MAs in Design Studies

Compare 141 Masters of Arts in Design Studies

Design Studies

Earning a Masters in Design can elevate design students to new levels of leadership in their field. An MA in design takes the student on an in-depth journey into the intricacies of design theory and practice.

People may wonder, "What is an MA in Design?" An MA in Design is a graduate-level degree that encourages the student to think critically about aspects of design such as the historical, theoretical and social implications of design. MA programs related to design may include Design and Technology, Fashion Studies, Architectural Theory, Sustainability and Design and other specialized programs.

Masters programs allow the student to tailor his or her educational experience to his or her unique and specific interests in the field of design. The student is challenged to innovate, and to think critically about all aspects of the field. Studying at the MA level allows design practitioners to learn and incorporate a higher level of research and theory into their work. Furthermore, achieving an MA can give practitioners a job-seeking advantage in a competitive environment. Engaging in an MA program may also give the student opportunities to improve upon his or her design portfolio.

Programs around the world and from institution to institution can vary widely when it comes to cost. Students should carefully research costs related to the program of their choice.

People who are passionate about design may seek a career that is creative, cerebral and hands-on. After completing an MA in Design, an individual may be qualified to pursue a career in different disciplines including marketing, graphic design, urban planning, industrial design, interior design, fashion design and many other fields. Designers of mobile apps and other technological innovations are in high demand. Careers in design allow the designer to touch and shape the world that we live in.

Individuals seeking to further their education in design may be able to complete much or all of their coursework online. Search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form.

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141 Results in Design Studies Filter

Design Studies

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Masters of Arts

All (502) Master Degrees (310) Masters of Science (51) Masters of Arts (141)

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Master of Fine Arts in Furniture Design

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Campus Full time 2 years September 2018 USA Rochester

The MFA is a professional degree for practicing artists, craftspeople, or designers who desire to leave a lasting impression on their fields by devotion to their work and high standards of discipline and artistic ideals. [+]

Applicants to this program come from diverse backgrounds such as architecture, interior design, industrial design, art history, law, and teaching, as well as undergraduate wood programs. In the first year, students identify issues in their technical and aesthetic background and, along with faculty, create a program of study to address these areas. Simultaneously, they discover directions in their work that are promising for further exploration. Based upon this experience, students develop a thesis proposal and, in the second year, create a comprehensive body of work. This work culminates in the end-of-the-year graduate thesis exhibition in the college gallery and a written thesis in support of the work.... [-]

MA in Digital Experience Design

Hyper Island
Campus Full time 24 weeks January 2018 United Kingdom Manchester London Singapore Sweden Stockholm USA East New York UK Online + 7 more

Hyper Island's new MA in Digital Experience Design has been designed in response to demand from industry. There is currently a gap between what schools teach and what a designer needs to know to build products, services and systems in the real world. [+]

Hyper Island's new MA in Digital Experience Design has been designed in response to demand from industry. There is currently a gap between what schools teach and what a designer needs to know to build products, services and systems in the real world. The role of a designer is shifting. A product today is rarely just physical and consumers expectations are higher than ever. The challenge for designers is to design and deliver meaningful experiences, both online and offline. The MA in Digital Experience Design will develop your technical, creative and strategic skills as an experience designer to lead the change within this evolving industry. You will explore experience design and related fields such as service design and interaction design, understanding human behaviour, rigorous research, digital technologies and prototyping, project management, business acumen and how to build and lead an effective team. You will leave us primed for roles across human-centred design such as Experience Designer, Information Architect, Interaction Designer and Service Designer. Within these roles, graduates will be able to design and develop high quality experiences, products and services. You will be able to work across disciplinary, cultural, and geographical boundaries to design innovative solutions to meet user and business needs. Above all, you will be able to operate strategically as an agent of change and have the knowledge, skills, and competence to work at the forefront of this fast paced industry. “You might call this type of work service design, experience design, design thinking, strategic design, system design,... [-]

MA in Design: Fashion and Textiles

Bath Spa University
Campus Full time Part time 1 - 2 years September 2017 United Kingdom Bath + 1 more

This course offers ambitious individuals the opportunity to become designers, designer-makers or textile artists, either within the professional industries or to set up small businesses working independently or in small teams. [+]

