Program Overview

MA, PG Cert, PG Dip Human-Centred Design

Introduction

Studying Human-Centred Design at ARU pushes your design thinking and design practice beyond existing boundaries, towards interconnected, holistic, and systemic approaches addressing human and planetary challenges, and makes a positive contribution to society, health, and planet through ethical and systemic design interventions.

Course Options

• 1 year full-time
• Start dates: September
• Location: Cambridge

Key Facts

• Study options: 1 year full-time
• Start dates: September
• Location: Cambridge
• Fees:
  • £11,100 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £19,500 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Student Experience

• Work closely with students from across the Cambridge School of Art
• Deliver public-facing events
• Collaborate on industry-led projects
• Develop a broad understanding of people, culture, and context from the perspective of design

Teaching and Assessment

• Studio-based activities and industry-led briefs
• Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary group projects
• Self-initiated and self-directed research project
• Assessment methods:
  • Research analysis and translation
  • Design process, experimentation, concept generation, and realisation
  • Portfolio and visual communication
  • Critical understanding and reflective practice
  • Employability skills
  • Market, human, and planet identified issues and plans of action
  • Backcasting and forecasting skills and approaches

Entry Requirements

• A good honours degree (or equivalent), normally in a related subject
• Applicants with professional experience are also encouraged to apply
• IELTS 6.5 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification

Fees and Paying for University

• Tuition fees for UK students: £11,100 (2025/26, full-time, per year)
• Tuition fees for international students: £19,500 (2025/26, full-time, per year)
• Funding options: postgraduate loans, ARU scholarships, and alumni discounts

Facilities and Showcase

• Industry-standard equipment: Adobe Creative suite, Apple iMacs, wide-format printers, and scanners
• Futures Lab and workshop equipment: 3D printers, laser cutters, and material-specific extruders
• Creative Showcase: a digital platform showcasing student work and university events

Lecturers

• Idrees Rasouli: Deputy Head and Course Director
• Other lecturers: experienced professionals with industry connections

Careers

• Career paths: Human-Systems Designer, Ethical Researcher and Interventionist, New Product Designer, Innovation Designer, UX/UI Designer/Researcher, and more
• Employability skills: personal innovation, risk-taking, independent enquiry, effective communication, negotiation, interpersonal, management, team-working, and research
• Support: Personal Development Planning (PDP) tool, ARU Employability Service, and ARU Enterprise and Innovation

Apply Now

• Apply online for MA, PG Cert, PG Dip Human-Centred Design
• Contact Admissions Customer Service Team for more information

Life in Cambridge

• Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge
• Explore ARU's favourite places in Cambridge and discover the city's charm

Benefits of Postgraduate Study

• Improve employability, progress in your career, and take on an intellectual challenge with our flexible postgraduate degrees
• Postgraduate study at ARU: a great way to enhance your skills and knowledge

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