This involves law, finance, management, teamwork, policy and research delivered through a variety of taught and student led assignments, normally including a placement. Learning is augmented by selective attendance at an extensive lecture series delivered by eminent theorists, practitioners and academics. Attendance is normally on one day per week - however the rate of study can be negotiated and specified by a learning contract. The course interacts closely with the practical issues involved in managing design. This has meant in the past working with companies such as Cadbury Schweppes, Modular Automation and a wide range of design consultancies, manufacturing companies and other organisations.
Students are able to work in teams with exterior companies.
In certain circumstances part-time students are able to utilise their own workplace as a location for significant parts of their coursework in collaboration with their employer. Such collaboration forms a central part of the learning contract. Assessment Four modules at PGCert level and five modules at PGDip level are assessed by course work in various forms. All assessments must be passed in order to progress from one level to the next. In addition to these assessments, a proposal for MA study is required which is acceptable to the Examination Board.