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Master of Arts - Design - Active Practice

Birmingham campus — Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Study Level: Postgraduate · Master's Degree
Duration: To be confirmed
Study Mode: To be confirmed
Next Intake: September 2027
Tuition Fee: GBP 18,970
Application Fee: None listed
Scholarships Available: None listed
Post-Study Work Information: Graduate Route: Verify before applying
Application Status: Open — confirm with Eagle Link (Not confirmed)

Program information is subject to institution confirmation. Fees, deadlines, intakes and entry requirements may change.

Overview

The MA Design: Active Practice programme offers an opportunity to rethink conventional design models through the integration of research and practice. The course enables students to critically examine the purpose and value of artefacts, systems, and processes, equipping them to address complex social, political, and technological challenges through innovative design solutions. By combining critical inquiry with hands-on studio work, participants develop the skills and confidence required to lead transformative change within the design field. With a strong emphasis on social impact, the programme adopts a learning-by-doing approach. Active design processes, including making and dialogue, play a central role in building competencies in design research, analysis, creative problem-solving, and prototyping. Key themes such as Design Cultures, Connections, and Challenges underpin practice-based learning through both individual and collaborative projects, while real-world briefs and live assignments support the development of teamwork and communication skills. Based within the historic Birmingham School of Art, the course is embedded in a vibrant research culture that attracts practitioners from diverse backgrounds. The studio environment encourages both individual development and collaboration, enabling students to build a strong portfolio and expand their professional networks through participation in design festivals and workshops across Europe. Graduates have progressed into a wide range of careers, including PhD study, teaching, service design, consultancy, and technology start-ups. Many have also established multidisciplinary design collectives and community labs, reflecting the breadth of opportunities available. The programme fosters a community of forward-thinking designers and prepares graduates to contribute to a future shaped by research-led, transformative design. Students leave equipped with the skills, collaborative mindset, and leadership capabilities needed to make a meaningful impact in the design sector.

Faculty / school: —
Field of study: —
Credential: Master's Degree
Relationship: Available Through Eagle Link

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

English-language requirements

English-language requirements will be confirmed by the institution or authorized partner before application.

Fees & Costs

Tuition fee: GBP 18,970
Application fee: None listed
Deposit required: Not listed
Estimated other compulsory fees: Not listed — confirm with Eagle Link.

Institution fees are paid according to the institution's instructions. Any Eagle Link service fee is shown on an Eagle Link invoice before payment. See our Payments Policy.

Scholarships

No scholarship is currently listed for this program. Explore scholarships and funding.

Scholarships are competitive and may change, close or be withdrawn. Eagle Link does not guarantee that any student will receive a scholarship.

Intakes & Deadlines

Upcoming intakes: September 2027, September 2028, September 2029
Application deadline: Confirm with Eagle Link
Application status: Confirm with Eagle Link
Intake availability: Not confirmed

Campus & Location

Birmingham campus

Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

4 Cardigan Street

Post-Study Work / Immigration Information

Please confirm current eligibility with Eagle Link before applying.

Graduate Route: Verify before applying

The Graduate Route applies after successful completion of an eligible course with a licensed student sponsor that has a track record of compliance. It is not guaranteed by attending a particular institution.

Official source

Eagle Link does not guarantee visa approval and does not make immigration decisions.

About the Institution

The Birmingham City University offers a range of subjects and specialisms across six Schools – Arts; Business; Law and Social Sciences; Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering; Life and Health Sciences; and Nursing and Midwifery – as well as the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. The university’s early history can be traced back to 1843 with the founding of the Birmingham Society of Arts and School of Design. Over time, five individual colleges were brought together to form The City of Birmingham Polytechnic in 1971, which later became Birmingham City University. With around 31...

View Birmingham City University (BCU)

Program information last verified 8 October 2026.

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