Design Management (MA)

You’ll need a 2:2 degree or equivalent international qualification in a relevant subject, such as: 

• advertising
• architecture
• business
• fashion management
• graphic design
• history of art
• industrial or interior design
• management
• marketing
• photography
• politics
• product design
• psychology
• sociology

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.

You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme. Find out more about Pre-Master's programmes for international students.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Design Management sets the foundation for your journey into design leadership. You will explore how ideas move from concept to reality, building a strong understanding of both creative and strategic approaches. You will learn how to balance innovation with leadership, developing the skills to lead ethically and make decisions that create positive impact.

Semester 1 overview

Building the foundations of design leadership

In your first semester, you will focus on understanding how strong ideas move from concept to delivery. You will explore the core principles of design management and learn how to combine creativity with strategic thinking to produce effective and responsible design outcomes.

This semester introduces you to:

• ethics and leadership, developing the skills to lead responsibly and make decisions that reflect integrity and social impact
• digital technologies, analysing how artificial intelligence and digital innovation influence strategic design thinking
• design sources and research, learning how to identify, evaluate and apply design knowledge to strengthen creative and strategic practice
• strategic marketing and financial planning, gaining insight into quality assurance, marketing tools and financial approaches that support successful design outcomes
• corporate social responsibility, understanding how design can drive positive change for organisations, communities and the environment

Your core modules include:

• Strategic Design Management
• Design Process and Innovation
• Leadership and Ethics

Semester 2 overview

Discovering the future of design

In semester 2 you will explore current and emerging thinking in design and examine how creative practice can help shape a better world. You will learn how to embed sustainability into design, create inclusive and human-centred solutions, and use digital technologies to support future-focused innovation.

Through real-world case studies and industry input, you will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the design industry today.

A core focus of this semester is working towards your final project. You will carry out an independently constructed research project that combines academic rigour with industry relevance. This will support you to develop ideas that advance professional practice and create meaningful impact. Along the way, you will strengthen your ability to apply research methods that are essential for both academic study and professional work.

By the end of the semester, you will be prepared to take on the role of a design leader, ready to address global challenges and contribute to the future of design management.

You will choose one of the following optional modules:

• Creative Thinking and Problem Solving
• Digital Cultures
• Global Marketing
• Visual Culture
• Entrepreneurship
• Sustainability in Business and Design

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

As well as lectures, seminars, and independent study you’ll learn through: 

• guest speakers
• optional study visits to museums
• peer group learning
• problem-solving activities
• class discussion, critiques, and presentations
• personal feedback sheet after each marking period 

You’ll also be encouraged to attend relevant conferences, such as the Design Management Institute conference. 

Assessment

We'll assess you through a variety of methods, including:

• presentations
• peer assessment tasks
• written assignments
• project reports
• portfolio (3,000 words)
• dissertation (10,000 words) 

Dissertation

Your dissertation is your final project. You will need to write a critical paper which should be 10,000 words.  

Focusing on a contemporary design management issue, you will investigate this thoroughly. Collating, critically analysing and commenting on the ideas and viewpoints of others, with those of your own. 

Academic Support

We have a close-knit learning community at Winchester School of Art. Our friendly and approachable academic team are dedicated to supporting you to achieve your full potential.

You’ll be allocated a personal academic tutor who will be the first point of contact for anything you need to help with, academic or other. In addition, the University offers a wide range of learning, welfare and support services if you need them.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £11,500.
• EU and international students pay £28,700.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. 

If you study part-time, you may not be eligible for this loan. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship

There are 40 scholarships available to international students applying to study an undergraduate or postgraduate master's degree in an arts or humanities subject. Successful applicants will get £10,000 towards their tuition fees.

Find out more about the Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2026.

Supporting information

When you apply, you’ll need to submit a personal statement that explains your interest in design management. Make sure you include:

• a short description of a design management project or activity you’ve taken part in during the past year
• why this project or activity interested you

This could be an exhibition, a personal project, an extracurricular activity or previous academic work linked to design thinking.

If you have work experience in design management, such as working in a design company or in design-related work, also explain:

• the role you played
• the nature and scope of the work you carried out

Our admissions system will tell you if we need any documents with your application. This is usually your personal statement and your most recent first degree transcript.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000