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    Key information

    Location
    Scottish Borders
    Mode of delivery
    On-campus
    Delivery type
    Full-time, Part-time
    Start date
    September, January
    Duration
    1 year
    Qualification
    MSc

    Contact

    Contact our enquiries team

    Contact us

    Overview

    This Master's in Design Management programme has been developed for those already within a creative industry who are looking to gain core and relevant skills of business and management, as well as those in an established business environment looking to gain experience and knowledge in developing creative strategies.

    Graduates will develop the knowledge to produce insightful projects and instigate problem-solving across all departments and stakeholders that support the product in areas of services, communications, technology, and brand entity.

    Why study Design Management at Heriot-Watt?

    Design Management enables an organisation to confidently deliver innovative business strategy whilst producing innovatively designed products through creative teams and creative problem-solving.

    It allows individuals to develop productive working cultures whilst remaining focused on the customer and staff journey, enabling businesses to acquire the strategy goals via effective design. It blends creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and management.

    Design Management develops skills for graduates, managers and executives responsible for making decisions about how design is used in the organisation for product development and associated departments.

    What will Design Management students learn?

    Students of Design Management undertake courses and gain knowledge in design thinking and process, sustainable design and management, design technology innovation, HR, marketing, project management and research methods – a blend of creativity, marketing and management considerations both within and outside the business entity.

    Students will be able to research, identify and consider a customer journey and evaluate product value as well as translate operations across all departments and processes within the organisation.

    Graduates can confidently utilise their new skills to articulate and engage with internal and external communications that stimulate all aspects of the business, including economic and financial factors, researched design innovation and adapting policies and procedures that ensure sound execution of the product.

    Our graduates acquire a solid framework of skills allowing them to be a successful manager, balancing the creative and business strategies.

    Who is Design Management for?

    The Design Management programme is suitable to a multitude of disciplines and businesses including:

    • Those who wish to move from a creative input to a managerial role
    • Those who work within a traditional business environment looking to gain core skills on creative product development
    • Those who aspire to gain more in-depth knowledge on innovative products and thinking.

    September 2024 entry

    The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.

    Fast fashion, sustainability and rethinking design

    Anna Ploszajski and Robbie Armstrong review their wardrobes when they meet Grace Smith, a screen-print and technical finishing demonstrator, Catherine Clark who teaches Design Management, and Director of Research Julian Malins, at Heriot-Watt University's School of Textiles and Design in the Scottish Borders.

    Listen now

    Course content

    Year 1

    Semester 1

    • E11DY Design Thinking and Innovation
    • E11ST Strategic Design
    • E11SU Sustainable and Design Management

    Semester 2

    • E11RM Research Methodologies
    • E11CT Change Management

    Optional courses

    • E11DI Design Technologies
    • E11UX User Experience Design                                                                           

    Semester 3

    • E11MM Masters Project: Academic Paper

    Go Global

    Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for further information.

    Fees and funding

    Tuition fees

    Tuition fees
    Status [footnote 1] Full-time Part-time
    UK 9152 4576
    Overseas [footnote 2] 19056 9528

    Footnotes

    1. Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
    2. Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals.

    Scholarships and bursaries

    We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

    View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.

    Entry requirements

    Entry

    This masters attracts professionals from a range of business and design disciplines.
    You should hold a good (first or second class) honours degree or its non-UK equivalent in a relevant subject from a recognised British or overseas university. In addition, work or project experience in a related company role will be taken into consideration as part of the application process.

    Applications are made by completing an online application form. Please upload the following documents as part of your application:

    • A copy of your degree(s) certificates and relevant transcripts
    • A CV
    • If required, proof of English language

    English language requirements

    If you are from a country that is not on the UKVI majority English-speaking country list,  you are required to provide proof of English. Please refer to our English language requirements for details of evidence that we accept. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

    Pre-sessional English courses are available for applicants at the Edinburgh Campus to improve on English language usage and study skills. Please note that completion of pre-sessional courses are not a guarantee of admittance.

    Why Heriot-Watt?

    Scottish Borders Campus facilities

    The campus is built around an historic mill and recently received a multi-million-pound refurbishment to create an inspiring learning environment with computer suites, specialised workshops and spacious studios.

    Clubs and activities

    At Heriot-Watt we have an extensive programme of over 90 sports clubs and societies to get involved in. You can try as many as you like or start one of your own!

    Health and wellbeing

    Student Wellbeing Services aim to provide a range of support, guidance, activities and advice to help students to be their best, and get the most from their university experience. From counselling to coaching we'll sure you are fully supported.

    Heriot-Watt Student Union

    There's more to university life than simply getting your degree, and Heriot-Watt University Student Union is all about helping you to have the best possible experience while you study here.

    Your career

    Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

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