Course overview
Advance your specialist knowledge and professional capability.
Combine contemporary design thinking and creative practice with the management skills needed to lead design teams and projects.
Course overview
This online MA supports designers and aspiring managers moving into leadership roles across the creative industries. Students develop design methods, communication, collaboration and professional practice alongside the strategic management perspective needed to guide creative work.
Study options
The course is delivered fully online through Arden's digital learning environment, with flexible access to learning materials and scheduled academic support.
Professional focus
Teaching and assessment connect postgraduate theory with current professional practice, applied problem-solving and independent research.
Curriculum
Review the complete master's module structure.
01Master's modules
Master's modules
- Design Thinking and Practice
- Design Management Practice
- Emerging Communication Design
- Collaborative Design I
- Collaborative Design II
- Design Professional Practice
- Research Report
- Creative Situated Practice
Module availability and content may change as part of the provider’s ongoing academic review.
Assessment
Practical ways to show what you know.
Assessment uses applied reports, case studies, presentations, portfolios and project work, culminating in an independent postgraduate project or equivalent capstone assessment.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Academic and professional entry
- A UK honours degree at a minimum of second class (2:2), or an accepted equivalent.
- Applicants without the standard academic qualification may be considered when they can demonstrate substantial relevant professional experience.
English language
- IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 90, or an accepted equivalent.
- Previous study completed in English may be accepted with suitable evidence of the medium of instruction.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
Arden states that quoted fees relate to the intake on which the student enrols, not the application date.
Promotional awards and offers are subject to Arden's terms and conditions and may change or expire.
Students who require a visa to study in the UK may be charged the fee associated with their home country.
Funding your study
Eligible students may be able to use postgraduate Student Finance funding. The exact loan amount and personal eligibility should be confirmed before enrolment.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
Eligible graduates can apply for a CMI Level 7 Strategic Leadership and Management certificate, subject to CMI requirements.
Connect design methods with contemporary management practice.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Career directions
- Design manager
- Creative project manager
- Design strategist
- Brand and communication design
- Creative consultancy
- Design leadership
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
Can I study this course online?
Yes. Arden currently lists an online route for this course.
Is UK-campus study available?
No UK-campus route is currently listed for this course.
When can I start?
The current application options list October 2026. Availability should be confirmed before application.
Who awards the degree?
The degree is awarded by Arden University.