MDes Design

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

The MDes Design at Plymouth is all about helping you shape ideas into real-world impact. Whether your passion lies in interiors, industrial design, or hands-on maker projects, this course gives you the freedom to explore, experiment, and develop solutions that matter — blending creativity, technology, and social innovation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time, 1 year)

In your first year, you’ll immerse yourself in creative experimentation and practical problem-solving. Modules like Design Terrains guide you through complete design cycles, from initial concept to finished prototype, while Situated Practice and Knowledge Exchange gives you hands-on experience in real-world projects, collaborating with communities or businesses. You’ll also work in Digital Fabrication labs, using tools such as 3D printers and CNC machines, before completing your final project — a design portfolio, research piece, or creative body of work that reflects your personal focus and specialism.

Focus Areas

sustainable materials, interior design, industrial design, designer-maker practices, immersive media, social innovation

Learning Outcomes

Graduate with the ability to research creatively, prototype physically and digitally, design ethically and sustainably, and deliver a major project that showcases your individual design identity and social awareness.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While not a regulated architecture or engineering program, this MDes is closely tied to professional design practice. You’ll gain practical skills and a portfolio that prepares you for studio work, independent practice, or socially focused design roles.

Reputation & Employability

Work in the Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth’s hub for art and design, with access to workshops for wood, metal, ceramics, casting, and advanced digital fabrication.
Use immersive media labs (VR, AR) and high-tech prototyping facilities to experiment and push creative boundaries.
Graduates often take on roles such as service designers, sustainability-focused makers, interior and product designers, or join design consultancies and social innovation projects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On Plymouth’s MDes Design, learning is all about doing, making, and experimenting. You’ll gain practical skills in state-of-the-art studios and workshops, combining hands-on craft, digital technology, and immersive media. From prototyping in 3D to exploring VR and AR experiences, you’ll develop the confidence to tackle real-world design challenges, supported by expert technicians and a collaborative creative community.

Here’s how your hands-on learning comes to life:

Digital Fabrication & Immersive Media Labs: Work with 3D printers, CNC machines, and motion-capture systems to bring your ideas to life in tangible and interactive ways.
Studio Spaces & Workshops: The Levinsky Building offers open studios alongside wood, metal, and casting workshops, allowing you to explore physical materials and prototypes.
Professional Software & Tech: Gain experience with industry-standard software, including AutoCAD, Revit, and immersive modeling tools.
Immersive Media Projects: Create VR and AR experiences that blend storytelling, space, and technology.
Collaborative Projects: Work alongside students from architecture, creative media, and games design, broadening your perspective and enhancing your teamwork skills.
Live Real-World Briefs: Apply your skills to live projects with local and national partners, testing your designs in practical settings.
Dedicated Studio Desks: Have your own personal workspace in the design studios, available seven days a week for when inspiration strikes.
Library & Research Support: Access specialist collections in design, architecture, and the built environment to support your research and creative work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MDes Design at Plymouth go on to roles like service designer, UX / product designer, sustainability-focused maker, or creative strategist — combining craft, technology, and design thinking to make real-world impact. Because the course balances making, research, and immersive media, you’ll leave with a distinctive portfolio and the confidence to tackle big design challenges. Thanks to the university’s strong industry links and practical studio experience, you’ll be well-equipped to work in design consultancies, startups, public service, or freelance.

Here’s how Plymouth supports your career — and where you could go next:

University Services to Help You Grow Professionally:
- The Students’ Service Hub offers careers advice, CV / portfolio reviews, and coaching tailored for creative graduates.
- Through Plymouth’s Enterprise team, you can connect with business support programs if you’re interested in turning your design work into a social enterprise or design studio.
Industry & Real-World Experience:
- You’ll work on live design briefs and collaborative projects, growing your professional network and building real design experience.
- The MDes course has connections to local and national design organisations where students often collaborate or find internships — giving you practical exposure throughout your studies.
Long-Term Professional Value:
- By combining research, making, and immersive practice, the degree gives you a versatile set of skills that remain valuable across sectors — from product design to social innovation.
- Your final major project helps you create a polished, high-impact piece of work (or body of work) that showcases your design vision and technical ability.
Graduation Outcomes:
- Alumni work in design consultancies, creative startups, public sector agencies, and on socially driven design projects.
- Many graduates also freelance or freelance with a focus on sustainable design and technology-driven making.

Further Academic Progression:
After your MDes, you could pursue a PhD in Design, Human Computer Interaction, or Sustainable Innovation, diving deep into research-led design or academic practice. Alternatively, you might join a postgraduate fellowship or apply for research funding to develop your work in creative labs, design research centres, or innovation hubs.