Design: Product and Space & the Creative Economy MA: Research areas

Many of the staff in the University are research active. This ensures that they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

The quality of our research activities gained official recognition from the government during its most recent Research Assessment Exercise (2008). It graded 50% of the research submitted in History of Art, Design and Architecture as either 3* (internationally excellent) or 4* (world-leading). The report flagged outputs and programme of conferences, visiting professors and gallery fellowships, and level of service to the subject area as particular strengths. 

The Sustainable Design Research Group

The Sustainable Design Research Group is leading projects that connect design and designers with sustainability issues. Recent research projects have focused on designing and manufacturing with recycled materials and building a 'sustainable materials' library for designers.

Colour Design Research Unit

The Colour Design Research Unit is looking at the effect of colour and design on people suffering from long-term illnesses. Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, it is investigating interior design schemes in institutions – such as spinal injuries unit and a hospice – assessing paint, flooring and furniture.