MA Degrees in Design Studies. Aimed at ambitious graduates, this practice-based MA course is supported by marketing theory. Staff have broad national and international industry experience which underpins and informs the course. Develop your creative design practice and thinking, while building valuable marketing and business skills. Alumni enjoy diverse career destinations with many successfully working for themselves. This course offers ambitious individuals the opportunity to become designers, designer-makers or textile artists, either within the professional industries or to set up small businesses working independently or in small teams. The programme of study allows you to freely develop creative design practice and thinking in conjunction with valuable marketing and business skills, building comprehensive understanding, vision and direction. Overview The course is developed through seminars, lectures, tutorials, visiting speakers, group critiques, market research and personal research. You will be introduced to research skills and methods, product development, design management and methods, with marketing and business skills. The emphasis of the course is learning how best to present ideas, and where and how to place them in the market. Students develop and propose a personal route of study and explore and research an area of textiles in knit, print, weave, or embroidery for fashion or interiors, textile art, or in fashion design. You are encouraged to trial a product in the market either through first hand experience, or through working with studios and agents for designers, shops and craft markets (for designer makers), or with galleries or public spaces (for textile artists). Course... [-]

M.A. Communication Design

HMKW Hochschule für Medien, Kommunikation und Wirtschaft
Campus Full time Part time 2 - 3 years Open Enrollment Germany Cologne Berlin Frankfurt am Main + 3 more

This consecutive master’s program is taught in English at HMKW in Berlin and in German at HMKW's Cologne campus. [+]

MA in Communication DesignName 

Communication Design

Start

starting October, Berlin and Cologne

Features

Integration of theory and practice of design, oriented towards real-life agency work• latest developments in research and analysis of design and creativity• practical work and art direction projects

Language 

English (Berlin) or German (Cologne)

Learning Outcomes

The ability to carry out the roles and responsibilities held by creative talents, within the framework of the ever increasing convergence of print, online, broadcast and mobile media.

 

Applicants

graduates of creative study programs, esp. those who majored in design or fine arts... [-]

Master of Arts in Design (specialization in Product Design)

NABA - Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Milano
Campus Full time 2 years February 2018 Italy Milan

The MA in Product Design developed out of the MA in Design, first as a specialization and now as its own complete degree program. You will learn a contemporary approach to design founded on the Italian design culture. You will explore the ideas and strategies of professional designers in order to develop your own personal design identity. You will analyze new reference scenarios on innovative topics and design or re-design objects through fostering an experiential and physical relationship with them. [+]

MA Degrees in Design Studies. 5 SCHOLARSHIPS UP FOR GRABS SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION PRODUCT DESIGN. Deadline: 12 May The world of material goods design and production undergoes constant changes, constantly reflecting the changing needs, forms of communication and renewed lifestyles. This evolution raises important ethical questions and stimulates a broad conversation about what kind of society and environment we want to co-create. Within this debate, you as designer will play a key role if you are able to hold a wide vision about the relationships between products, sustainability, and urban life. The MA in Product Design developed out of the MA in Design, first as a specialization and now as its own complete degree program. You will learn a contemporary approach to design founded on the Italian design culture. You will explore the ideas and strategies of professional designers in order to develop your own personal design identity. You will analyze new reference scenarios on innovative topics and design or re-design objects through fostering an experiential and physical relationship with them. Thanks to continuous interaction with faculty mentors and industry professionals, you will become a well-rounded designer who is able to direct all stages of product development, including brainstorming, design strategy, materials research, and actual production. The MA in Product Design is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research (MIUR) as a Master of Arts degree (120 CFs). First year Project Methodology, Rendering 3D, New Materials Technology, Integrated New Media, History of Design, Product Design I, Project Culture,... [-]

Master of Arts in Visual Communication and Iconic Research

Academy of Art and Design FHNW, Visual Communication Institute
Campus Full time 4 semesters September 2017 Switzerland Basel

The combination of iconic practice, iconic theory, and iconic research forms the profile of the MA in Visual Communication and Iconic Research. [+]

