Product design needs disruptive thinkers and practitioners to shape the objects and interactions of contemporary society. This research-led taught programme supports designers to expand their practice in the context of technological advancements, new modes of production and global environmental challenges. The MA Product Design, is a research-led taught masters aimed at building on knowledge and practice acquired at undergraduate level and within professional practice, with applicants proposing a research agenda that will provide a focus for their study.
Product design is about enriching quality of life, whether in the home, workplace, or public domain. It can provide ways of answering unmet needs, improving function and appearance, or offer new ways of critically engaging with objects and experiences. The MA Product Design programme addresses real-world challenges through balancing creativity and technical capability with contextual insight and empathy for people, enabling the students to make things better. The programme is designed, timetabled and delivered in such a way as to enable design practitioners to undertake their study alongside maintaining their professional career.
What to Expect
The MA Product Design combines core taught elements in research and critical studies, with students proposing a specific creative subject for advanced studio practice. The aim of the MA is to create a design culture that thrives on new ideas, new ways of doing things and new areas of exploration. We encourage our students to experiment and take risks in order to carve new understandings of Design and make technical innovations within, and across product design. In challenging the purpose, methods and ambitions of contemporary product design practice and research, students will identify opportunities and develop their own creative careers.
The MA provides the opportunity for students to engage in an interdisciplinary educational experience, working alongside postgraduate students from across the School of Design. We encourage our students to explore contemporary themes that connect all the design disciplines. Building on the knowledge and skills developed at undergraduate level and professional practice, students encounter new contexts in which to develop their skill-sets and deepen their knowledge of design through a range of projects, before undertaking a major self-directed project.
Opportunities to Engage
The programme reflects the changing field of product design, with continuing development of industry links offering relevant career pathways. This will be supported by a visiting lecture programme of leading industry and creative practitioners.
The programme has the option of a further 30 credits of study in Design Internships or Design Incubation and Enterprise. Additional modules enable students to undertake industry placements, working in a real-world design environment; or pursue further research to support the commercialisation of their design work, providing an incubation support system for students.
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Programme Team
Sam Russell, MA – Head of Product Design
Sam holds a first degree in Industrial Design and an MA in Design through practice. His research interests relate to the role designers can play in development aid and the design of new learning experiences and spaces. As Head of Product Design his focus is on experiential learning and linking students to industry networks.