MA Material Futures

at University of the Arts London

In MA Material Futures, units may include external workshops, lectures and projects. Through hands-on making, you will explore emerging sciences and technologies, processes and materials. You will also investigate current trends and behavioural insights. Through this, you will generate new design applications to contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow. 

Unit 1: Material Exploration

Unit 1 is intended to be a test bed for new ideas, approaches and design collisions. You will be encouraged to forget your previous disciplines and methodologies, and to experiment and be ambitious. You will be exposed to new technologies, science and design practices alongside methods of material and design research.  

Experimentation, innovation, contextual and critical knowledge and design-led personal research is key. The unit draws on academic research, industrial links and a programme of current speakers. It is engineered to stimulate debate and to engage you in the critical context of design. You will be encouraged to engage with emerging issues that will affect the future of your personal design practice. 

In this unit you will be expected to develop experimental design work and innovative design proposals. You will discuss and critically debate issues related to your practice. Your work in this unit will encourage you to create and propose sustainable concepts, artefacts and materials.

Unit 2: Material Proposition

In Unit 2 you will combine your new knowledge of emerging material practice with your previous skill set. You will create a personal research project proposal and critical journal. These will explore a topical issue in the field of material futures. This unit should be used as an opportunity to launch a physical and theoretical design proposition. You will identify and engage with relevant experts who can support you in your chosen field of design. They will help navigate the complexities of turning your design proposition into a reality.  

At the beginning of the unit, short projects or workshops may help you structure the critical framework for your final project. By the end of the unit, you will have framed a design issue. You will have identified relevant research methods to produce a final creative portfolio. This body of work and research investigation with culminate in an exhibition of design propositions.

Unit 3: Material Impact

In Unit 3 you will contextualise, construct and launch your design proposition. This is predominantly a self-initiated unit. It allows you the freedom to pursue your own research interests and personal approach within the discipline. 

What is the real-world impact? Why is this proposition pertinent now or in the future? You will also complete a critical text which explores and contextualises your work within a wider context. You Showcase your work at the college's annual degree show.

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
 

• An honours degree

• Or an equivalent EU/international qualification

AP(E)L – Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
 

• Related academic or work experience

• The quality of the personal statement

• A strong academic or other professional reference

Or a combination of these factors.

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

IELTS level 6.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking

Home fee
£6,650 per year

International fee
£16,945 per year

MA Material Futures has established various links with industry in London and beyond, allowing students to work on international design projects and initiatives. MA Material Futures itself has contributed much to debate around design, both through the media and by organising and delivering papers at international conferences.

MA Material Futures students are expected to establish their own network of contacts and develop collaborations within industry as part of the development of their Masters project. Employers have included Adidas, Distance Lab, Banff New Media, Castelbajac, Donna Karan, Etam, Hussein Chayalan, Line Consultants, Louis Vuitton, Margiela, Media Lab Europe, Nicole Farhi, Speedo, Ted Baker, Design Lab, Trend Union and Nissan Design Europe.