Everything you need to know...
Course summary
- 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. Our academic staff are design specialists, researchers and practitioners who support you to expand your practice and develop an independent, autonomous approach
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.
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. You'll focus on gaining a critical understanding of design thinking, theoretical studies, research methods and making practices. You’ll then follow your own personal practice, supported by key specialist staff. You’re encouraged to consider social and cultural contexts when positioning your creative output – aiming to develop accessible and marketable products, services, interventions and other forms or propositions.
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
Maria Hanson
Course LeaderMaria is subject tutor for Metalwork and Jewellery students on the MA Design Course, and contributes to lectures and seminars for postgraduate students across all de … Read more
Applied learning
Live projects
You’ll interact with the creative industries and gain an understanding of the world of professional practice beyond the postgraduate studio. Live, real-world projects are embedded into specific modules – and you're encouraged to seek industrial sponsors or collaborators for individual projects.
The long-established link with our Art, Design & Media Research Centre (ADMRC) supports a continuing tradition of graduates from our masters courses working as research assistants and/or continuing their studies to PhD level. As such they’re also able to provide you with 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. You can work alongside our Design Futures consultancy and with researchers from the ADMRC. We also encourage you to collaborate with our exemplary network of contacts at leading design agencies, organisations, museums and practitioners.
Your Jewellery and Metalwork tutors have industry connections and specialist knowledge in studio jewellery, silversmithing, domestic objects and architectural metalwork. Their research and practice explores the creative application of traditional and non-traditional materials, conceptual thinking and the innovative use of technologies.
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.
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 including
- 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 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
• 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.
If English is not your first language you typically need an IELTS 6.0 score with 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
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
This course is not open to international students who require a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK. If you are an international applicant but do not require a Tier 4 (General) student visa, contact our Admissions Team to find out whether you’re eligible to apply.
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 (Jewellery And Metalwork) | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Mfa Project (Jewellery And Metalwork) | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
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, 279.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
