Design and Branding Strategy MA

The balanced combination of critical examination and rigorous academic research and creativity is a unique characteristic of Brunel's MA programme.

You will do a three-phase programme:

Strategic Design Management

This module explores the effective use of design in a commercial, business and social context. Beginning with the roots, history and development of design management, the 12-week lecture and workshop programme explains where design can be found in companies large and small, its relationships with marketing and other departments, how design is used to deliver business goals, and the importance of measuring design effectiveness.

The module discusses the use of new product development, service design and the link between design, branding and innovation. Cost and value of design, global versus local and the impact of e-commerce and digital branding are also considered in a future context. Importantly, the differences and the inter-dependence of design leadership and design management are discussed with the help of guest speakers and contemporary case studies.

Branding Strategy Studies

We explore how brands are built or rebuilt through design, how brands can be analysed both from a consumer and financial perspective. We discuss the importance of user experience, internal cultures in off-line and virtual communities; we consider specialist areas such as place branding or luxury fashion brands, how adding value through brand extensions. We investigate the rise of social media, digital, sensory experiences, plus emerging concepts such as brand spirituality or sociability and their impact on society and brands.

Innovation Strategy and Management

This module explores how design could be a catalyst for various types of innovation ranging from new products/services, right through to a new way of running an organisation. It enables students to evaluating user needs and market demands, and discusses key factors influencing innovation development, such as digital economy, sustainability, collaborative economy and social responsibility. It also investigates emerging practices and processes in the field of design, innovation and management in order to help students develop appropriate strategic directions for innovation and innovation culture.

Design Research

Rigorous research is required for all kinds of strategic planning. This module helps students develop research skills and knowledge, which will prepare them for practical research in organisations/consultancies and academic research if they wish to continue their studies at the doctorate level. It explores the role and application of design research and its relationship with creative thinking. It also introduces a wide range of tools to address and solve problems and develop design opportunities within a realistic commercial and/or social context. It enables students to formulate appropriate methodologies for design strategy and pragmatic solutions.

Design and Branding Futures: Seminar & Workshop Programme

Design Futures is a uniquely delivered module that explores futures scenarios and the role design could play in shaping society and enabling new technologies. Working in teams and on self-chosen topics, the module involves around nine weeks of facilitated workshops supported by both internal lectures - and an extensive programme of external guest lecturers, by experts drawn from some of the world’s leading brand, innovation and design organisations. This exciting module culminates in students describing their vision of the future as part of a team presentation and expressing their own, personal views through the preparation of a creative Reflective Log.

Design and Branding Research Project 1

Design and Branding Research Project 2

Design Dissertation

This module provides students opportunities to develop and demonstrate sophisticated and advanced knowledge about the role of strategic design in innovation and/or branding. They are expected to carry out research and present a coherent dissertation on current and challenging issues relevant to design management, branding and/or innovation. The deliverables are expected to be critical and creative, well written and suitably visual thesis to demonstrate the ability to address a carefully formulated design strategic issue. It will include evidence of a sound rationale, analysis and evaluation, integrated creative thinking related to methods and/or design concepts.

Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel and what you will learn on the course.