MA Furniture Design

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

London Metropolitan University offers a variety of scholarships and financial support options designed to assist international students with the cost of tuition fees and living expenses while studying in the UK. These scholarships aim to support talented students, regardless of their financial background, and encourage diversity in the university’s student body.

International Scholarship: London Metropolitan University provides an International Scholarship for non-UK students who are enrolled in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs. This scholarship is designed to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying at the university more affordable. The scholarship amount varies depending on the program and student eligibility, typically covering a partial reduction of tuition fees. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, and students are assessed upon application for the program.

Postgraduate International Scholarships: International students applying for postgraduate courses at London Metropolitan University may be eligible for specific Postgraduate International Scholarships. These scholarships are aimed at high-achieving students and are available for a range of master’s degree programs. The scholarships provide a discount on tuition fees for international students and are typically awarded based on the applicant’s academic performance, relevant qualifications, and professional experience.

Regional Scholarships: To encourage students from diverse regions to study at London Metropolitan University, the university offers Regional Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to attract students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The scholarships are often based on merit and financial need and offer varying amounts of financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition fees.

Alumni Scholarships: For international students who are graduates of partner institutions, the Alumni Scholarship offers financial support for those seeking to pursue postgraduate studies at London Metropolitan University. This scholarship is typically offered as a fee reduction for alumni who wish to continue their education at the university. The goal of this scholarship is to foster long-term relationships between the university and its international partners while providing continued academic opportunities for its alumni.

External Scholarships and Financial Aid: In addition to university-specific scholarships, international students can explore external scholarships offered by organizations, government bodies, and foundations. Some notable external scholarships include those offered by the British Council, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships, which provide significant funding to international students pursuing higher education in the UK. London Metropolitan University encourages its international students to apply for these prestigious scholarships in addition to institutional funding opportunities.

Graduates of the MA Furniture Design program at London Metropolitan University are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and creative expertise necessary to succeed in a range of dynamic and rewarding careers within the furniture design industry. The program’s strong focus on innovative design practices, sustainability, and technical proficiency ensures that graduates are well-prepared to take on roles in various sectors, from product design to manufacturing, and beyond.

Furniture Designer: Many graduates choose to establish themselves as independent furniture designers, creating bespoke pieces for clients, galleries, or retail markets. They may specialize in high-end residential furniture, commercial furniture, or experimental design. Independent designers often work freelance or set up their own design studios, developing unique, functional, and aesthetically pleasing furniture solutions. The program’s focus on creative innovation and technical skills equips graduates to meet the evolving needs of the market while developing their signature design style.

Furniture Product Designer: Furniture product designers work for design firms, manufacturers, or commercial furniture companies, creating mass-produced or commercial-grade furniture that combines form, function, and user experience. Graduates can pursue careers in product design, where they will be involved in developing new furniture collections, creating prototypes, and refining design concepts for large-scale production. They work closely with engineers and material specialists to ensure that designs are not only innovative but also feasible for mass production. The program’s emphasis on materials, sustainability, and manufacturing processes prepares graduates for this critical role.

Industrial Designer (Furniture Focus): Industrial designers specializing in furniture design work on the functional aspects of product development, focusing on both aesthetics and usability. These professionals design furniture with an emphasis on ergonomics, practicality, and the user experience. They may work in companies that produce office furniture, home furnishings, or outdoor furniture, ensuring that their designs meet market demands and production capabilities. Their role involves collaborating with engineers, manufacturers, and marketing teams to create furniture products that are not only visually appealing but also practical and comfortable.

Furniture Manufacturer or Maker: Graduates who wish to work hands-on with materials and fabrication techniques may choose to become furniture makers. Furniture manufacturers produce custom, high-quality, or limited-edition pieces of furniture using a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques. As makers, graduates can create one-of-a-kind pieces, work in small-scale workshops, or collaborate with designers to bring their concepts to life. This career path allows graduates to focus on the tactile and practical side of furniture production while developing expertise in materials and craftsmanship.

Sustainable Furniture Designer: With growing concerns around environmental sustainability, many MFA Furniture Design graduates choose to specialize in sustainable furniture design. This involves creating eco-friendly furniture solutions that minimize environmental impact through the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and responsible waste management. Graduates can work with organizations committed to sustainability, from startups focused on green design to larger furniture manufacturers aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. The program’s emphasis on sustainability and materials innovation positions graduates to be leaders in this growing field.

Furniture Curator or Exhibitor: Graduates interested in the intersection of design, art, and culture may pursue careers as furniture curators or exhibition designers. They could work in museums, galleries, or design festivals, curating exhibitions that showcase the best in furniture design. In this role, they would research and curate collections, work with designers and artists, and organize events that celebrate the innovation and craftsmanship behind furniture. Graduates may also be involved in setting up pop-up exhibitions or participating in international design fairs, helping to elevate furniture design as an art form.

Design Consultant for Furniture Brands or Retailers: Design consultants specialize in advising furniture brands, retailers, or interior design firms on product development, market trends, and brand positioning. They help these organizations identify opportunities for innovation and ensure that the furniture products they offer meet the needs of their target market. Graduates can work as consultants, guiding the design and development of new collections, providing insights into user preferences, and ensuring that the furniture is both functional and marketable.

Interior Designer with Furniture Expertise: Interior designers with a strong background in furniture design can work on residential, commercial, or hospitality projects, where they select and arrange furniture in interior spaces. With their deep understanding of furniture design, materials, and functionality, these graduates can help clients create cohesive, aesthetically pleasing, and functional interiors. They often collaborate with architects, contractors, and furniture manufacturers to source and customize pieces that align with a specific design vision.

Furniture Design Educator or Lecturer: For graduates with a passion for teaching, a career as a furniture design educator can be an ideal path. Graduates can teach at universities, design schools, or community programs, passing on their knowledge of design principles, techniques, and sustainable practices to the next generation of furniture designers. They may also develop educational resources, lead workshops, or contribute to industry research in an academic context. This career option allows graduates to shape the future of furniture design education and inspire new talent in the field.

Furniture Marketing or Brand Manager: Graduates with an interest in business and marketing may pursue careers in furniture marketing or as brand managers for furniture companies. They are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies, branding initiatives, and promotional campaigns for furniture products. Their role involves understanding market trends, customer behavior, and the competitive landscape to ensure that furniture products are successfully positioned in the market. Graduates in this field work closely with sales, design, and production teams to ensure that marketing campaigns effectively communicate the value of their products.

Furniture Retail Buyer: Furniture retail buyers play a vital role in sourcing and selecting furniture for retail stores or online platforms. They analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and pricing strategies to curate a collection of furniture that aligns with the brand’s vision and customer demand. Graduates interested in retail and procurement can work for large furniture retailers or boutique stores, overseeing the selection of new products, negotiating with suppliers, and managing inventory.