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47 Cavell Street, London, E1 2BP
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Phone Number

020 7377 8844

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Email Address

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MA Design Management

Arden University

MA Design Management is a part-time online master’s for people who work in, or want to lead, design teams and creative projects. The university names four themes: visual design, design thinking and practice, project management, and strategic leadership. You learn how new products, services and brands are developed, how to manage creative teams, and how technologies such as AI affect design businesses. On completion, the university says graduates can apply for a Chartered Management Institute Level 7 certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, which also brings Foundation Chartered Manager status. With no campus sessions, designers can study around client work. The next intake is November 2026. Standard entry is a 2:2 honours degree, or at least five years of relevant work experience. AF Education helps England-resident UK home students with Postgraduate Master’s Loan applications through Student Finance England.

Key facts

Award / level
MA (Masters)
Study mode
Part time
Schedule options
Online
Upcoming intake
November 2026
Foundation year
Not included in this course title
Awarding university
Arden University
Partner pathway
ARDEN

Who this course is for

This suits designers and creative professionals who manage, or want to manage, design projects and teams.

Entry routes for mature students

Standard entry is a UK honours degree at 2:2 or above, or equivalent. Without an academic qualification, at least five years of work experience, ideally in a relevant field, may be considered. AF Education confirms what applies to you.

Funding with Student Finance England

AF Education is a free service for England-resident UK home students — not international applicants. Eligible students may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from Student Finance England, paid to you as a contribution towards course fees and living costs. Eligibility depends on residency, the course and any previous postgraduate study; use our free eligibility checker before you apply. For distance learning, GOV.UK says you must be living in England on the first day of the first academic year of your course.

Check your Student Finance eligibility — free, takes about 2 minutes.

How often you study

This course is delivered online, so there are no campus days to plan around. Your study plan is confirmed before you enrol.

Career and progression

AF Education does not guarantee jobs or progression. The course is designed to support specialist roles and further professional development in the subject.

Course overview from Arden University

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.

MA Design Management is available at Online. Campus details and map links are below.

Available Campuses for MA Design Management
  • Prefer to study from home?

    If an on-campus location doesn't work for you, this course also offers an online study option — so you can still progress with a flexible learning route.

    Online available
Entry Requirements for Arden University (Postgraduate)

These entry requirements apply to Arden University postgraduate courses (for example MSc, MBA and postgraduate certificates). All applicants must provide supporting evidence to enrol. Standard entry A UK Honours Degree at a…

English Language Requirements for Arden University

Arden University needs evidence that your English is at the right level for the course. You can meet this through recent study in English or an accepted English test. Qualifications studied in…

Interview Process

Arden University interviews are held online on Microsoft Teams. They are a short conversation about your course choice and how you meet the entry route — not a formal exam. Before the…

See the full entry, English language and interview requirements for Arden University →

How AF Education helps

AF Education support is 100% free for students. We help you check eligibility, choose a suitable course and campus, prepare documents, and submit your application — with clear next steps for Student Finance England where relevant.

FAQs about this course

What degree do I need?

A UK honours degree at 2:2 or above, or equivalent. Without one, at least five years of relevant work experience may be considered.

How is the course delivered?

The schedule is Online (part time).

Can mature students apply?

Yes. Mature applicants are often considered through work-experience routes with a CV, references and an interview where required.

Can I get a Postgraduate Master’s Loan for this course?

AF Education gives England-resident UK home students (not international applicants) free help applying for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from Student Finance England on eligible courses. Check your eligibility free before you apply.

Can I get a Master’s Loan for online study?

Possibly. GOV.UK says distance learners must be living in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course.

Register your interest

Register your interest in under 2 minutes. 100% free — we never charge you anything. A dedicated advisor will contact you to check eligibility and guide you through enrolment for MA Design Management.

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Admission Steps
  1. 1
    Eligibility Check

    We review your academic background and qualifications to confirm you meet the entry requirements for your chosen course.

  2. 2
    Choose Your Course

    We help you choose the course and university that match your ambitions and eligibility.

  3. 3
    Provide Documents

    Send documents to us by email or upload them to your student portal. We guide you on transcripts, ID, references, and anything else required.

  4. 4
    Submit Application

    We prepare and submit your application to the university on your behalf.

  5. 5
    Attend Interview

    We prepare you for any interview or assessment the university requires as part of the selection process.

  6. 6
    Apply for Finance

    We help you apply for a Student Finance England Tuition Fee Loan. On distance-learning courses there is usually no Maintenance Loan for living costs unless you cannot attend in person because of a disability.

  7. Start Your Studies

    We guide you through enrolment, registration, and the final steps to begin your course. Once you are enrolled, Student Finance England can start paying your tuition fees to the university.

Required Documents to Apply to this Course

  • Proof of ID Required

    Valid passport or national ID document.

  • Proof of Address Required

    Recent bill or bank statement showing address.

  • CV Required

    Updated CV with education and experience.

  • Personal Statement If available

    Personal statement for the application.

  • Immigration Share Code If available

    UKVI share code for immigration status checks.

  • Academic Qualification If available

    Certificates and transcripts of academic qualifications.

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Related courses

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