Programme overview
This Masters course focuses on human and user-centred design and focuses on developing research and practice based design solutions to respond to a demanding industry and rapidly changing society.
Whether the students’ background is in design or in another related discipline, they will gain the skills and knowledge they need to develop, test and evaluate innovative design solutions in real-life contexts. The students will be introduced to the current challenges and trends across a range of sectors and gain first-hand experience on a large-scale design project within one of the specialisms offered.
Taught by diverse staff with internationally recognised profiles in research and practice, the students will build an interdisciplinary approach to design in a stimulating environment while being exposed to and involved in cutting-edge research. Students will also gain practical and research skills to prepare them for a wide range of careers.
Programme details
In the first semester, students will study a set of compulsory modules that will allow them to develop a range of research, conceptual and practical design skills and tools to lay the foundations for the rest of the programme. They will have the chance to learn through case studies, practical exercises and work on briefs encompassing all specialisms offered.
In the second semester, students will have a choice of optional modules that focus on current trends in design practice and research. These optional modules will give you the opportunity to work on live projects from industry and/or live research projects being conducted in the School of Design. They will work on group and/or individual projects to explore more specific and advanced skills and tools in their areas of interest.
In Semester 2 students will also choose and develop a specialist project in which the tools and skills learnt in Semester 1 are applied. Projects are interdisciplinary and can be developed in a wide range of topics that suit their interests and career ambitions. These include: Colour Design, Design for Social Innovation, Digital and Interactive Design, Information Design, Instructional Design, Graphic and Visual Communication Design, Service Design, Sustainable Design, Typographic Design and Design Management.
Students can also choose one of two pathways: 1) Continue with their specialist design project, develop it at a professional level and apply it in a real-life context (with suitable participants) for evaluation; 2) Produce an independent research dissertation based around a relevant field or topic within the specialisms offered.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DESN5127M | Design Explorations and Practice | 30 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| DESN5128M | Design Research and Integration | 30 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| DESN5130M | Creative Research Skills | 30 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Candidates will be required to study 30 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DESN5126M | Colour Design | 30 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| DESN5145M | Interdisciplinary Art and Design | 30 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| DESN5172M | Information, Digital and Interactive Design | 30 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| DESN5173M | Graphic, Typographic and Colour Design | 30 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| DESN5174M | Service and Social Design for Innovation | 30 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| DESN5191M | AI and Design | 30 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates will be required to study 60 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DESN5129M | Design Prototyping and Evaluation | 60 | 1 May to 31 Aug | |
| DESN5190M | Design Dissertation | 60 | 1 May to 31 Aug |
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Last updated: 30/04/2026 15:55:37
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