What will I learn?

It’s for experimental and curious designers who want to broaden their practice and collaborate with people from all design disciplines. This approach is critical to the future of design - we need bolder ideas that go beyond conventional boundaries, if we’re going to help solve society’s big challenges. You will take part in range of live design projects, which will involve working with industry and community stakeholders. This will develop and test your practice and help you build a professional network. Develop a personalised design curriculum and shape your professional future, with optional modules, professional development seminars, and the freedom to develop your own design projects. We’re using technology in innovative ways to provide an online studio environment as well as a physical studio on campus. So wherever you are, you will be able to interact with others.This new MA/MDes Design will help you develop your creativity and grow into a more adaptable, resourceful and collaborative designer. It looks to the future of design and the big challenges facing global society and equips you with the core knowledge, skills and competencies you will need to face the uncertainties of the next few decades. The programme has been designed to prepare you for the challenges and opportunities provided by changing industries, economies, cultures and societies, and to develop a personal practice which makes a positive contribution to that future. Uniquely, you can choose to graduate with either a broad MA Design qualification or an MDes in your preferred specialism: Graphic Design, Illustration, Fashion, Textile Design, Interior and Spatial Design, or Product Design. The MA Design qualification is ideal if you want to craft a personal design identity and practice, which crosses the conventional borders between disciplines. However, if you are keen to graduate with a qualification rooted in a specific design discipline, then one of the MDes awards would suit you better.

Which department am I in?

Department of Art and Design

Study options

Full Time (1 Year)

Tuition fees

£17,500.00 (19,06,733) per year

This is a provisional fee yet to be approved

Start date

September 2027

Venue

Markeaton Street

Markeaton Street,

Derby,

DE22 3AW, East Midlands, United Kingdom

Entry requirements

For international students

Applicants are normally required to hold an undergraduate degree (at least second class), in a related subject, or an equivalent qualification as well as a 500-word project proposal and a portfolio of your practice. Depending on your qualifications, experience and your submitted work, you may also be invited to attend a portfolio interview. The interview experience is an exciting opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their passion for Design. Applicants will have the opportunity to show teaching staff their interests and experimentation in the subject and they will have time to ask the questions that are important to their study. During the interview, applicants will be expected to discuss the potential focus of study that they would like to undertake, including specific pathways, and to show and discuss their previous work. Interviews for this course will normally take place online.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.