MA Design

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Derby

Program Overview

The MA/MDes Design at the University of Derby is perfect for creative thinkers who want to explore, experiment, and shape a design practice that truly reflects their vision. Whether you’re taking the broader MA route or the specialist MDes pathway, you’ll have the freedom to define your professional identity through hands-on projects, research, and real-world design challenges.

Curriculum Structure

First Year / Initial Stage:
You’ll start with the Design Propositions module, which helps you rethink your skills, explore new ways of working, and set a clear direction for your postgraduate journey. Alongside this, you’ll choose a Design Lab option such as “Creative Futures” or “Place & Civility,” where you’ll work on live design briefs in collaboration with industry partners or local communities. This is a space to experiment, take creative risks, and really test your ideas in the real world.

Second Year / Later Stage:
The final stage of the program focuses on Design Synthesis, where you’ll develop a major, self-directed project that brings together all your learning. This could take the form of an innovative product, spatial design, graphic project, or other creative outcome depending on whether you’re on the MA or MDes pathway. Through this, you’ll produce a substantial design thesis that showcases your skills, research, and personal design philosophy.

Focus areas: experimental design, collaboration, live projects, and specialist pathways like graphic design, fashion, textiles, interiors, spatial, or product design.

Learning outcomes: build a personal, research-informed design practice; confidently manage live projects with real clients; reflect critically on your own professional development; and deliver a substantial, portfolio-ready design thesis.

Professional alignment (accreditation): While the course doesn’t have a formal external accreditation, it’s designed around real-world practice and industry engagement, giving you the tools and experience employers value.

Reputation (employability): Derby design graduates have gone on to exciting careers with organisations like BBC Creative, Superunion, Design for Good, and even local ventures such as Derby Football Club, making this a strong launchpad for your creative career.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Derby, learning design isn’t just about theory — it’s about making, testing, and collaborating. From day one, you’ll be working on live projects with real clients, communities, and industry partners, giving you hands-on experience that mirrors what professional designers actually do. You’ll explore ideas in the studio, experiment with materials in workshops, and use digital tools to bring concepts to life — all while receiving regular feedback to refine your practice.

Here’s how your experience will come alive:

Live Design Projects: Work on real briefs through modules like Creative Futures, Place & Civility, and Technologies Hi & Lo, collaborating with external partners to solve real-world design challenges.
Concept Panels & Critiques: Present your ideas in seminars and design reviews, receiving guidance from tutors, peers, and industry professionals to sharpen your skills.
Independent Design Synthesis: In your final stage, develop a major self-directed project, combining research, prototyping, and creative exploration into a portfolio-ready design thesis.
Studios & Online Spaces: Access on-campus and online studios for collaborative work, experimentation, and reflection.
Workshops & Making Spaces: Use specialist spaces for wood, metal, textiles, 3D printing, print, and more — perfect for hands-on prototyping and creative experimentation.
Software & Digital Tools: Work with industry-standard tools, including Adobe Creative Suite, and take your skills home with your own Adobe Creative Cloud license.
Equipment Loan Store: Borrow cameras, lighting, and multimedia gear to experiment with photography, video, and digital media.
Print Bureau: Access high-quality printing for posters, portfolios, and large-format projects.
Research & Community Labs: Join the CivicLab to work on socially impactful design projects with community and industry partners.
Exhibitions & Degree Show: Showcase your final projects in the University’s master’s Degree Show, presenting your work to the public and potential employers.

Every project, workshop, and critique is designed to help you learn by doing, build a professional portfolio, and step confidently into the world of design.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA/MDes Design programme often step confidently into creative careers where they can make a real impact. Whether joining an established company or launching their own design venture, they leave with the skills to shape ideas into meaningful, practical solutions. Common roles include design consultant, product designer, UX designer, and innovation strategist.

Future Progression & Opportunities:

University Support to Kickstart Your Career:
- The Careers and Employment Service helps you prepare for the real world with CV guidance, interview practice, and support finding placements and projects.
- Through Banks Mill Studios, Derby’s enterprise hub, you can nurture your own design business while still a student.
- Civic Lab offers hands-on projects that connect you with real communities and industry partners, letting you build your portfolio with live experience.
- Your work will also be showcased in the University Degree Show, giving you valuable exposure to potential employers.
Employment Stats & Salary:
- Around 90% of design graduates from Derby are in work or further study 15 months after graduation.
- Average starting salaries for design graduates sit around £24,000, giving you a solid foundation as you launch your career.
Industry Connections:
- Many modules include live projects with real companies, helping you network and gain practical experience.
- Partnerships with organisations such as BBC Creative, Superunion, and Derby Football Club give you a glimpse into professional design environments.
- The Creative Entrepreneurial Business module guides you in turning your ideas into real business opportunities.
Long-Term Value & Accreditation:
- The University’s Careers and Employment Service is matrix-accredited, ensuring top-quality support.
- The programme combines practical studio work with research-led teaching, so your qualification is both respected and relevant.
- Engaging in socially impactful projects through Civic Lab adds a strong dimension to your portfolio — highly attractive to employers or funders.
Graduation Outcomes:
- Many graduates go on to become freelancers, independent designers, or studio founders.
- Others move into graphic, interior, product, or fashion/textile design, depending on their MDes specialism.
- Advanced research experience also opens doors for PhD or professional doctorate study.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your MA or MDes, you could continue into a PhD or Professional Doctorate, diving deeper into design research, social innovation, or critical design practice. Alternatively, you might explore postgraduate programmes in creative leadership, innovation management, or cultural and creative industries, giving you the edge to take on senior roles or consultancy positions in the creative sector.