MA/MDes Design at University of Derby

Programme overview

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.

What you will study

These are intensive projects which are intended to stimulate and challenge the student’s practice within a collaborative environment.

Career pathways

The enterprise elements of this MA/Des Design, particularly the live projects, ensure that you will graduate with the knowledge, skills and networks to find employment. Graduates from previous Design programmes at Derby have become independent designers, worked in an array of creative careers and set up their own freelance businesses across the creative industies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

You will usually need an undergraduate degree (at least second class), in a related subject, or an equivalent qualification as well as a 500-word project proposal and a portfolio of your practice.; Depending on your qualifications, experience and your submitted work, you may also be invited to attend a portfolio interview. The interview experience is an exciting opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their passion for Design. Applicants will have the opportunity to show teaching staff their interests and experimentation in the subject and they will have time to ask the questions that are important to their study. During the interview, applicants will be expected to discuss the potential focus of study that they would like to undertake, including specific pathways, and to show and discuss their previous work. Interviews for this course will normally take place online.; If English is not your first language, you'll also need an IELTS score of 6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills area) or equivalent.; Interview information

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,720 for the whole programme (2026/27). Full-time fee for the full course; UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable Source

International applicants: GBP 17,500 for the whole programme (2026/27) Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full-time: 1 year, Part-time: 2 years

Apply through the official page: https://www.derby.ac.uk/services/admissions/apply-online/?section_id=220046

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