MA Design
with pathways in design and contemporary craft practice

1 year (48 weeks) full time or 2 years part time (96 weeks)

Top facts

The MA Design programme is part of the Manchester Design LAB, which is directly connected to the design industry through a college of sponsors such as designers, design groups, researchers and public organisations.
You will work closely with researchers and professionals on live projects that connect with the region's major public organisations and companies, small design studios, agencies and individual practitioners.
Develop a range of professional skills and business know-how.

You will study

With strong links to the city, this course allows you to specialise in either design or contemporary craft practice.

We are interested in collaborative practice and support projects that contribute towards positive social change. We respect fluency of material and the practice of making.

Responding to live briefs, you will learn how to understand the needs of clients and communities, and how to balance these needs with an experimental and visionary approach to your own creative practice.

Through the design route you will work in multi-disciplinary teams, where you will respond projects and issues presented to the Design LAB. During the year you will simultaneously work on a number of live briefs, collaborating with MA Design students, and working independently with clients. Students who undertake this pathway come from a range disciplines, including, but not limited to graphics, product, interiors, ceramics, architecture, textiles and computer science.

Through the Contemporary Craft Practice pathway you will focus on your individual craft practice, whilst interacting with optional Design LAB projects. During the year you will investigate and develop your own understanding of what self-employment is for you and your practice, and working to develop well conceived, viable products for your identified market place. Students who undertake this pathway come from a range of disciplines, including, but not limited to jewellery and metalworking, ceramics, glass, furniture and textiles.

Assessment

Assessment takes place at the end of each unit and work is made public through a design conference and exhibition on completion of the programme.

Graduates

Graduates from the Design pathway may go on to be employed by design companies, or to act as freelance designers collaborating with client organisations in the broad field of design. Graduates from Craft pathway, may work on a self-employed basis with a core of products or services alongside workshop co-ordination, lecturing and freelance projects.

Location

All Saints Campus, Manchester

Entry Requirements

You will normally have an undergraduate honours degree in a related discipline or degree-equivalent qualifications and/or experience in a relevant field. In addition you also need to submit a Digital Portfolio

Fees

UK and EU students full-time £4,500

UK and EU students part-time £250 per 10 credit unit. A Masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits.

Non-EU overseas students £12,500

How to Apply

To apply you will need to complete the application form and provide a Digital Portfolio in the form of a website or blog. You should include images or videos of your work, with some information about yourself and your work. Please also describe why you are interested in the programme and what you want to achieve.