Think differently about design and creatively push boundaries, whilst developing the skills needed to become an imaginative and versatile interaction designer.
Be part of an interdisciplinary design programme which promotes social and cultural innovation.
Develop your specialist skills and knowledge in a collaborative studio environment.
Innovate with materials, technology and conceptual thinking.
Extend existing material practices in response to the needs of our rapidly changing world.

Placing emphasis on personal research, this course gives you the chance to develop your own interests and ideas in a challenging and supportive environment. Academic staff are design specialists, researchers and practitioners who will support you to expand your practice and develop an independent, autonomous approach.

Live projects

Through comprehensive dialogue with the creative industries, we’ll help you explore the world of professional practice beyond the postgraduate studio. Live, real-world projects are embedded into specific modules – and you’ll be encouraged to seek industrial sponsors or collaborators for your projects. 

We also have a long-established link with the Art, Design & Media Research Centre (ADMRC). Our masters graduates often work as research assistants at the ADMRC while they continue their studies to PhD level – which means you’ll get their expert support throughout your projects.

Field trips

You’ll be able to take part in study trips and visits to design conferences and debates.

Networking opportunities

You’ll benefit from a cross-disciplinary, vibrant, international, collaborative and supportive postgraduate environment. Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside our Design Futures consultancy and with researchers from the ADMRC. 

We’ll encourage you to collaborate with our exemplary network of design agencies, organisations, museums and practitioners. Your Interaction tutors also have connections and experience in diverse areas such as user-experience design, advertising, structural graphics, typography, branding and marketing.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The initial modules are taught to all postgraduate design students. Here you'll gain a critical understanding of design thinking, theoretical studies, research methods and making practices. You’ll then follow your own personal practice with support from our specialist staff.

You learn through

• immersive learning alongside peers in a studio environment
• practice-based research
• project work
• individual and group tutorials
• lectures
• seminars
• constructive critical debates

For more content from our MA and MFA Design programmes, please visit our official Instagram.

This course prepares you for a career in

• design
• design management
• making or manufacturing
• company-employed design
• independent design practice
• postgraduate study at PhD level
• education
• retail/marketing
• design research
• academia

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for international design companies and consultancies, as well as gaining PhD scholarships.

 

Normally you need

• a 2.2 degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline or significant relevant experience
• appropriate study plans, including an indication of possible project topics and clear, appropriate and realistic learning aims
• a high level of creative ability, as evidenced by a portfolio of work
• evidence of previous experience of coding and/or programming is highly desirable
• ability to discuss design issues critically and confidently

For information on applying, the interview process and your portfolio, download our MA/MFA Design application support.

Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English. If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English level.

If you do not have such academic qualifications we may consider your application individually, based on your personal, professional and work experience, and other formal qualifications. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Creative Design And Positionality	60	Coursework
Ma Project (Interaction)	60	Coursework
Methods For Research And Practice	60	Coursework