COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Design programme offers an advanced and interdisciplinary curriculum that develops creative thinking, professional practice, and innovative problem-solving skills through a range of specialist modules. Design Approaches: Innovative and Emerging Themes encourages students to explore transformative trends and future opportunities while developing a distinctive design identity that responds to changing social, technological, and environmental contexts. Through projects focused on emerging themes and participation in exhibitions, workshops, design jams, and interdisciplinary events, students expand their creativity and professional capabilities. Design Approaches: Making, Methods and Impact enables students to develop advanced design methodologies and individual approaches through experimental and thematic projects, while continuous reflection helps them position their work within contemporary design practice. Opportunities to engage with live briefs, external competitions, and open calls allow students to strengthen their portfolios and gain valuable professional experience. The Integrated Practice module develops entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, and value-driven design approaches by encouraging students to work in teams on projects that address real-world challenges using empathetic methods and diverse perspectives. Students progress through key stages of the design process and present prototypes, visualisations, products, services, or systems to expert panels, gaining experience in pitching and professional communication. The Masters Project provides an opportunity for an in-depth individual investigation aligned with personal interests and career ambitions, allowing students to create substantial creative outputs such as artefacts, exhibitions, publications, campaigns, and digital projects while demonstrating their vision and expertise as design practitioners. Research Through Future Practice strengthens students' ability to investigate social, political, environmental, and technological issues through practical design activities supported by historical, theoretical, and speculative perspectives. By integrating research methods, critical thinking, contextual awareness, and interdisciplinary exploration, the programme equips graduates with the advanced skills, creativity, and professional confidence required for leadership roles across the design and creative industries.