University of Sunderland United Kingdom

Design

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 1 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon October 2026

Course Overview

The MA Design postgraduate degree at the University of Sunderland is crafted for aspiring creatives who wish to explore and advance their personal design interests and aspirations. This programme empowers you to push the boundaries of creativity through a framework of academic rigour and contextual research, allowing you to delve into specialised areas such as graphic communication, illustration, or motion graphics. You will engage with shifting creative and design trends, understanding how they respond to societal changes, and begin to position your developing practice within broader historical and contemporary design discourse. This Masters is ideal for students seeking to deepen their expertise in a chosen design discipline.

You will study this course on campus on a full-time basis over one year, progressing through three stages: Design Ideation, Design Development and Prototypes, and Design Realisation and Production. Throughout your studies, you will develop advanced design skills, consolidate your design philosophy, and undertake substantial research, supported by written essays and a final Critical Evaluation Report. Your learning experience will culminate in a significant portfolio of design outcomes and a major project, demonstrating your mastery of your chosen field. You will graduate with an MA Design, prepared for diverse professional pathways in the creative industries.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This course explores the complete design lifecycle, from initial ideation through to development, prototyping, and final production. Students will engage with core modules covering the essential stages of bringing a design concept to fruition. The curriculum is structured to guide learners through the practical and theoretical aspects of design realization.

1 Core modules

Design Ideation Compulsory
Design development and Prototypes Compulsory
Design Realisation and Production Compulsory

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

28% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,597.00 USD 24,330.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 17,597.00 USD 24,330.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 566.00 - USD 939.00
Food & Groceries USD 6,283.00 - USD 6,444.00
Transport USD 886.00 - USD 1,611.00
Utilities & Bills USD 2,417.00 - USD 5,639.00
Estimated Total USD 9,586.00 - USD 13,694.00

Living cost estimates are based on Sunderland Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

93%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationAmusement & Recreation ServicesBroadcasting & TelevisionCorporate Training & DevelopmentEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEdTech & E-LearningHigher Education & UniversitiesMedia Production & EditingSports & AthleticsTalent & Artist Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Newcastle University

Why Study Design at University of Sunderland

What makes this program stand out

October 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in October 2026

Very Fast Application response time

University of Sunderland typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University of Sunderland in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Design at University of Sunderland

Can I work while studying?

International students in degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To be eligible for the course, you need an IELTS overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Alternatively, a PTE score of 59 in all sections is also accepted.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as graphic designers, animators, fashion designers, illustrators, or game artists.

What will I actually study in this course?

Overview

This Masters is built around your personal design interests and aspirations. It allows you to push the boundaries of creativity, within a framework of academic rigour and contextual research. You can choose to study any of the following areas: advertising, animation, design thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship, fashion and promotion, graphic communication, graphic design, illustration, interactive media, motion graphics, and typographic design. Other specialised

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the Design Masters program is October. Make sure to prepare your application in advance to meet this deadline.
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