We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework, and we have worked to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Racial and Social Justice Principles into the curriculum and in everything we do.
As part of this initiative, we’ve shaped our courses around social and environmental sustainability principles that ensure learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip you with the understanding, skills, and values to foster a more sustainable planet. Our aim is to change the way our students think, and to empower you to work towards a sustainable future.
The course is 3 years, levels 4-6. Each year requires you to achieve 120 credit points. Years 1 and 2 must be passed to enter into Year 3. Your degree is attained through full completion of the third year. To be awarded the BA (Hons) Design Management qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits. You will be expected to commit an average of 40 hours per week to your course, including teaching hours and independent study.
Year 1
Introduction to Design Management (20 units)
Creative Industries and Economy (20 units)
Design Principles (20 Units)
Contextual and Theoretical Studies 1 (20 units)
Locating Design Management Practices (40 units)
Introduces foundational knowledge, essential skills and practices to explore the breadth of disciplines, connections and convergences of design, business and cultures. We position the discipline of design management in historical, socio-economic and cultural contexts.
Year 2
Professional Practices (20 credits)
Marketing Communications and Cultures (20 credits)
Design Thinking and Doing (20 credits)
Contextual and Theoretical Studies 2 (20 credits)
Design Management and Change (20 credits)
Interdisciplinary Projects and Practices (20 credits)
The second year will consolidate and expand on your experience with a number of industry briefs that encourage collaborative working and development of professional competencies.
Gaining knowledge and learning through doing, you will explore design management roles and mindsets in a diverse range of social, cultural and industry contexts.
Year 3
The final year allows you to self-direct and pursue your interests through supported independent study. It will encourage confidence and self-inquiry to choose your future path within the industry, or progress onto postgraduate study.
Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 (40 credits)
This unit is a 8000-10,000 word thesis on a subject of your choice in negotiation with your tutor.
Leadership and Futures (20 credits)
In this unit, the class produces an industry facing event on a relevant contemporary theme. You consider your career path as you develop a professional profile, portfolio of work and action plan for the future.
Major Project (60 credits)
This unit is the culmination of your degree. It consists of two collaborative industry projects and a larger independent self-initiated project to enable you to develop greater rigour in the design process, project management skills, and delivery and presentation of your design project.
Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3
Between Years 2 and 3 of your course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following qualifications:
Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) (Optional)
An optional, year-long learning opportunity which enables you to develop your professional skills by undertaking time out for industry experience. Supported throughout the year by academics, you’ll build on the knowledge gained on your course in a range of national or international locations, and graduate with an additional qualification of Diploma in Professional Studies.
Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)
Between Years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Design Management (with Creative Computing).
