Program Overview
The Professional Design Practice at University of Portsmouth is a MA programme in Arts & Design over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of arts & design. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Professional Design Practice programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: GBP 12,600 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 5,200 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Professional Design Practice programme are prepared for diverse careers in arts & design:
- Creative Director
- Graphic / UX Designer
- Art Director
- Curator
- Visual Artist
- Media Producer
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Project Management: including project leadership, professional design regulations and procedures, law and contract administration, fee bids, professional communications, and approaches to brief writing;
- Practice Management: including approaches to setting up and running a design practice, business innovation and entrepreneurship, business positioning and branding, business planning and marketing;
- Topical Research: investigate ethical approaches to design practice, for example sector approaches to ethical design, design management or sustainable design.
- Option 1 Materials and Products & Professional Experience and Practice: you will research and develop your understanding of materials and products. The knowledge gained will lead to a more sustained practice-based research project;
- Option 2 Research Methods & Thesis: you will be provided with opportunities to develop appropriate research skills which can then be applied to the thesis project, a sustained investigation of a topic related to professional design practice.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- A minimum of a second-class honours degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Architecture or a related subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. A portfolio of professional work may be required.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 12,600 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 5,200 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 12,600 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 5,200 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact University of Portsmouth directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About University of Portsmouth
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, United Kingdom
University of Portsmouth is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Start Date September 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months