Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,895 for the course
Course summary
- Join 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 opportunity to develop your interests and ideas in a challenging and supportive environment. Our academic staff are design specialists, researchers and practitioners with the experience to help you expand your practice.
Creative UK membership
We are members of Creative UK, which means our art and design students are also members until they graduate. With 10,000 members in its network, Creative UK represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries, advocating on the issues that matter the most to creative communities.
View our students' work
View our gallery of student work and learn more about the exciting projects they've been working on this year.
Graduate view
'The content of this course was inspiring and thought provoking. It helped me to establish my purpose as a designer, and gave me the confidence to continue my research at PHD level.'
Marie Stenton, MA Design (Fashion), 2018 graduate
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
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 – including fashion, graphics, illustration, interior, jewellery & metalwork, interaction, packaging and product. 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
Take a look at the department's Instagram to see what innovations and creations our students have been working on. For more content from our MA and MFA Design programmes, please visit our official Instagram.
Course leaders and tutors
Melanie Levick-Parkin
MFA Design Course Leader, Senior Lecturer DesignMy research interests revolve around Design Anthropology, Co-design and other participatory approaches, which I am exploring in relation to projects focusing on heri … Read more
Applied learning
Live projects
Through comprehensive interaction 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 studying within 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 also encourage you to collaborate with our exemplary network of design agencies, organisations, museums and practitioners.
Student work
Fashion design students make their mark at Graduate Fashion Week 2019
Future careers
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.
Student's success story
The Catwalk Event: our annual showcase of Hallam students' design and dressmaking skills.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On this course you’ll have access to specialist resources and facilities – and will be able to independently develop your skills with
- 3D printing equipment for rapid prototyping
- state-of-the-art hardware and software
- laser cutting
- well-equipped workshops for jewellery & metalwork, fashion, ceramics, wood, plastic and other materials
- studio spaces
- photography studios
- a creative media centre
- gallery and exhibition spaces
- an award-winning learning centre featuring a specialist art, design and media library and extensive online resources
Entry requirements
All students
Normally you need
• a 2.2 degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject 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
• ability to discuss design issues critically and confidently
For information on applying, the interview process and your portfolio, download our MA and 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
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
Year 1
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Creative Design And Positionality | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Methods For Research And Practice | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Ma Project (Fashion) | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £9,620 for the course. If you study this course over 15 months the fee will be calculated pro-rata each year based on the number of credits studied.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,895 for the course.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Art and design courses (PDF, 261.2KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
