MA Design at Arts University Plymouth

Programme overview

An MA developing new products, practices and applications for contemporary society through a speculative lens, teaching design as an active mode of research for human and planetary wellbeing. It values full life-cycle awareness, circular production and the use of emerging technologies.

Duration: 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time | Study mode: full-time; part-time | Intake: 2026 and 2027 entry | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Practice-led research with material investigation, iterative production, co-design, prototyping, visualisation and reflective market analysis, using the Natural Dye Lab, Biomaterials Lab, Materials Lab and Fab Lab South West. Three units: Practice-Led Research Methods, Creative & Critical Development and Independent Final Project, with critiques, seminars, research intensives, site visits and lectures shared with MA students in other disciplines.

Career pathways

Career opportunities include Designers, Creative Directors, Design Researchers, Design Educators, Entrepreneurs, Product Managers, Production Managers, Sustainable Design Advocates and Design Writers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above; applicants without the standard requirements are encouraged to make contact. Portfolio requested after application and an interview where the strength of creative practice and experience is considered. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (or equivalent, e.g. PTE Academic 50, WAEC English C4). Recommended application deadline 1 July.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,500 for the whole programme (2026/27). Masters full-time UK fee (1-year course); part-time £5,320 Source

International applicants: GBP 17,500 for the whole programme (2026/27). Masters full-time EU & international fee (1-year course); part-time £9,275 Source

Intake: 2026 and 2027 entry

Duration: 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://somis.plymouthart.ac.uk/index_app.php?page=app_pre_dashboard.php&crs_code=MADN1F2728

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