MSc Design Strategy at University of Bristol

Programme overview

Design for a changing world. Today's challenges demand leaders who can use design to navigate complexity, shape organisations, influence decisions, and create meaningful change. MSc Design Strategy at the University of Bristol combines design, strategy, systems thinking, and responsible innovation to prepare you for leadership in a rapidly changing world.

What you will study

The Design Innovation postgraduate programmes are built around a shared interdisciplinary learning experience, allowing you to develop specialist expertise while collaborating with students across Design Strategy, Design Futures, Service Design, and Regenerative Design. In the first teaching block, you will build a lasting foundation through shared core units in systems thinking and participatory design, while beginning to develop expertise in your chosen programme through a specialist unit. This combination allows you to establish both a common design language and a distinctive disciplinary perspective from the very start of the programme.

Career pathways

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in design-driven organisations, consultancy, and innovation management. You will develop skills in strategic planning, organisational leadership, and systems thinking, enabling you to guide teams, shape policies, and align design with business objectives across sectors such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, and public service.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second class honours degree or an international equivalent in any discipline. If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. English language: profile level C.

Domestic applicants: GBP 21,000 a year (2027/28). full-time per year; 2027 entry, subject to annual review. Source

International applicants: GBP 37,700 a year (2027/28). full-time per year; 2027 entry, subject to annual review. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: One year full-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/start-application/

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