Design Management MA
Online, United Kingdom
Master of Arts in Design Management
Arden University
Design Management
MA Design Management Program Overview
The MA Design Management at Arden University is tailored to meet the demands of contemporary design thinking and business practices. Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), this program equips you with the skills needed for emerging career opportunities across diverse sectors, blending creative talent with vital modern business disciplines.
Throughout the program, you will focus on four main themes: visual design, design thinking and practice, project management, and strategic leadership. You will develop proficiency in design practices and methodologies while gaining a comprehensive understanding of management principles relevant to the design industry.
Upon completion, you will be eligible to apply for a CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, which also grants CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status. This dual-award distinction sets you apart in the job market and provides a clear path towards obtaining full Chartered Manager status.
Key Program Highlights
- CMI-accredited program with a Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice upon completion
- Fully online delivery allowing you to study from anywhere worldwide via Arden's ilearn platform
- Focus on four key themes: visual design, design thinking, project management, and strategic leadership
- Free CMI membership throughout your studies, including mentoring services and networking event invitations
Curriculum and Modules
The MA Design Management curriculum is structured around modules that integrate CMI best practice into their learning outcomes. Course modules in design thinking and practice skills, paired with communication design, help you understand and demonstrate the unique aspects of physical, digital, or conceptual design practice. A distinctive feature of this program is that your Research Report module precedes the final Creative Situated Practice module, allowing you to apply research findings directly to your final portfolio.
Design Thinking and Practice
20 UK CreditsExplore advanced design thinking methodologies and their application to real-world business challenges. You will develop innovative creative approaches and critical analysis skills relevant to contemporary design management.
Communication Design
20 UK CreditsExamine the principles of visual communication design and its impact on organisations. This module develops your ability to evaluate and create effective design communications across physical, digital, and conceptual contexts.
Design Professional Practice
20 UK CreditsDevelop essential management and leadership skills within a design context, with CMI best practice embedded into the learning outcomes. This module contributes toward your CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice.
Strategic Design Management
20 UK CreditsLearn to apply design management strategies to drive successful organisational outcomes. You will explore how design leadership techniques can be used to manage teams, workflows, and creative projects effectively.
Research Report
20 UK CreditsFormulate, plan, and explore a self-initiated industry-linked research project in a specific area of design management. This dissertation-style module precedes and directly informs your final Creative Situated Practice module.
Creative Situated Practice
20 UK CreditsApply the content, learning, and assessment outcomes from your Research Report to a culminating portfolio assessment. This CMI-accredited module demonstrates the value that design can bring to a business through a comprehensive creative project.
Specialist Focus Areas
Admission Requirements
Arden University considers applications on a case-by-case basis, making learning as accessible as possible. Standard entry combines academic qualifications with a portfolio assessment, though non-standard entry routes are also available for candidates with significant professional experience. All applications are processed through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Academic QualificationCompleted bachelor's degree at 2:2 (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as graphic design, multimedia and interactive design, visual communication, advertising and marketing, or IT
- Portfolio RequirementFive completed design projects with evidence of design planning, process, and research demonstrating use of the full design cycle
- Non-Standard EntryCandidates without formal qualifications may be considered with at least four years of relevant work experience and a portfolio of 5-10 complete design projects
- Alternative PathwayApplicants without a related discipline background may complete prerequisite modules from Arden's BA (Hons) Graphic Design course (minimum 20 credits)
- Technical RequirementsA laptop or desktop PC (latest version of Windows recommended) and a reliable internet connection for accessing the ilearn online platform
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any element
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 90
- Alternative EvidenceA letter confirming previous study was conducted in English (Medium of Instruction letter) may be accepted
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Arden University offers several funding opportunities to help make postgraduate education more accessible for both UK and international students. Regional offers and early enrolment incentives may also be available depending on your intake date. Contact Uni4Edu for the latest scholarship information and eligibility details.
Arden University Regional Offer
International online learning students may be eligible for regional tuition fee reductions based on their country of residence. Availability and discount amounts vary by intake period.
Early Bird Offer
Students who submit their application and secure their place promptly after receiving an offer letter may qualify for a tuition fee reduction. Terms and conditions apply.
Refer a Friend Programme
GBP 500 tuition fee credit or Amazon e-voucherWhen you refer a friend or family member to study at Arden University, both you and the person you refer receive a reward. This can be taken as a tuition fee credit or an Amazon e-voucher.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA Design Management are equipped with highly transferable business skills sought after by companies spanning various industries. The combination of design thinking expertise and strategic management knowledge prepares you for leadership roles in both the creative sector and beyond, with the CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status further enhancing your professional profile.
Potential Career Roles
Industries and Sectors
Rankings and Recognition
Arden University is a private UK institution focused on flexible online and blended learning, and does not typically appear in traditional research-focused league tables such as QS or Times Higher Education. However, it is recognised for its innovative approach to education, strong student satisfaction, and professional accreditations from leading bodies including the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Student Positivity Score | NSS / Times Higher Education | 87.3% |
| Design Management (CMI Accreditation) | Chartered Management Institute | Level 7 Accredited |
| Online Learning Quality | Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) | Approved Provider |
| Flexible Education | Whatuni Student Choice Awards | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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