| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
MA/MDes Design
Overview
The MA/MDes Design is a postgraduate program that helps students develop their creativity and grow into adaptable, resourceful, and collaborative designers. The program looks to the future of design and the big challenges facing global society, equipping students with the core knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to face the uncertainties of the next few decades.
Course Description
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.
Study Options
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
Tuition Fees
- UK fee: £9,720 for the full course (2025/26)
- International fee: £16,900 for the full course (2025/26)
Start Date
- September
Location
- Markeaton Street and Britannia Mill, Derby Campus
Course Structure
Postgraduate Certificate
- Design Lab Option (20 credits)
- Choose one of:
- Image / Identity / Ethos
- Experiencing the Past
- Consuming Nature
- Creative Futures
- Technologies Hi & Lo
- Systems & Services
- Place & Civility
- Play & Playfulness
- Creative Entrepreneurial Business
- Choose one of:
- Design Propositions (40 credits)
Postgraduate Diploma
- Design Lab Option (20 credits each)
- Choose three of the below modules:
- Image / Identity / Ethos
- Experiencing the Past
- Consuming Nature
- Creative Futures
- Technologies Hi & Lo
- Systems & Services
- Place & Civility
- Play & Playfulness
- Creative Entrepreneurial Business
- Choose three of the below modules:
MA/MDes
- Design Synthesis (60 credits)
- Choose one module:
- Design Synthesis: Core to MA Design
- Design Synthesis: Graphic Design, core to MDes Graphic Design
- Design Synthesis: Illustration, core to MDes Illustration
- Design Synthesis: Fashion, core to MDes Fashion
- Design Synthesis: Textile Design, core to MDes Textile Design
- Design Synthesis: Interior and Spatial Design, core to MDes Interior and Spatial Design
- Design Synthesis: Product Design, core to MDes Product Design
- Choose one module:
Entry Requirements
- Undergraduate degree (at least second class) in a related subject
- 500-word project proposal
- Portfolio of practice
- IELTS score of 6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills area) or equivalent for international students
Careers
Graduates from previous Design programs at Derby have become independent designers, worked in an array of creative careers, and set up their own freelance businesses across the creative industries.
Research
As a postgraduate student, you will be encouraged to join our Civic Lab research group, which focuses on how participatory culture, creative dialogue, and experiential design can be used for social impact.
Teaching Team
You will be learning from a multidisciplinary teaching team made up of academic and technical staff with expertise in critical practice, experiential design, interior architecture, fashion and textiles, illustration, animation, graphic design, and product design.
Additional Costs
- Printing research material for journal work (approx. £100 per year)
- Additional materials (printing, stationery, portfolio sleeves, folders, USBs/hard drives, etc.) (approx. £100-£300)
- National trips (coach, approx. £8-£12; London, approx. £30+)
- International trip (approx. £500)
- Individual project work (towards the end of each of the three stages, costs determined by student, £200-£1000)
- Travel for work placement opportunities (costs will vary depending on location)
Scholarships
We have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in your tuition fees.
University of Derby Summary
Overview:
The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.
Services Offered:
The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.Campus and Facilities:
Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.Fees and Finance:
Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.Employability:
Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Clubs and Societies:
A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.Sport at Derby:
Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.Union of Students:
A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.Key Reasons to Study There:
Teaching Excellence:
The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.Applied Research:
The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.Student Satisfaction:
The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.Strong Employability:
The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.Academic Programs:
The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.Postgraduate Programs:
MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.Short Courses:
A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.Other:
The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
