MA/MSc
by Practice in Design

The MA by Practice in Design provides a supportive academic environment in which to undertake practice-based postgraduate study for one year (minimum 9 months) full-time, or two years (minimum 14 months) part-time. It offers students the opportunity to develop an original body of creative practice informed by rigorous research and critical reflection.

The programme is particularly suited to graduates and practitioners who wish to advance their professional practice while engaging in postgraduate-level research.

The MSc by Practice in Design provides a supportive academic environment in which to undertake postgraduate practice-based research for one year (minimum 9 months) full-time, or two years (minimum 14 months) part-time. The programme enables students to investigate design challenges through technical, empirical, experimental, or user-centred approaches while producing original research outputs and professional practice outcomes.

It is particularly suited to designers wishing to investigate Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience (UX) Design, User Interface (UI) Design, Human-Centred AI, Interaction Design, Information Architecture, Design Systems, Accessibility, Digital Product Design, Data Visualisation, and Emerging Technologies such as Augmented and Virtual Reality.

The Masters of Science by Practice in Design is centred on independent research and creative practice. You will develop your own research project under the guidance of an academic supervisory team, meeting regularly to discuss progress, refine your ideas, and plan the next stages of your work.

Through a combination of independent study, practice-based enquiry, critical reflection, and supervision, you will build the knowledge, skills, and original contribution required for a postgraduate research degree.

Students undertake a substantial independent practice-based research project, proposed at application stage and developed under the guidance of two academic supervisors. The project may involve the production of design artefacts, exhibitions, publications, digital experiences, campaigns, or other forms of creative output. Students undertake an independently managed practice-based research project, supported by two academic supervisors. Projects may focus on technological innovation, digital interfaces, service design, product development, design systems, software applications, user experience, or applied design research.

Regular supervisory meetings support project progression whilst allowing students substantial independence to undertake research, testing, evaluation, and development activities. Students are required to produce both a substantial portfolio of work and a written exegesis of up to 15,000 words.

The Masters by Practice in Design is centred on independent research and creative practice. You will develop your own research project under the guidance of an academic supervisory team, meeting regularly to discuss progress, refine your ideas, and plan the next stages of your work.

Through a combination of independent study, practice-based enquiry, critical reflection, and supervision, you will build the knowledge, skills, and original contribution required for a postgraduate research degree. Students undertake a substantial independent practice-based research project, proposed at application stage and developed under the guidance of two academic supervisors. The project may involve the production of design artefacts, exhibitions, publications, digital experiences, campaigns, or other forms of creative output.

Besides attending a two week research methodology course at the beginning of your study, you will be required to meet regularly with supervisors throughout the programme and will be expected to engage extensively in independent creative practice and research. Alongside portfolio development, students are required to critically contextualise their work through a written exegesis of up to 15,000 words.

MA

Assessment is based upon:

• A substantial portfolio of creative work demonstrating originality and research significance.
• An exegesis of up to 15,000 words that critically reflects upon and contextualises the research process, methodology, and outcomes.
• A viva voce (oral) examination of the portfolio and written submission.

The MA emphasises creative, critical, and theoretical enquiry. Research approaches may include qualitative, interpretive, reflective, practice-led, or design-based methodologies, appropriate to the nature and context of the creative research.

MSc

Assessment is based upon:

• A substantial portfolio of technical, professional, or design outputs demonstrating the application and significance of the research.
• An exegesis of up to 15,000 words outlining the research rationale, methodology, development process, evaluation methods, findings, and contribution.
• A viva voce (oral) examination where requested by the student or examiner.

The MSc emphasises technical, scientific, and applied enquiry. Research approaches may include quantitative, experimental, user-centred, technical, scientific, or applied methodologies, appropriate to the nature and context of the research.