Lighting Design MA



Learn the application of light to transform spaces, enhance experiences and shape perception

Overview

This programme focuses on creative applications of light, enabling you to explore optical fibres, LEDs, and projection-based techniques alongside traditional architectural and daylighting approaches. You will develop the ability to analyse, design, prototype, and document lighting solutions, integrating both technical understanding and imaginative experimentation. Working in a shared studio space with other creative design courses there is room for cross disciplinary exploration and learning.

This degree allows you to explore lighting in a range of interior and exterior contexts, from heritage and cultural spaces to immersive installations and experimental art projects.

Modules benefit by having input from industry specialists, guest lecturers, and site visits, providing exposure to professional practice and live project opportunities.  You will be taught by staff who are actively involved in the fields they teach.

 
lit up trees

Mode of Study:

Part-time

(available as Full-time)

Duration:

2 years

Start date:

Sep

Course details

In a collaborative and interdisciplinary design studio, you will develop the criticality necessary to create lighting that inspires and excites people.

You will have the space and freedom to develop fully working experiences and prototypes that explore lighting with interaction, experience and placemaking.  You will have the opportunity to show your work to and gain feedback from professionals working in industry.

Our design programmes are supported by our comprehensive workshops.  In these workshops you will be able to fabricate 3D products that augment your creative practice.

By the end of the programme, you will have developed the skills, knowledge, and professional awareness to innovate and lead in the creative lighting and design sector, producing a final project that showcases both your creative vision and technical expertise, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration.

 
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    How you’ll be taught

     The programme uses practice-based learning, workshops, seminars, lectures, guest speakers and supported online learning in which core knowledge and understanding are acquired and assessed in tandem with their specific application to your own individual projects.
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    Assessments

     We take a common approach to learning, teaching and assessment in studio modules where practice-based student output is collated as a portfolio presentation.
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    Work placement

     The programme offers two modules (Live Project in trimester 1, Research Projects and Entrepreneurship in trimesters 2) where you have the option of working with external partners, which may include some work-based learning.
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    Facilities

     All design programmes in the School of Arts & Creative Industries are delivered in studio learning environments with access to up-to-date technical resources and lighting equipment.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above in an art & design or related discipline (architecture, creative computing & engineering design)

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient professional work experience within the industry.

All candidates are interviewed with a portfolio of creative work or technical/business projects. Applicants from overseas can be interviewed by teleconference with an online portfolio.

The University does not sponsor students to study on part-time programmes in the UK under the Student Visa route. International Applicants must therefore have other valid immigration leave to study on this programme.


English language

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • MSc Nursing courses
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2025/26 2026/27
Stage 1 £4,135 £tba
Stage 2 £5,025 £tba
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Total - Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,160 £tba
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Stage 1 £8,875 £tba
Stage 2 £10,875 £tba
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Overseas and EU-Total Fee £19,750 £tba
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Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers

Graduates from this programme pathway can pursue careers in: 

  • interior and spatial design
  • lighting design
  • urban design
  • exhibition and museum design
  • installation art
Lighting desplay