The MA Design Management course at the University of Southampton empowers design students to navigate global markets while exploring human-centred and sustainable design.

Integrating design and management principles, the course equips students with the tools to lead impactful initiatives across diverse sectors. With a strong focus on innovation, digital transformation and ethical leadership, students are prepared to thrive in today's fast-paced creative economy.

A key strength of the programme is its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging students to think globally and act responsibly. Through critical engagement with contemporary debates in design, sustainability and inclusive practice, students explore how design influences stakeholders, shapes business outcomes and contributes to societal wellbeing.

The curriculum spans user experience, service design, AI-driven innovation and inclusive design – broadening both creative and strategic capabilities. Live collaborative projects with industry professionals, marketers and fellow designers provide hands-on experience, fostering co-creation and design thinking.

Graduates emerge as confident, ethical and innovative leaders, ready to bridge the gap between creative vision and business strategy across sectors – from product and graphic design to digital and service innovation.

School: Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton
Course: Master of Arts in Design Management
Type: Postgraduate
Location: Winchester and Southampton, UK
Course dates: October 2026 to September 2027
Application deadline: International applications: 29 July 2026, UK applications: 9 September 2026

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Core principles and values of design management and leadership, and the success factors that drive innovation and transformation
– Critical thinking in emerging technologies, including GenAI, digital transformation and design futures
– Rigorous academic and industry research skills, enhancing your ability to evaluate, critique, and apply insights effectively
– Ethical design practices and social responsibility across a variety of platforms and industries
– Acquire advanced digital communication skills across multiple formats, preparing students for the demands of modern design leadership

What are the requirements?

– A 2.1 university-level bachelor's degree or equivalent international qualification in design, or a related field
– If English isn't students' first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need the following scores as a minimum: 6.0 in reading, writing, speaking and listening, with an overall score of 6.5

What facilities and resources are available?

– Library resources and e-learning facilities, including e-books, online journals and databases, which are comprehensive and up to date
– Workshops, seminars and guest lectures by leading designers and researchers

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Roles in graphic, fashion and service design, emphasising creative leadership and innovation, roles in UX/UI, AI-integrated design and digital transformation focused on user experience and future-ready solutions. Opportunities in brand development, design strategy and consulting that connect creativity with business impact.

Roles in ethical design, circular economy and socially responsible innovation across sectors, and paths in academia, design research, public service innovation and policy design.

Who teaches this course?

– Linda Mackie, course leader
– Professor Yuanyuan Yin, tutor
– Dr Shan Wang, tutor
– Dr Ramy Hammady, tutor
– Ian Solway, tutor
– Aqeel Ahmed, tutor
– Jolyon Nott, tutor

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