The Visual Communication Institute HGK FHNW, in Basel offers internationally accredited curricula on the Bachelor, Master and PhD level reflecting the rich tradition of the Basel School of Design in particular and Swiss Graphic Design in general. The City of Basel, located in the trinational Rhine river valley, is a unique cultural environment with easy access to France and Germany. While our Bachelor course focuses on the students’ ability to conduct a creative process, our Master programs strive to extend the students’ individual design vocabulary and to reach a higher level of reflection through the students’ ability to include knowledge and methodologies of scientific disciplines into the creative process. We offer a Master of Arts in Visual Communication and Iconic Research and an International Master of Design, which we conduct in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Chicago. Both Master programs are based on the following assessment: In the context of the digital flood of images, expanded qualifications are required. A design practice based purely on craftsmanship or technical skills no longer meets the demands of visual communication, nor does a reflection on visual messages entirely derived from theory. Connecting design practice with iconic- and media theory, generates new qualifications in the conception and design of visual messages for the context of a current, digitalized, iconic communication. Master of Arts in Visual Communication and Iconic Research At the center of our MA program Visual Communication and Iconic Research stands the interrelationship of practice-oriented design with Image/Media Research. The program... [-]

MA in study Design / Media Spaces

BTK University of Art & Design
Campus Full time October 2017 Germany Berlin Hamburg Iserlohn + 1 more

Master of Arts study program Design / Media Spaces features interdisciplinary project teams who research innovative communication solutions at the interface of real and virtual spaces. [+]

The Master of Arts (M.A.) study program Design / Media Spaces is a project-based program aimed at graduates who have already completed an artistic, design or media-related university degree course. The multidisciplinary approach of the program is therefore particularly suitable for applicants with a variety of creative abilities and backgrounds: communication designers and media designers, as well as architects, information technologists, stage designers, design managers and media theorists.

In certain circumstances, applications can also be undergraduate students who are approaching the end of their Bachelor degree. 

 

The concept of 'space' and its expression in a variety of media have been a central theme in art and creativity since at least the Renaissance and also forms a central theme in media theory.  Contemporary society offers media artists and media designers working in this field, a vast range of possibilities through which to research and experiment with new, hybrid creative approaches.... [-]

Master of Arts/Master of Fine Arts in Transdisciplinary New Media

Paris College Of Art
Campus Full time 1 - 2 years September 2017 France Paris

Designed for those who are interested in exploring the wide-ranging creative field of New Media that goes beyond traditionally defined art and design disciplines, this program employs methods of transdisciplinary practice through collaborative teamwork. [+]

Production of new media is no longer the province of individual artists or designers working by themselves, but rather involves the collaborative practice of multidisciplinary teams. Designed for those who are interested in exploring the wide-ranging creative field of New Media that goes beyond traditionally defined art and design disciplines, this program employs methods of transdisciplinary practice through collaborative teamwork. Through a shared creative process, students will re-frame their current understanding of different tools, technologies, theories and methods, developing hybrid systems and solutions that go beyond any one discipline. At PCA, students can complete either a Masters of Art (MA) or a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) in Transdisciplinary New Media. The first two semesters (fall and spring) of these programs follow a common curriculum. MA students complete their thesis in the spring term to receive their degree while MFA students continue for two semesters of study in the following academic year (fall and spring) to receive their degree. Graduates of both the MA and MFA will go on to apply their skills to collaborative projects in domains as varied as online and traditional publishing, video games, art installations, exhibitions, live performances, web design, interaction/interface design, software development, service design, etc. As well, the MFA, which is considered a terminal degree in this field, will open the doors to teaching opportunities in higher education for our graduates. The program is open to any applicant who has successfully completed an undergraduate degree (BFA, BA, BSc, BID, BArch, etc.). To encourage this... [-]

Master of Arts - Master of Graphic Design

Avans University of Applied Sciences
Campus Full time 2 years September 2017 Netherlands Breda

The Master of Graphic Design guides emerging professionals towards the development of a process-based approach. The programme is designed by and for a world in flux. [+]

