Furniture Design - MA
Aldgate Campus, United Kingdom
Furniture Design - MA
London Metropolitan University
Furniture Design
Program Overview: Furniture Design MA at London Metropolitan University
The Furniture Design MA at London Metropolitan University is a research-led and practice-based program that addresses the needs of graduates from furniture and related discipline backgrounds, or those who wish to collaborate with professionals in the field. Housed within the School of Art, Architecture and Design, this course offers rich opportunities for collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches that reflect the current and future design sector.
The course is grounded in the understanding that design is a key driver for change in society and the environment. You will generate, communicate, and evaluate innovative ideas and concepts for furniture, developing both theoretical research skills and practical design capabilities through hands-on project work.
Based in London's vibrant east end, you will benefit from proximity to a thriving hub of independent and established designers, trendy markets, and creative communities. The MA concludes with a major project exhibited at the graduation show in central London, providing a platform to showcase your independent body of work to industry professionals.
Key Program Highlights
- Research-led and practice-based curriculum with live client project briefs and cross-disciplinary collaboration across MA Design courses
- Located in London's creative east end, providing direct access to the UK's thriving furniture and design industry
- Culminates in a major independent project exhibited at the annual MA graduation show in central London
- Part of a multidisciplinary School of Art, Architecture and Design fostering innovation across design disciplines
Curriculum and Modules
The Furniture Design MA curriculum balances theoretical research with practical design development. Design and research occupy a large proportion of the course, with the research and development process rehearsed through project work. The School maintains a portfolio of alternative core MA modules, two of which are selected as core 20-credit modules each academic year based on project opportunities and student balance across MA design courses.
Research Methods: Success in Design
20 creditsThis module equips you with essential research methodologies for design practice, covering qualitative and quantitative approaches to inform your design decisions and prepare you for the Major Project.
Design Development Project
20 creditsApply research methods to the development of your Major Project through a set design development project, often with a live client. You will receive a brief, research its problems and contexts, and present a persuasive design proposition.
Furniture Design Studio
40 creditsThe core studio module where you explore furniture design concepts, material experimentation, and prototyping. You will develop innovative furniture products and systems while engaging with contemporary design discourse.
Critical and Contextual Studies
20 creditsEngage with design theory, history, and critical thinking to situate your practice within broader cultural, social, and environmental contexts. This module strengthens your ability to articulate and defend your design positions.
Professional Practice and Enterprise
20 creditsDevelop the professional skills needed for a career in furniture design, including portfolio presentation, business planning, client communication, and understanding of the furniture industry marketplace.
Major Project
60 creditsSelect an area of study, formulate your own argument or theoretical position, and produce an independent body of work. This culminating project tests your creative ambition and is exhibited at the MA graduation show.
Elective and Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities
Admission Requirements
The Furniture Design MA welcomes applicants from furniture design and related discipline backgrounds. Candidates with relevant professional experience in the field are also encouraged to apply through Uni4Edu. All applications are assessed based on academic qualifications, portfolio quality, and a personal statement demonstrating ambition for the subject area.
Academic Requirements
- Academic QualificationA first-class or strong upper second-class honours degree (2:1), or international equivalent, in a related subject
- PortfolioA portfolio of design work demonstrating creative ability and relevant skills in furniture or related design disciplines
- Personal StatementA statement demonstrating your ambition for the subject area and for studying at postgraduate level
- Professional ExperienceRelated employment or consultancy within the field can be considered alongside the portfolio and statement
- ReferencesAcademic or professional references supporting your application
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 6.0 with no band below 5.5 (or equivalent SELT)
- TOEFL iBT72 or above (or equivalent)
- Pre-sessional EnglishA Pre-sessional Academic English course is available for those who need to improve their English before starting the degree
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
London Metropolitan University offers a range of scholarships and financial support options for international postgraduate students. Many of these awards are applied automatically to eligible students, making the process straightforward. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on which scholarships you may be eligible for.
International Bright Futures Scholarship
GBP 3,000 tuition fee reductionAutomatically applied to eligible international fee-paying students starting a full-time degree. This scholarship includes a tuition fee reduction for the duration of your studies and applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. No separate application is required.
International Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship
GBP 4,000 tuition fee discountOpen to students from the USA, Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka considering a full-time master's degree. Up to six eligible students receive a tuition fee discount, and up to four receive guaranteed accommodation in central London.
International Students House & London Met Postgraduate Scholarship
Full tuition waiver plus accommodationA prestigious scholarship providing a full tuition waiver, free return flights to and from London, and fully equipped accommodation at the International Students House for eligible master's candidates. Contact Uni4Edu for eligibility details and application support.
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 Furniture Design MA are well-positioned for diverse career opportunities within the UK's growing furnishings industry and beyond. The UK furnishings sector encompasses approximately 330,000 jobs across 8,000 making and manufacturing companies, with opportunities ranging from design and craft to specification and consultancy.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings & Recognition
London Metropolitan University is a publicly funded institution with a growing international reputation, particularly noted for its strengths in art, architecture, and design. The university is ranked across multiple global and national ranking systems and has been recognized for its commitment to inclusive education and graduate employability.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Design | The Guardian | #5 |
| Art & Design | The Guardian | Top 50 UK |
| Film Production & Photography | University Guru | #2 UK |
| Arts Visual & Performing | University Guru | Top UK ranking for the university |
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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