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University of Southampton: Design Management
| Institution | University of Southampton |
|---|---|
| Department | Winchester School of Art |
| Web | http://www.southampton.ac.uk |
| AdmissionsPGT.AH@soton.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 023 8059 4732 |
| Study type | Taught |
MA
Summary
About this course The MA in Design Management is designed to bridge the gap between design and business by combining creative thinking with management theories. The course focuses on academic research and theoretical frameworks to help you develop the critical analysis and decision-making skills needed to address societal and industry challenges. You will learn the key values and principles of responsible design and expand your knowledge in crucial contemporary areas, including: • Strategic planning in the design process • Sustainable practice and ethics • Design and digital transformation • Generative AI • User Experience (UX) design and inclusive, human-centred design The goal is for you to develop original ideas that improve business value creation and competitive advantage by aligning design principles with business goals for a dynamic global environment.
We are ranked 8th in the UK for research quality (Complete University Guide 2026).
Your future career This course prepares you for a future career in design management or further studies, such as a PhD. It equips you with professional skills to work effectively in a dynamic global environment. Graduates are positioned for roles that require a blend of creative and strategic leadership. As a graduate from a top 20 UK university for employability*, you'll be well-prepared for your next step.
Key features of this course • Industry Insight: You'll hear from specialist industry speakers and participate in museum study trips to advance your knowledge of design context. • Contemporary Focus: The curriculum includes cutting-edge topics like Generative AI and User Experience Design. • Location: The course is based at Winchester School of Art. • Core Modules: Compulsory modules include Design Management Principles and Practices, Strategic Design Management (SDM), and Leadership and Ethics.
Further information This is a full-time master's course. Your studies culminate in the Design Management Final Project: Critical Paper, which involves independent research that explores how your project advances professional principles in the field. The course welcomes students with a 2:2 degree in a range of relevant subjects, including architecture, business, graphic design, marketing, and sociology.
*Complete University Guide Graduate Prospects Ranking 2026.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You'll need a 2:2 degree in art, design, industrical design, architecture, humanities, management, markting, communication, performing arts, languages, politics, philosophy, psychology, sociology. |
| Location | Winchester School of Art Park Avenue Winchester SO23 8DL |
Summary
Convert your creative ideas into business success and use the power of design and innovation in a corporate context. This MA Design Management will teach you how to understand, manage and oversee the process of design in all aspects of business. Providing you with a huge range of career opportunities.
This course will suit a graduate or professional who wants to excel in design and business.
Throughout this design management master's course you’ll develop essential workplace skills and put your learning into practice. You’ll take part in mini projects, including auditing the user experience of digital services and looking at brand design for a range of organisations. In a sophisticated group marketing simulation workshop you’ll invent a company, design and sell a product, then use customer and market feedback to review and develop this.
Explore our specialist arts campus:
One of only a few specialist art schools in the Russell Group, you’ll be inspired to create in our purpose built studios and workshops and learn with expert creative practitioners at Winchester School of Art (WSA), part our University of Southampton community and just one hour from London. You’ll have industry exposure through guest lectures, work on live project briefs, and explore work internships where graduates have gone on to set up their own design labels or work at prestigious brands across the globe including Selfridges, Saatchi & Saatchi, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, ASOS, Nike and Apple.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | "You'll need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject such as: advertising |
| Location | Winchester School of Art Park Avenue Winchester SO23 8DL |
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