
MA Design Management (Online)
Course overview
Are you passionate about design and interested in advancing into a managerial position? Our accredited MA Design Management programme is tailored to meet the demands of contemporary design thinking and business practices. It equips you with the skills needed for emerging career opportunities across diverse sectors.
Upon completion, you'll be eligible to apply for a Level 7 Strategic Leadership and Management certificate from the Chartered Management Institute. This MA imparts advanced management skills for those currently working in or aspiring to managerial roles within the design industry. Through the programme, you will develop proficiency in design practices and methodologies while gaining a comprehensive understanding of management principles relevant to design.
What you’ll learn During your studies with us, you'll focus on four main themes: visual design, design thinking and practice, project management, and strategic leadership. We extend unique insights and approaches that go beyond traditional education, equipping you with specialised skills not typically offered in other degree programmes. You'll develop a thorough understanding of the critical aspects involved in successfully developing innovative designs, products, services, brands and businesses.
You'll graduate with the confidence and capabilities to drive transformative change in design business culture through innovative design solutions and strategic leadership and management. Management focussed This course provides extensive training in managing creative and design projects. You will develop a deep understanding of overseeing creative endeavours, managing teams and workflows within a creative context, and navigating the effects of evolving social norms and emerging technologies like AI.
You'll graduate as a proficient problem solver equipped with highly transferable business skills sought after by a wide range of companies spanning various industries. Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited Upon graduation from this degree programme, you'll be eligible to apply for a Level 7 certificate in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice from the CMI. This also grants you the CMI Foundation Chartered Manager Status, allowing you to utilise the fCMgr post-nominals, demonstrating your proficiency in effective management.
This distinction sets you apart in the job market and provides a clear path towards obtaining full Chartered Manager status.
Why choose
Arden Video • 1 min
Key highlights
- Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- Eligible for CMI Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership certificate
- Grants CMI Foundation Chartered Manager status and fCMgr post-nominals
- Themes: visual design, design thinking, project management, strategic leadership
- Covers managing creative teams, workflows and emerging technologies like AI
- Delivered fully online, suited to working design professionals
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:2 — to include relevant discipline
- Additional condition: portfolio — The portfolio must consist of a minimum of 5-10 complete design projects that display design process and use of the full design cycle, with evidence of planning and research.
Scholarships
50% Discount for Arden University Alumni on Postgraduate Courses
Continue your journey with Arden and get 50% off tuition fees on a master’s course of your choice.
Up to 50% of fees
Careers this course leads to
- Design manager
- Creative director
- Design project manager
- Brand manager
- Design strategist
- Head of design
Cost of study
UK/Home: £8,500 total (online) | International: £10,550 total (online)
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Arden University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.
