ObjectivesThis postgraduate programme provides students with professional experience and the opportunity to expand their knowledge of areas such as design process management, design within the organisation, design marketing and strategic design. The units integrate the many design disciplines including graphic communication, project and environmental design into a cohesive framework for understanding the dynamics of innovation and strategic management. In addition there will be an opportunity to study the psychology of design for consumption, design evaluation and research methodologies. Specialist lecturers, case studies and academic texts provide students with an international perspective on managing design. Also, through the School's strongly established links with the design industry, guest speakers, and visiting and associate lecturers provide a beneficial insight into contemporary design management and practice. Students will enjoy a shared learning experience through some joint aspects of the programmes. Assessment will be through coursework and dissertation.
Entry requirementsWe welcome applications from graduates from a wide range of design disciplines as well as design management graduates. We prefer those who to have at least two or three years’ industrial experience, preferably at a management level. Individuals without a first degree but with a minimum of five years’ relevant experience, may also be considered. International students are welcome and must evidence English language competence to IELTS level 7.
Academic titleMA/Postgraduate Diploma in Design Management
Course descriptionStructure
The MA extends the challenge of independent research in phase three by the implementation of a substantial research project (see below).
Phase 1
-Design Management: Culture and Context
-Design: Knowledge Management and Consumer Culture
-Design Project Management
-Design Management: a framework for Innovation
-Phase 2
Elective 1
Research Methods
Elective 2
Strategic Design Management
Electives can be chosen from the following options:
-Interactive Advertising
-Creativity and Innovation
-Sustainable Design & Ethics in Brand Management
-Globalisation and the Media
Phase 3
Major project - a written dissertation of around 10,000 on a related practical solution to a problem or a longer dissertation of 15,000 words. This can be on a Design Management topic or a problem selected by the student. Students will be required to demonstrate that they can work on their own over a long period, manage complexity, research in depth, evaluate leading knowledge, justify a research question and advance the subject of design management by analysis, synthesis and original conclusions. A residential workshop is part of this phase.
Career Prospects
Students have gone to gain promotion to heads of design departments in companies and senior design management roles