Design and Visualisation, Postgraduate Taught - MA - 2022/23 entry

This course will enable you to further develop your skills and competencies as a 3D design visualiser with an understanding of the design process. You will be taught how to make important critical decisions, how to devise visualisation strategies, design methods and how to use these skills across a range of disciplines.

You will learn how to evaluate, choose and apply relevant theories, concepts and techniques to the solution of design and the knowledge that underpins it. This knowledge and the transferable skills you will develop will help you to succeed in a competitive industry. 

You will have the opportunity to engage with Live Projects within the curriculum, offering unique opportunities to experience working on real projects for real clients. The learning objectives place emphasis on the process of development, rather than just focusing on the final outcome. Importance is placed not only on design quality but also on engagement practice, creative participation and how the design is developed. 

The programme incorporates frameworks for reviewing, reflecting, analysing and critiquing existing designs and techniques. Youll graduate with a solid understanding of design visualisation, as well as how to apply different visualisation techniques to different situations. 

You will study at our City Centre Campus Parkside Building, a five-floor building with studios and social space for students and staff to engage in creative ideas.

An external examiner reported in 2017:

Bachelor Degree from a recognised university with a minimum grade of 60% / Good / 2.5 / C+

Even though you may have met the stated requirements, if your first language is not English, we may ask you to take an additional English Language Test when you arrive.

Based on the results of the test, you may be required to attend regular English classes to improve your level of competence. English classes are provided free of charge and are available to all non-UK students who wish to attain greater fluency in English.

Enhancing your employability skills

Upon graduating you will have the skills needed for a number of roles within the design industry. Your skillset will allow you to apply for jobs in various design professions as well as roles in different visualisation sectors.

1. Product Design and Visualisation.
2. Interior Design and Visualisation
3. Exhibition set design and Visualiser

You will have the opportunity to work on live projects that will enhance your employability skills. Here is what some of our collaborative partner companies say:

Postgraduates earn an average £9,000 more per year than those with just undergraduate degrees*. A postgraduate qualification can really help you stand out from the crowd in today’s competitive job market. By becoming a specialist in your field, you will have the chance to advance thinking in that subject and lead, rather than follow, the latest developments.

* The Sutton Trust, 2015.

Graduates and their roles

Toby Joyce, studied on this course and went on to secure a job with ATKINS, a Design and Construction company that is renowned worldwide.

In Toby’s employment with ATKINS he was responsible for some of the 3D visualisation done on our current ADM Faculty prior to the building being built. These 3D visualisations were required to showcase BCU’s quality spaces and special ambience that was to be expected on completion of the Parkside building of Birmingham City University.

Joseph Stanford-Turner secured a job with AGA Rangemater, a prestigious heritage company known for its range cookers for large homes. Joseph was employed to redesign the one of the range cookers to can be used in any traditional homes and to be very energy efficient. This included the use of new heating technologies. The product is now available in the market.

Fabien Rolland worked for a luxury yacht manufacturer in London after completing his course in Design and Visualisation. Fabien talent was quickly recognised as exceptional and he was promoted to design manager. Fabien’s role was to design the interior spaces including the living and galley spaces of these yachts for wealthy millionaires.

Kayleigh Veal completed her degree in MA Design and Visualisation and went on to secure a job in exhibition and set design at Zero One exhibitions. Kayleigh’s talent was soon recognised as having strong visualisation skills and was promoted to Design Manager where she works today on prestigious exhibition stands for companies such as Vodaphone, JCB, and Land Rover.