A fully online, CMI-accredited Master's programme bridging creative practice and strategic leadership — built for design professionals moving into senior roles.
100% Online
Study mode
1 year+
Duration
Level 7
Level
CMI Level 7
Accreditation
Why this programme
Unlike traditional design degrees, this programme goes beyond creative skills to develop business management, team leadership, and strategic thinking.
Upon completing the Design Professional Practice and Creative Situated Practice modules, graduates are eligible to apply for a CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice and CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status — the gold standard in management.
A unique structural feature of this programme is that the Research Report module comes before the final Creative Situated Practice module — meaning students apply their research findings directly to their culminating creative project, creating genuine cohesion between academic inquiry and professional practice.
All assessments are practical and portfolio-based, designed to showcase creative thinking and management ability — including design portfolios, critical analysis, personal development reports, and a final portfolio combining research and creative practice outcomes.
UK Student Loan may cover your fees
Government Postgraduate Master's Loan up to £12,858. To qualify you must hold one of the following:
Who it's for
This MA is designed for creative professionals and leaders who want to drive transformative change through design thinking and strategic management.
Creative professionals — move into senior design management and leadership roles with a CMI-accredited Master's qualification
Designers and art directors — develop strategic business, leadership, and project management skills alongside your creative expertise
Professionals from other backgrounds — combine strategic leadership with design thinking to drive transformative change across any industry
UX and digital design professionals — build human-centred design management skills and advance into senior UX or experience design leadership
Career changers — enter design management from a relevant creative, marketing, or technology background with professional experience considered
Working professionals — study fully online and part-time — no relocation or campus attendance required
Curriculum
The programme is structured around four core themes — visual design, design thinking and practice, project management, and strategic leadership — culminating in a research-informed creative portfolio.
Outcomes
Strategic design leadership
Design thinking and human-centred practice
Creative project and workflow management
Visual design and communication analysis
AI and emerging technologies in design
Sustainability and social good in design
Career outcomes
Graduates are equipped for senior creative and managerial roles across the design industry — and the skills developed are highly transferable to roles in innovation, customer experience, and service design.
Join creative professionals studying a CMI-accredited MA Design Management fully online. Next intake available.
Programme details
Degree
MA Design Management
Study Mode
100% Online
Duration
1 year+ (part-time)
Accreditation
CMI Level 7
Requirements
A relevant creative degree and design portfolio are the standard route — professional experience is also considered.
A bachelor's degree at 2:2 or above in a relevant discipline — such as graphic design, multimedia, visual communication, advertising, or IT — plus a portfolio of five completed design projects
Non-standard entry: at least four years of relevant professional experience, with a portfolio of 5–10 complete design projects displaying the full design cycle
IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any element, or TOEFL iBT 90 (evidence of prior study in English also accepted)
Application process
Our admissions team guides you through every step.
Fill in the form below. Takes less than 2 minutes. No commitment required.
We confirm your eligibility, check your documents, and answer any questions.
Get your official offer letter and enrol on the next available intake date.
FAQ
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