of conceptual, technical, aesthetic, and contextual aspects of projects, while students evaluate and adjust their work to engage audiences effectively. The final trimester is dedicated to the self-directed Master’s Project, a double-weighted module culminating in the MA Show exhibition. Students work independently in the studio to produce a coherent body of work that demonstrates advanced knowledge, creative expertise, and professional practice. Throughout the program, modules such as Research Methods, Theory and Professional Context, Practice 1 and 2, and Research Practice guide students in combining theoretical understanding with practical application. The course equips graduates with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to succeed in professional design and creative industries, culminating in a public showcase of their work.