Design Innovation and Management MA/MSc

Program Overview

The Design Innovation and Management MA/MSc at De Montfort University prepares students for careers in the creative industry. It combines design and business skills, allowing students to specialize in various design areas. The program emphasizes sustainability and innovation, culminating in a work-based project or individual major project. Graduates pursue diverse careers in design businesses, consultancies, and senior roles in design strategy and brand management.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program prepares students for a career in the globalized creative industry. It equips them with design and business skills, making it ideal for those who want to launch their creative businesses or take up senior roles in design strategy or brand management. The program is flexible, allowing students to specialize in various design areas, including:

• Retail
• Museum and exhibition
• Product design
• Interior
• Fashion
• Visual communication
• Design innovation
The program culminates in a work-based project or individual major project, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations.

Outline:

The program consists of five blocks delivered over two terms. Each term requires approximately 12 hours of timetabled sessions and at least 23 hours of independent study per week. The third term is self-directed and requires 35 hours of independent study each week.

Structure and modules:

• Block 1: Creative Design Research Studio
• A critical appraisal of current creative and research processes.
• Develops project ideas, strengthens subject specialism, and broadens horizons.
• Explores sustainability issues and approaches.
• Block 2: Research Methods and Cultural Context
• Introduces advanced research skills.
• Considers the role of research in design and management.
• Develops understanding of material culture theory.
• Block 3:
• Students choose one of the following modules:
• Sustainability Strategy and Design:
• Examines key historical and contemporary contexts in sustainable design and corporate strategy.
• Covers sustainable development, ethical supply chains, circular economy, and other relevant topics.
• Narrative Spaces:
• Explores how the design of spaces can tell a story.
• Focuses on modern retail environments and progressive museum and exhibition design.
• UX and UI:
• Prepares students for a career in UX/UI design.
• Covers research, user experience principles, and interface design.
• Block 4:
• Students choose one of the following modules:
• Business and Marketing Strategies:
• Focuses on the commercialization of creative concepts.
• Includes marketing, corporate strategy, and financial planning.
• Design Problem Solving:
• Develops innovative approaches to tackling complex design problems.
• Enhances subject-specific skills.
• Blocks 5 and 6:
• Students choose one of the following options:
• Major Project – Dissertation:
• A research-focused project on a chosen topic.
• Demonstrates initiative, decision-making, and autonomy.
• Major Project – Design Innovation:
• A design-focused project supported by written evaluation.
• Reflects chosen career path after graduation.
• Work-based Project:
• Applies acquired skills in a practical setting.
• Includes experience with a fashion, textile, or design company.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary and aim to develop different skills. They include:

• Individual and group presentations
• Reports
• Literature reviews
• Essays
• A business plan
• Dissertation
• Design concept presentation

Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Workshops
The program benefits from visiting lecturers and industry professionals who present and coordinate live projects.

Careers:

Graduates of the program pursue diverse careers, including:

• Launching their own design businesses and consultancies
• Creative designers
• Senior roles in design strategy and brand management
• Specific examples of graduate success stories are provided.

Other:

Additional Notes:

• This program is offered as both an MA and MSc, depending on the route taken through studies and final major project.
• Students also have the option of exiting with a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate award, depending on the credits they have achieved.

Conclusion:

The Design Innovation and Management MA/MSc at De Montfort University is a comprehensive program that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in the competitive creative industries.

2024/25 Full-time tuition fees for UK students £9,435 per year 2024/25 tuition fees for EU and international students: £15,800