COURSE CURRICULUM

This postgraduate course in design management is built to foster creative leadership, strategic thinking, and professional collaboration, offering a future-focused understanding of design in contemporary and emerging industries. The program begins with Co-Create, a 30-credit module where students collaborate on simulated or real-life projects with industry experts. This interdisciplinary approach brings together students from across the School of Arts and Creative Industries, developing essential teamwork, communication, and project management skills while fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and a supportive learning environment. Next, the Professional Practice and Innovation module, also worth 30 credits, introduces students to the structure and ecosystem of the creative industries. Designed in collaboration with the RSA (Royal Society of Arts), this module offers exclusive resources and culminates in an RSA digital credential, preparing students to navigate the interconnected worlds of independent, commercial and public sector practices. In Next-Gen Eco-Design Management, students examine sustainable global design practices, develop strategic business analysis skills, and explore the ethical and social dimensions of design. This module equips students to tackle industry challenges related to sustainability, including climate change and ethical production. Meanwhile, Design Management Revolution teaches project management from a creative industry perspective, including stakeholder analysis, financial planning, agile methods, design sprints and team dynamics. Students apply these techniques to real-world problems, bridging theory and practice to become adaptable leaders in creative fields. The course culminates in the 60-credit Innovation Blueprint, a substantial capstone project where students turn research into actionable design solutions. Here, students explore market gaps, develop prototypes, and craft scoping documents and management plans. They build portfolios that reflect both their personal interests and professional ambitions, applying a mix of qualitative and quantitative research, critical thinking, and user-focused design. Across all modules, students are prepared to lead sustainable innovation, manage design projects, and create meaningful impact within the global creative industries.