MA Design Management

Why study this course?

• Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), enhancing your professional recognition and employability.
• Delivered fully online, allowing flexibility to study from anywhere worldwide.
• Practical, industry-relevant modules that reflect the latest trends in design management and leadership.
• Opportunity to gain an additional CMI Level 7 qualification and Foundation Chartered Manager status.
• Curriculum designed with sustainability and “social good” at its core.
• Authentic assessments focused on real-world application rather than exams.
• Access to Arden University’s Digital Backpack, which includes Microsoft Office 365, library resources, and career support through Arden Futures.

Entry requirements

Academic Route

Minimum Age: 18 years

Applicants must provide evidence of their highest academic qualification, which may include:

• Level 3 Qualifications (A Levels, NVQ Level 3, Diploma, Certificate, or Access to Higher Education Diploma)
• International Baccalaureate
• High School Level Qualifications
• Level 2 Qualifications or equivalent (for example, GCSEs, NVQ Level 2, Diploma, or Certificate)

Work Route

Minimum Age: 21 years

Applicants who do not meet formal academic entry criteria may apply through the Work Route. This route recognises relevant professional experience in the field, or related industries as an alternative pathway into higher education. Some exceptions may apply for applicants with professional experience in other fields. This entry route ensures that motivated and experienced candidates can progress academically and professionally.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not the first language, applicants must complete an approved free English language test that assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Equivalent qualifications may also be accepted.

Interview

All applicants are required to attend an interview with a member of the admissions team as part of the selection process.

Assessments

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future. Throughout the course, you will be able to demonstrate your progress using a number of creative evaluation methods designed to help you demonstrate your passion and ability for design thinking and management. These methods include:

• Design portfolios and professional development reports. 
• Research and project proposals. 
• Case studies and reflective essays. 
• Creative and collaborative design projects. 
• Final research report and industry-linked creative practice project. 
• Presentation and visual communication assessments.
  

Modules

Study & Career Progression

Graduates of the MA Design Management programme will gain a versatile skill set applicable to a range of design and business environments. The course prepares students to manage creative teams, lead innovation projects, and influence strategic design decisions across multiple sectors.

Career paths include:

• Design Manager 
• Strategic Design Manager 
• Senior Designer 
• Innovation Designer 
• Brand and Communication Consultant 
• UX/UI Lead Designer or Human-Centred Design Specialist 
• Research and Development Manager 
• Experience Design Lead 
• Design and Marketing Executive 

The professional recognition from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) provides a strong foundation for career progression into senior management and leadership roles within the design industry and beyond.

Student Fee's & Finance

The Tuition Fee of the course may vary depending on the institution you wish to study at, as well as your status in the UK. The course is available for UK/EU & International Students and eligible for Student Loans Company (SLC) funding to help cover the cost of your tuition fees and other expenses.

If you are an UK/EU citizen or living in the UK on an Indefinite stay, apart from the tuition fees, you could also receive support from the government via Student Loans Company to cover some living costs while studying.

• Tuition fee loans cover the full cost of your course and are paid directly to the course provider.
• Maintenance Loan pays for day-to-day living expenses like rent, bills, food and books. Unlike the fees loan, it's paid directly to your student bank account once a term and you can spend it on anything you like.
• Student Finance has to be paid back, however, you only make Student Loan repayments once you've left your course AND are earning enough. Repayments vary with your salary, and stop altogether if your income drops too low.
• Students can also apply for other types of special support grants, such as childcare grants or Disabled Students' Allowance if eligible.
• Moreover, almost all universities offer a selection of student bursaries. These are cash gifts you usually don't have to repay.