Future Design* MA

Explore and interrogate key concepts and critical thinking in the 21st century. Debate arising and developing themes within culture and the creative arts in theory and practice.

Focus on effective design processes and emerging design studio practice at the forefront of future thinking for real-world design solutions. Apply professional design solutions to problems that require high-level skills and professional approaches, integrating them with practice through portfolio and studio-mentored sessions, and seminars that engage critical discourse and peer interaction.

This module encourages you to question traditional design approaches, engaging with critical practices to address real-world problems. You apply creative, innovative and advanced problem-solving strategies in your design practice.



Participate in a creative problem-solving workshop and engage in active ideation. Through this hands-on practice, you demonstrate an understanding of the design process, where you learn and apply new skills and methods. Your learning is further enhanced through critical reflective thinking, which is documented in a report.

This module is normally completed over one semester (at the start of the second year). You choose one of the following options to enhances your academic learning and employability.



A traditional internship with an external business or in a department within the University. This would normally be for two to three days a week but could also be the equivalent of a full-time role up to 5 days a week.



A work-related project where you are based in the University, but the project is linked to an employer.



A research project undertaken in the University alongside practising researchers.



This opportunity builds on your existing knowledge, skills and experience and supports your future career interests and aspirations. You develop solutions to real-world business problems and enhance personal and professional knowledge, skills and behaviours through a process of reflection, critical thinking and action.

This module provides you with the tools required to embark on research. You gain an understanding of the visual and creative problem-solving research methods involved in the process of creative thinking. This includes investigations into practical applications, strategic planning and theoretical speculations. Lectures deliver key knowledge of research approaches and methods. You learn through seminars, case studies discussions, and applying research methods, in interactive sessions.

Engage in collaborative partnerships across disciplinary boundaries. Explore contemporary approaches to connected practice, utilising co-design and collaboration to solve problems.

This module supports strategic career vision related to the media and events industries. Through a series of workshops or online activities, you produce a range of professional assets designed to support your career aspirations through work-based learning and analysis of practice.



Online students are supported in this process through online collaborative events within the virtual learning environment.

Develop and direct your own design project, incorporating insights from previous modules. Demonstrate professional competence and a deep understanding of the social and philosophical context of your work.



You showcase the enterprise potential of your ideas and understand their future possibilities. Your project should indicate potential for further study or professional implementation, and you engage in critical reflection on your learning to prepare for continuous professional development.