MA Degrees in Design Studies. The Master of Graphic Design is a two-year, full-time programme. It offers ambitious designers the opportunity to deepen their practice and lay the foundation for a long-term, sustainable career in the field of design. A focus on the future The programme centres upon a thorough understanding of the process of design and is research-oriented. You will be trained in media and graphic design theory, as well as the communicative and ethical skills essential to the visual interpretation of information in today’s technology-based society. Tutors and guest lecturers are professionals with rich and active practices, allowing us to keep our finger on the pulse of the ever-shifting design world. Curriculum Your independent research and studio practice are at the heart of the programme, which builds toward an increasingly self-driven approach. The educational trajectory begins with a process of experimentation, where you will be introduced to a variety of attitudes and practices. You will gradually focus on the design method and context of your choice. What to expect One day a week is devoted to theoretical instruction. Two days a week are dedicated to presentations of work in progress and individual and group feedback sessions. An equal amount of time (2-3 days per week) is required for self-study. Where you will study AKV|St.Joost is unique in its location in the south of the Netherlands, the epicentre of Dutch design. The Graphic Design Department is housed in a former seminary at the Breda campus. Nestled within a small... [-]

Master Of Arts Creative Direction - Leadership In The Context Of Creative Processes

Diploma University of Applied Sciences
Online Part time 5 semesters October 2017 Germany Germany Online

The Master's Programme Creative Direction - management in the context of creative processes (MA) is aimed at people with a first degree in the form of bachelor or diploma who want next to her profession or otherwise, including family obligations acquire another degree. [+]

​The Specialized Degree Creative Direction - management in the context of creative processes (MA) aimed at people with a first degree in the form of bachelor or diploma who want next to her profession or otherwise, including family obligations acquire another degree. The Master program is intended as a consecutive program primarily to the graduates of the Bachelor program Graphic design DIPLOMA Hochschule who obtain a comprehensive Designers education from undergraduate to master's degree. Moreover, explicitly addressed designers and designers with degrees from other universities who are seeking a master's degree to their professional and interdisciplinary further qualification. The distance learning prepares students for positions of responsibility in design, media and business. It is designed for expansion, consolidation and specialization of of design and governance and management tasks in the field of activity of graphic design and creative production. The Master Program Creative Direction - management in the context of creative processes is mainly as virtual distance learning with interactive online lectures performed on Saturdays. The tests of the master distance education can be stored at the numerous nationwide study centers DIPLOMA University. is the normal period 5 semester, strong occupational exposure If necessary, for example, the studies may be extended without further tuition fees by up to 4 semesters. Career prospects after Masters Degree Creative Direction - management in the context of creative processes The graduates of distance learning creative direction - leadership in the context of creative processes (MA) are enabled by the curriculum of the master program,... [-]

M.A. in Professional Practice in Experience Design

Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology
Campus Full time 2 years July 2018 India Bangalore

At Srishti we believe that academic learning cannot happen in isolation, from the societal and industrial needs and demands. We believe that there has to be a constant dialogue between academics and industry to help shape the next generation of creative design leaders impacting industry and society. There is a gap between academia and industry. While academic learning tends to focus on an ideal and conceptual design, industry needs exceptional application of creative, technological and production skills in real-world settings. Our 2-year MA is the culmination of the synergy between academic principles and industry needs. [+]

MA Degrees in Design Studies. M.A. in Professional Practice in Experience Design At Srishti we believe that academic learning cannot happen in isolation, from the societal and industrial needs and demands. We believe that there has to be a constant dialogue between academics and industry to help shape the next generation of creative design leaders impacting industry and society. There is a gap between academia and industry. While academic learning tends to focus on an ideal and conceptual design, industry needs exceptional application of creative, technological and production skills in real-world settings. Our 2-year MA is the culmination of the synergy between academic principles and industry needs. Topics covered Historical, Current and emerging topics, theories frameworks of Human-Computer Interaction Design Research Interaction Design for Screens Future of Interaction Design: Designing for IoT & Wearables Experience & Service Design Visual Design for Interaction Prototyping Interactions Creative Ideation & Concept development Art Driven Interaction Design Who is it for? This course is for both fresh graduates with a proven interest in art & design, who want to pursue a post graduate education while they are working, OR for working professionals who are self-sponsored or are sponsored by their employers. The program requires part-time residency at Srishti’s Bangalore campus. The participants are expected to submit project work done at their workplace for the non-residency credit. It is currently offered in two modes: Design Scholars: Participants spend TWO days a week (Monday-Tuesday) during regular studio cycles and Full weeks (Monday-Saturday) during the workshop weeks... [-]

