History of Design and Material Culture MA

University of Brighton

United Kingdom, Brighton

University RankQS Ranking

839

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Home/United Kingdom/Brighton /University of Brighton/History of Design and Material Culture MA

University of Brighton

United Kingdom , Brighton

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Brighton- Moulsecoomb

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines12-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 17,900 / year

Next Intake 12-Jan-2026

History of Design and Material Culture MA

About

Join our pioneering masters course, renowned globally and with a course team leading the field through groundbreaking research.

Dive into the study of objects, images, and spaces from the 18th to the 21st century, exploring topics from protest T-shirts to wedding dresses and car ads to street photography. Engage in contemporary debates on gender, identity, sustainable design, and decolonisation.

You will benefit from exceptional resources, including the university's Design Archives and connections with Brighton & Hove Museums.

Our graduates thrive in top roles at prestigious institutions like the V&A, and Central St Martins. Be part of our vibrant research community at the Centre for Design History.

The MA in History of Design and Material Culture unites the close study of objects and related images, with historical research and cultural theory.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Degree and experience
Normally a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. Candidates with a 2:2 or lower or who do not have a degree will still be considered for admission if they can demonstrate suitable professional experience or substantial experience of the subject area. English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

English Program Requirements

English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

Career

Careers

The course has an excellent track record in helping students to pursue careers in related areas as well as further study.

Many of our postgraduates have found work as lecturers, curators, journalists, designers and design consultants, while many others have pursued doctoral research, some also securing prestigious funding from the AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council).

Graduate professions

Curating

Ej Scott Curator, Museum of Transology, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
Dennis Nothdruft Curator, Fashion and Textile Museum, Bermondsey
Cassie Davies Curator, Victoria and Albert Museum

Teaching and research in higher education

Torunn Kjolberg University of South Wales
Mairi Mackenzie Glasgow School of Art
Cat Rossi Kingston University

Funded doctoral research

Emmy Sale AHRC, The Hockey Museum
Jo Lane AHRC, Worthing Museum and Art Gallery
Janet Aspley University of Brighton (Design Star, AHRC)
Bridget Millmore University of Brighton (AHRC)
June Rowe Central Saint Martins (Rootstein Foundation)
Sara Skillen University of Stockholm (Centre for Fashion Studies)

Writing, design, consultancy and publishing

Eleanor Medhurst, fashion historian, Unsuitable: A History of Lesbian Fashion
Georgina Jarvis adam&eveDDB
Christine Gent Executive director, World Fair Trade Organisation (Asia)
Ness Wood Art director and designer, Random House Books