History of Design, Culture and Society

If you are curious about the ways in which design and designers both shape, and are shaped by, our material world, studying the history of design will extend and deepen your understanding. You will be encouraged to apply a range of critical approaches to an appreciation of how the design and consumption of objects, from expensive one-off pieces to everyday goods, is intimately bound up with cultural change in the period from the mid-eighteenth century until the present day.

Course structure

Widely recognised as the leading course of its kind, the course is structured around a series of core units, seminar-based options, special subjects, team-based projects and individual research projects. You will build up a core knowledge of the history of design while also having the opportunity to develop your own specialist areas of interest through a wide choice of option courses.

You will benefit from our productive relationships with local museums, including student placements, and from the university's links with the Victoria and Albert Museum. We have unique research resources for students and staff in the Design Archives and Screen Archive South East. Our thriving and highly rated research culture ensures that you will have the opportunity to learn from a wide range of visiting designers, researchers and writers.

Career and progression opportunities

The course has a healthy employment record; many of our graduates take up careers in museums, galleries, arts administration, auction houses, journalism, publishing and education. Others study for further professional qualifications or postgraduate degrees, including our own History of Design and Material Culture MA.

Mode of Attendance : Full-time