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OverviewDo you have a passion for leveraging design to build a fairer and more sustainable future? The MA Design: Active Practice program provides a distinctive chance to reimagine traditional design approaches by combining research with practical application.This course enables you to thoughtfully examine the role and significance of objects, systems, and methodologies, preparing you to tackle intricate social, political, and technological issues through creative design approaches. By integrating critical thinking with hands-on studio experience, you'll cultivate the expertise and assurance to emerge as a pioneer spearheading meaningful innovation in design.What you'll studyFocusing heavily on societal impact, this program prioritizes experiential learning. Practical design techniques—including creation and discussion—are essential for honing abilities in design investigation, evaluation, inventive solutions, and prototyping. Core concepts such as Design Cultures, Connections, and Challenges will steer your practice-led education through solo and group initiatives, strengthening your collaborative and communication skills via authentic design projects and industry assignments.Based in the historic Birmingham School of Art, this course flourishes within a lively research community that embraces professionals from varied disciplines. Our energetic studio atmosphere nurtures personal development and teamwork, helping you assemble an outstanding portfolio and grow your professional connections by engaging in design events and workshops throughout Europe.Our graduates have pursued diverse career paths, from academic research and education to service design, consulting, and technology ventures. Numerous alumni have established cross-disciplinary design groups and community labs, demonstrating the wide-ranging opportunities available to you.Become part of our network of visionary designers and contribute to crafting a future where design fuels groundbreaking, research-driven progress. Upon completion, you'll possess the technical abilities, cooperative spirit, and leadership traits required to create enduring change in the design industry.
Applicants are normally expected to have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in Art and Design, Fine Art or another Arts-based degree course. We also welcome applications from individuals who may not satisfy the normal entry requirements, but have equivalent qualifications and experience. These will be considered on an individual basis. IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band, or equivalent. TOEFL iBT: 80 overall.