Design MRes

The MRes Design taught programme gives you the opportunity to carry out original, in-depth design research and to develop the skills to become a critical thinker and innovative researcher. 

The main aim of the programme is to equip you for further academic study at a doctoral level or to work as a researcher in the cultural industries.

The course encourages intellectual curiosity and inquiry, challenging you to develop a robust and dynamic approach to research. The taught modules provide an excellent framework of practical, communication and transferable skills, supporting your development into a flexible and self-motivated early-career researcher. 

You will create and deliver a unique, significant project in the form of a dissertation or practice-based output, to demonstrate your ability to produce thought-provoking, well-grounded design research that stimulates debate and contributes to your community of practice. 

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject. Applicants with appropriate work experience and/or a relevant professional qualification will be considered. 

Applicants are required to submit a statement of their proposed area of study in order to identify a suitable supervisor.

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

This course will give you skills for life-long learning, including critical skills and attitudes, presentation skills, and the ability to reflect and evaluate. These are all attractive traits and in demand from employers.

You’ll be able to demonstrate critical awareness of research and scholarship in your chosen design discipline and show that you are self-motivated, disciplined and possess a thirst for independent learning.

Throughout the course, you’ll build on your undergraduate skills, adding intensity, complexity and depth of study as you also develop communication, time management and highly developed research and inquiry skills.