Think differently about design and creatively push boundaries, whilst developing the skills needed to become an imaginative and versatile product designer.
Be part of an interdisciplinary design programme which promotes social and cultural innovation.
Develop your specialist skills and knowledge in a collaborative studio environment.
Innovate with materials, technology and conceptual thinking.
Extend existing material practices in response to the needs of our rapidly changing world.

Placing emphasis on personal research, this course gives you the chance to develop your own interests and ideas in a challenging and supportive environment. Our academic staff are design specialists, researchers and practitioners who will support you to expand your practice and develop an independent, autonomous approach.

Live projects

As well as undertaking live, real-world projects embedded into your modules, you're encouraged to seek industrial sponsors or collaborators for individual projects. The long-established link with our Art, Design & Media Research Centre (ADMRC) supports a continuing tradition of graduates from our masters courses working as research assistants and/or continuing their studies to PhD level. As such they’re also able to provide you with expert support throughout your projects.

Field trips

You’ll be able to take part in study trips and visits to design conferences and debates.

Networking opportunities

You’ll benefit from studying within a cross-disciplinary, vibrant, international, collaborative and supportive postgraduate environment. You can work alongside our Design Futures consultancy and with researchers from the ADMRC. We also encourage you to collaborate with our exemplary network of leading design agencies, organisations, museums and practitioners.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The initial modules are taught to all students in the design faculty (including fashion, graphics, illustration, interior, jewellery and metalwork, interaction, packaging and product) and you focus on gaining a critical understanding of design thinking, theoretical studies, research methods and making practices. In subsequent modules, you will follow your own personal practice, supported by key specialist staff.

You learn through

• immersive learning alongside peers in a studio environment
• practice-based research
• project work
• individual and group tutorials
• lectures
• seminars
• constructive critical debates

Take a look at the department's Instagram to see what innovations and creations our students have been working on. For more content from our MA and MFA Design programmes, please visit our official Instagram.

This course prepares you for a career in

• design
• design management
• making or manufacturing
• company-employed design
• independent design practice
• postgraduate study at PhD level
• education
• retail/marketing
• design research
• academia

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for international design companies and consultancies, as well as gaining PhD scholarships.

 

Normally you need

• a 2.2 degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline or significant relevant experience

• appropriate study plans, including an indication of possible project topics and clear, appropriate and realistic learning aims

• a high level of creative ability, as evidenced by a portfolio of work

• ability to discuss design issues critically and confidently

For information on applying, the interview process and your portfolio, download our MA/MFA Design application support.

Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English. If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English level.

If you do not have such academic qualifications we may consider your application individually, based on your personal, professional and work experience, and other formal qualifications. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Creative Design And Positionality	60	Coursework
Ma Project (Product)	60	Coursework
Methods For Research And Practice	60	Coursework