Details

Structure

MA Design Management explores and develops the ability to apply design knowledge and thinking in a range of contexts. The curriculum offers methods of teaching, learning and assessment which develop subject specific as well as transferable skills, providing opportunities for students to develop independence of thought and critical judgement. Generally as the course progresses, teaching and learning moves from methods and approaches which include more formal staff input and directed learning, towards increased independent and self directed learning.

An understanding of the role of design in commercial contexts is a core theme you will experience developing the ability to apply this knowledge into real world situations. The ability to communicate findings and conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences will be facilitated. Core modules are:

• Design Management | This module familiarises students with the origins of design management, its past, present and emerging forms; its functions and purposes; and its relationships with policymaking. It provides the historical and practical context for design management in general and the role of the design manager in particular. It explores the meaning of designing versus managing and the many ways design managers can contribute to organisations. Students develop specific skills in managing projects, developing design strategies as well as an awareness of branding, marketing, innovation, strategic design-skills necessary to be an effective design manager.
• Design Research Methods | This module develops an understanding of a range of design research methods and their application with real world contexts. It facilitates and develops analytical and creative design thinking through theoretical investigation and practical activity. It introduces and develops research approaches, methodologies and tools used to inform design research, as well as ideas about how and when to deploy these research tools appropriately. It supports the application of these practical and conceptual tools in a range of research methods appropriate to design.
• Contemporary Issues in Design | This module explores key dimensions of contemporary issues in design, which each year will emphasise a specific theme. Through important emergent topics within these themes the module explores the meanings of modern design and its potential role in addressing critical contemporary issues and challenges. The module introduces students to different ways of thinking about the ‘outcomes’ of design, which may be concepts, material artefacts, services, plans, schemes, participatory methods, etc. The module address the changing role of design and the designer, and the evolving relationships between design, society, and contemporary issues.
• Design and Business | This module considers the complex relationship between design and business and explores this relationship in historical and contemporary contexts. It considers the manner in which design can contribute to sustainable and commercially viable propositions and the resultant relationship to organisational agendas. The role of design in business is moving towards more strategic positions increasingly working on complex systems and intangible objects. This module introduces design as a key area of intervention in business and aims to develop creative professionals able to navigate complex issues, envision possible futures, mediate between creative, commercial and triple bottom line imperatives, and connect organisations to stakeholders groups. Ultimately this module aims to develop an understanding of the scope, nature and role of design in business and the mechanisms by which it is employed.
• Design Directions | This module explores future directions of design and develops students’ awareness of the complex interrelationships between design and others specialism’s. It utilises design as the driver for such discourse but engages with many perspective beyond those familiar to designers. The module engages with debates that are not bounded by traditional disciplinary concerns and seeks to develop an advanced level of critical and creative engagement with complex societal challenges. The curriculum supports applied and theoretical research into people, products, places and their interactions. This module develops an understanding of the scope, nature and role of design in business and the mechanisms by which it is employed.
• Imagination Lab | This module is project-based and offers learning in project management and practice at an advanced level. Projects will vary from year to year but will centre on contemporary issues in design, including emerging research directions and issues related to design and business. Projects may be based on academically significant topics, thereby enabling students to become exposed to areas of contemporary design research. Alternatively, they may be linked to ‘real world’ issues and external clients, thereby developing their abilities in professional practice. Project activities in this module will directly relate to, and integrate with academic studies in other modules and will provide an important opportunity for project-based creative activities and synthesis.
• Major Research Project (60 credits) | This module enables students to undertake an in depth and comprehensive research project into an area of personal interest and provides a project of significant size and depth in order to synthesise the skills and knowledge acquired in the programme. This module will allow students to engage in research design and implementation in a subsequent research project. It provides the student with an opportunity to co-ordinate and manage their own learning experience and formulate this within a coherent research project. Where appropriate, students will be encouraged to engage with other units across the university in an interdisciplinary manner. Teaching and learning strategies for this module are based around lectures, seminars and personal tutorials. Each student will be required to verbally present their work at specific review points and the project will be monitored at key stages. Supervisor and student must ensure regular contact during the project however, it is the student's responsibility to maintain that contact.

Features

In recent times design has developed from a problem-solving activity to problem-processing one that investigates the potential that design can bring to a commercial context. An understanding of professional practice of design will be supported through the combination of case studies that document best practice; visiting professionals who bring a contemporary and up to date understanding of the application of design in real world situations; and live briefs that offer opportunities for students to demonstrate professional working practices and methodologies.

A comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the role of the user within design will be developed through project learning and assessment, where students can take control and manage their own learning and demonstrate skills and competencies in areas such as problem-solving and primary research; group critiques involving peers and tutors, which provide opportunities for the development of intellectual skills in constructing and supporting arguments; and extended projects that enable students to demonstrate a broad range of competencies from technical skills and research/enquiry through to independence of thought and critical analysis.

Staff who contribute to the course have extensive experience in design and are recognised experts within their particular fields. They bring a contemporary understanding of the role and value of design and have research interests that encompass design management, design strategy, design thinking and design methods design futures, service design, design for sustainability, game design, design and branding, and collaborative design to name a few.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

A first or upper second class degree (or equivalent) in design or a business related discipline. Other qualifications and relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration.

Additionally applicants should demonstrate: evidence of design methodology and/or practice-based skills; communication skills; an appreciation of the design profession; a research agenda; and a passion for design management and policy. Applicants are usually in, or aspire to be in, managerial positions, or are looking to enhance their employability.

Language Requirements

Please note that if English is not your first language you are required to obtain an English language qualification that demonstrates ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. Details of the English Language requirements can be found on our How to Apply page.

Applicant Profile

We look for a genuine passion to undertake postgraduate study combined with an ability to question norms and assumptions and utilise design thinking in a range of contexts. Our course will particularly appeal to:

• Graduates from Design courses seeking skills in critical inquiry, modes of thinking and theoretical foundations required for consultancy, practice and higher research degrees.

• Graduates from Non-Design courses wishing to enter the design and creative industries by acquiring skills in creative thinking and critical inquiry.

• Graduates who wish to prepare for strategic leadership and creative positions within private or public sector organisations.

• Professionals currently in industry or consultancy wishing to extend their educational qualifications and foster their creative thinking through individual and interdisciplinary projects that address management, organisation and policy in the context of product development.

• Educators in further education, colleges and universities who wish to develop an understanding of the roles of creative thinking and design, and strategies for research through design.

Profiles

Lorenz Herfurth

MA Design Management, 2008

"The student/staff ratio is far above average and contributes to the very intensive and effective learning environment."

"The professional background of the lecturers makes a course that is inspired by a high amount of visiting lecturers, most of them come from leading UK design and management consultancies."

"Before I came to Lancaster, I did not have a lot of knowledge about design management outside of the industrial design context. The first term opened my eyes. The power of design within the context of an organisation was unknown to me."

Rachel Cooper

Director: LICA

"Design management is more critical today than ever before. We prepare graduates to create value in products and services, address critical issues such as sustainability, and indeed use design thinking to change the very nature of organisations themselves!"

Kai Lin See

MA Design Management, 2011

"The LICA experience expands my knowledge perspective on various design related topics. Coming abroad for my masters studies had significant changes on how I manage life. I would say, it was definitely worth the price paid."