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MA Design: Active Practice

Birmingham City University

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Birmingham City University

Course options

2 options available

  • Qualification

    MA - Master of Arts

  • Location

    Margaret Street

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    23-SEP-26

  • Duration

    1 Year

Course summary

MA Design: Active Practice offers a unique opportunity to rethink conventional design models through the blending of research and practice. This course empowers you to critically engage with the purpose and value of artefacts, systems, and processes, equipping you to address complex social, political, and technological challenges with innovative design solutions. By merging critical inquiry with hands-on studio work, you will develop the skills and confidence to become a leader driving transformative change in the design field. A person playing a board game called "Regenerate!" Game board has circular design with a green "G" in centre, related to sustainability People stood round table looking at a variety of images and papers from an archive A grayscale photograph of a minimalist abstract sculpture. Stacked wooden blocks of varying sizes and shapes, arranged in a geometric composition against a textured background A large, abstract sculpture composed entirely of clothing. The sculpture resembles a human figure with multiple limbs and a head covered in layers of fabric A mesmerizing black and white image featuring a kaleidoscopic pattern. The design is composed of repeating motifs that radiate outwards from a central point A translucent fabric draped over a wall. It is backlit by a projector, casting a projected image of a serene landscape onto the fabric Student holding up sculpture of mask with horns, stood by table with design tools on Person stood wearing an oxygen mask, holding a backpack with flowers and oxygen tank in. They are wearing a vest filled with various packaging, including tablets and crisps. They are holding a pink fan and wearing steampunk-like glasses A colourful food truck with the name "Brummie Food Truck" painted on the side What's covered in this course? With a strong emphasis on social change, the course centres on learning by doing. Active design processes - such as making and dialogue - are crucial for developing competencies in design research, analysis, creative problem-solving, and prototyping. Key themes like Design Cultures, Connections, and Challenges will guide your practice-based learning through individual and collaborative projects, enhancing your teamwork and communication skills via real-world design briefs and live assignments. Housed in the historic Birmingham School of Art, this program thrives within a vibrant research culture that welcomes practitioners from diverse backgrounds. Our dynamic studio environment fosters individual growth and collaboration, empowering you to build an impressive portfolio and expand your professional network through participation in design festivals and workshops across Europe.

Application deadline

17/07/2026

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 18,970per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University image

Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University

  • University League Table

    95th

  • Campus address

    City Centre Campus (The Curzon Building), 4 Cardigan Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 7BD, United Kingdom

VIEW PROFILE
BCU's facilities are world-class, staff have experience in every sector, and courses prepare you to tackle real-world challenges.
Many master's courses offer international students optional six-month professional placements towards the end of their studies.
Live and study in an affordable multicultural city. BCU is a modern and dynamic international university, with staff, students and alumni from 120 countries.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    Art & Design

    54th out of 82 2

  • Entry standards

    / Max 243
    117 48%

    53rd

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    54.0 54%

    74th

    18

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.30 83%

    15th

    18

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