MBA Masters of Business Administration
The MBA in Leadership at Bath Spa University is structured to provide a comprehensive u...
MA Design
Locksbrook campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Design program at Bath Spa University is typically a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, attracting individuals with backgrounds in various design disciplines, including graphic design, product design, fashion design, interior design, and more. It is structured to encourage interdisciplinary exploration and the development of a holistic understanding of design principles and practices. Students are encouraged to define their own areas of focus and develop a personalized learning journey through a range of elective modules and project-based work. A key element involves critical inquiry, experimentation with new technologies and methodologies, and the development of a significant design project or portfolio that showcases their unique design vision and skills. The program fosters a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, encouraging peer learning and cross-disciplinary exchange.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Design program is designed to be both broad and deep, providing a strong foundation in design theory, research methods, and strategic thinking, while allowing for specialization in chosen areas. Core modules typically explore topics such as design thinking and innovation, user-centered design, sustainable design practices, design research methodologies, and the social and ethical implications of design. Students will engage with a range of design processes, from conceptualization and prototyping to testing and implementation. The program emphasizes the integration of technology in design, exploring areas such as digital fabrication, interactive design, and data visualization. Students are encouraged to undertake projects that address real-world challenges and collaborate with external partners. The curriculum promotes critical reflection on design practice and the development of a personal design philosophy.
Research Focus: The MA Design program at Bath Spa University benefits from a strong research environment within the School of Art, Film and Media and the wider Faculty of Arts and Design. The academic staff often comprises active design researchers and practitioners who bring their cutting-edge work and insights into their teaching. The program encourages students to engage with current design research, explore emerging trends, and develop their own research questions within their chosen design specializations. Students are expected to integrate research into their design projects and their final research project or dissertation, contributing to the body of knowledge in their field. The university's research strengths in areas such as sustainable design, digital creativity, and social innovation provide a rich and interdisciplinary context for design inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's MA Design program actively fosters connections with the professional design industry. The program may facilitate guest lectures and workshops led by leading designers and industry professionals. Students may have opportunities to undertake live briefs, collaborate with companies on design projects, and participate in industry events and exhibitions. The curriculum often incorporates elements of professional development, such as portfolio building, pitching design ideas, and understanding the business aspects of design. Networking opportunities with designers and industry representatives are often facilitated through university events and career services. The program's location within a region with a thriving creative sector can also provide valuable industry links.
Global Perspective: The MA Design program at Bath Spa University embraces a global perspective by exploring diverse design cultures, international design trends, and the impact of globalization on design practice. The curriculum may include the study of design history and theory from a global standpoint, examining different cultural approaches to design challenges. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a rich and intercultural learning environment, fostering exchange and collaboration across different design perspectives. The program may also feature guest designers from around the world or opportunities to participate in international design workshops or competitions. This global outlook prepares graduates to be adaptable and culturally aware designers in an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Locksbrook campus
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18560
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 65% 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 75.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- DET: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Bath Spa University understands that financing higher education can be a challenge for international students, and to make studying in the UK more accessible, the university offers a range of scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support international students and recognize their academic achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses.
International Scholarships: Bath Spa University offers a variety of international scholarships to help non-UK students cover part of their tuition fees. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. The scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the university community.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students are also eligible for a range of scholarships, which may vary based on the course of study. These scholarships help to support students at the beginning of their master’s degree programs and can be highly competitive. Scholarships are awarded based on previous academic achievements, research proposals, and the applicant's personal statement.
Alumni Scholarships: Bath Spa University values its alumni community, and in recognition of this, it offers scholarships for international students who are former students of the university or have attended a Bath Spa University partner institution. The Alumni Scholarship is designed to reward those who have previously been part of the university and are returning to continue their studies.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Bath Spa University also provides country-specific scholarships for international students from particular regions. These scholarships are designed to encourage students from specific countries to study at Bath Spa University and contribute to the diverse international student community. Students from certain countries may be eligible for specific funding opportunities based on their nationality. The university’s website provides up-to-date information on country-specific scholarship availability.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Many of Bath Spa University's scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement or outstanding potential in their chosen field of study. Merit scholarships are typically awarded during the application process, and students do not need to apply separately for these awards.
External Scholarship Opportunities: In addition to the university’s internal scholarships, international students at Bath Spa University can also apply for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private organizations, or charitable foundations. Bath Spa University regularly updates a list of external scholarship opportunities that are available to international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.
Graduates from the interdisciplinary MA Design program at Bath Spa University develop a highly versatile and future-oriented skillset, positioning them for a wide range of impactful careers across the diverse field of design. The program's emphasis on innovation, critical thinking, and human-centered approaches equips graduates to lead and shape the future of design in various sectors.
Product Designer: Conceiving, developing, and refining physical products, focusing on user needs, functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.
Graphic Designer: Creating visual communication materials across various platforms, including branding, websites, print media, and digital interfaces.
User Experience (UX) Designer: Focusing on the user's interaction with digital products and services, ensuring usability, accessibility, and satisfaction.
Service Designer: Designing and improving service experiences by considering the needs of both users and service providers, often involving digital and physical touchpoints.
Sustainable Designer: Integrating environmental and social considerations into the design process, creating products, services, and systems that minimize negative impact.
Design Strategist: Utilizing design thinking methodologies to solve complex business challenges and develop innovative strategies for organizations.
Interior Designer: Planning and designing the interior spaces of buildings, focusing on functionality, aesthetics, and user well-being.
Exhibition Designer: Creating engaging and informative experiences for museum and gallery exhibitions, considering spatial design, visual communication, and visitor flow.
Design Researcher: Conducting research to inform the design process, understanding user needs, market trends, and the social and cultural context of design.
Design Entrepreneur: Launching their own design studios or businesses, offering specialized design services or creating innovative design products.
