MA Design (Ceramics, Furniture, Jewellery), University of Sussex

Brighton,

12 Months

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About this course

This two-year course at Central Saint Martins is designed to develop your individual design practice across three key pathways: Ceramics, Furniture, and Jewellery. It emphasizes research, analysis, designing, making, and immersion in material processes to challenge you to make your mark on the global design industry. The program focuses on hybrid practices, disrupting traditional boundaries of design and craft, and encourages exploration beyond conventional definitions. Throughout, you will engage with design strategies from multiple disciplines, fostering critical thinking and reflection on ethical and sustainable practices. The course promotes a transformative approach, viewing design as a process of innovation and societal impact, and aims to shape resilient, ethical futures by integrating contemporary social, economic, environmental, and technological considerations.

Why this course is highly recommended

This course stands out for its emphasis on multiple disciplines within a unified ethos, fostering hybrid practices and innovative thinking. It is personally responsive, encouraging students to refine their ideas through experimentation and collaborative critiques. The course promotes transformation—both personal and professional—by exploring entrepreneurial models and sustainable approaches. It also values diversity of thought, welcoming cultural perspectives, and positioning students within global networks driven by innovation in social, material, and technological contexts. The strong links with industry and a focus on ethical design practices make it ideal for those seeking to impact the future of design practices at an international level.

Specialisation

The course offers three specific pathways: Ceramics, Furniture, and Jewellery. Students apply with a prospective research focus within one of these disciplines and develop this into an in-depth area of practice over the course duration. The program encourages hybrid practices and interdisciplinary exploration within these specialisms, promoting disruption of traditional practices and fostering innovative approaches influenced by cultural, material, and technological diversity.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

19.68L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need an honours degree or an equivalent qualification for entry. The course is credit-rated at 180 credits, and successful completion grants a Master of Arts (MA) degree at Level 7. All units must be passed to achieve the MA, with classification based on the final unit’s mark. There are options to exit with a Postgraduate Certificate after 60 credits or a Postgraduate Diploma after 120 credits if you choose to leave earlier.

English language test

PTE

TOEFL

IELTS

6.5

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates of this program often move quickly into self-employment, establishing their practices at national and international levels, with opportunities to show work in prominent galleries or collaborate with major brands. Many work for design teams across Europe and beyond, or pursue educational roles at a postgraduate level. The program’s industry links, professional panels, and networking events prepare students for diverse careers in industrial, artistic, craft, or commercial design sectors.

FAQs

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Applicants need a relevant honours degree or an equivalent qualification. Exceptional cases may be considered based on work experience, personal statement, or design focus, with alternative evidence supporting the application.

What is the English language requirement?

An IELTS level of 6.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking is required.