Design: Active Practice

Entry requirements

BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art or Art and Design, or other Arts-based Degree course, related subject. The minimum academic qualification required is a 2:2 award. Those with equivalent prior professional or life experience will also be considered.

Applicants will also need a good portfolio.

IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands or its equivalent.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Are you passionate about using design to create a more equitable and sustainable world?

MA Design: Active Practice offers a unique opportunity to rethink conventional design models through the blending of research and practice.

This course empowers you to critically engage with the purpose and value of artefacts, systems, and processes, equipping you to address complex social, political, and technological challenges with innovative design solutions. By merging critical inquiry with hands-on studio work, you will develop the skills and confidence to become a leader driving transformative change in the design field.

What's covered in this course?

With a strong emphasis on social change, the course centres on learning by doing. Active design processes - such as making and dialogue - are crucial for developing competencies in design research, analysis, creative problem-solving, and prototyping. Key themes like Design Cultures, Connections, and Challenges will guide your practice-based learning through individual and collaborative projects, enhancing your teamwork and communication skills via real-world design briefs and live assignments.

Housed in the historic Birmingham School of Art, this program thrives within a vibrant research culture that welcomes practitioners from diverse backgrounds. Our dynamic studio environment fosters individual growth and collaboration, empowering you to build an impressive portfolio and expand your professional network through participation in design festivals and workshops across Europe.

Our alumni have successfully ventured into various careers, including PhD research, teaching, service design, consultancy, and tech start-ups. Many have founded multidisciplinary design collectives and community labs, showcasing the diverse paths available to you.

Join our community of forward-thinking designers and help shape a future where design drives transformative, research-led innovation. You'll graduate equipped with the skills, collaborative mindset, and leadership qualities needed to make a lasting impact in the world of design.

Information for international students

Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept.

Fees and funding

Learn more about postgraduate fees and funding.