MA in Graphic Design

Suffolk University
Campus Full time 1 - 4 years September 2017 USA Boston

The Suffolk Master of Arts in Graphic Design is a practice-oriented program that is customizable so you graduate with real-world studio work in your portfolio. As the field of design expands, Suffolk is focused on exposing students to sophisticated design, communication skills, and new technologies. [+]

The Suffolk Master of Arts in Graphic Design is a practice-oriented program that is customizable so you graduate with real-world studio work in your portfolio. As the field of design expands, Suffolk is focused on exposing students to sophisticated design, communication skills, and new technologies.

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Master of Arts in International Business Communication and Communication Design

University of Southern Denmark
Campus Full time 2 years September 2017 Denmark Sønderborg

The programme's primary objective is to produce experts in language (English, German, or Danish) and document/communication... [+]

MA Degrees in Design Studies. Are you interested in language and communication design? Then this Master programme is for you!The programme's primary objective is to produce experts in language (English, German, or Danish) and document/communication design. You will develop the ability to generate original, effective documents in a broad range of fields and obtain expertise in communication processes as well as in the linguistic interaction taking place in a technical or organizational environment. Your linguistic and document design skills can be used to create all kinds of documents for companies or organizations, e.g. brochures, posters, user manuals.You will gain expertise in:

English, German, or Danish (applied linguistics and language proficiency) text analysis and production document design interaction/conversation analysis user studies ... [-]

MA Graphic Design

Nottingham Trent University: School of Art & Design
Campus Full time 45 weeks September 2018 United Kingdom Nottingham

This course is all about the research, development and production of creative, original and effective graphic design solutions that function across a range of print and digital media. At the start of the course you’ll work on short projects which are aimed at challenging conventions. You’ll then focus on a subject of your choice through the research, development and production of a single, in-depth project. You will also develop a professional Journal which explores current thought and practice. [+]

MA Graphic Design This course is all about the research, development and production of creative, original and effective graphic design solutions that function across a range of print and digital media. At the start of the course you’ll work on short projects which are aimed at challenging conventions. You’ll then focus on a subject of your choice through the research, development and production of a single, in-depth project. You will also develop a professional Journal which explores current thought and practice. Key features Develop a project tailored to your own personal interests and career aspirations. Engage with industry by undertaking short internships and studio visits. Work in our dedicated Art and Design postgraduate studio. Benefit from regular lectures from leading figures in the design industry. Attend workshops covering typography, visual language, branding, storyboarding and life drawing sessions. Opt for an additional advanced research module if you're thinking of progressing to PhD or Professional Doctorate study. How you’re taught Teaching and learning experiences will include: lectures individual and group tutorials seminars workshops live projects and competition briefs independent studio practice self-directed research. Assessment Assessment is 100% by coursework and involves: project proposal set project research and development Professional Journal practical work verbal and visual presentations the planning and design of a display of your work. Careers and employability This course will equip you with strong creative and problem solving skills. Our graduates become valuable members of professional teams working together on a range of visual communication projects, involving all kinds of... [-]

MA Design Specialising in Digital Graphic

AAS College
Campus Full time 13 months September 2017 Greece Thessaloniki

Digital Graphics is concerned with virtual spaces and interactive environments. These are understood as the spaces of experience, and may include combinations of the real and virtual, the spaces of [+]

MA Design Specialising in Digital Graphic

 

Digital Graphics is concerned with virtual spaces and interactive environments. These are understood as the spaces of experience, and may include combinations of the real and virtual, the spaces of publication, time based media and the internet. Interaction within spaces can operate at differing scales and levels of material intervention.

 

The contemporary cultural context of globalisation and dematerialisation leads to all spaces becoming less physically site specific, and arising from this an imperative to redefine and rediscover the real meaning of place. Representation becomes central to this as both the site of design production and increasingly the site of its dissemination and discussion. In this way the design of digital environments can be both the means to understanding our real experience of space or a means to explore other mixed or hybrid realities.... [-]