Master of Arts in Design

Introduction

The world is faced with complex challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, natural resource depletion and widening inequality. The African continent is particularly affected by these global challenges due to the continent’s slow pace of development. In Kenya, development challenges are a major concern for the government. Through its vision 2030, the Kenyan government aims to transform Kenya into a newly industrializing, middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens by 2030 in a clean and secure environment. To help achieve Kenya’s vision, and Africa’s vision for enriching livelihoods in general, designers need to explore new approaches to problem solving. The Master of Arts in Design engages with these kinds of interconnected problems by equipping students with skills to envision a better future for all.  The programme has five areas of specialization: Graphic,  Textile and Fashion, Interior, Product design and Design Appreciation.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the Masters of Arts in Design programme is to prepare candidates to achieve world class scholarly excellence in design by providing quality research skills and training that embody the aspirations of the Kenyan people and the global community through creation, preservation, integration, transmission and utilization of design knowledge.

Rationale

The Master of Arts in Design program rationale arises from the need to have an industry-focused programme that prepares design professionals to participate in design process in communities and organizations as well as to be a premier center for design exellence through quality design research and technological innovation.

Goal of the Programme

The goal of the programme is to prepare:

1. A competent design professional who can consider and integrate technological and social innovations to solve complex challenges.
2. A design researcher who is responsive to global trends of environmental sustainability, economic viability and social responsibility. 
3. A design entrepreneur who can create product solutions that have both local and global appeal.

Objectives

At the end of this programme the learner should be able to:

1. Analyse theoretical knowledge and integrate creativity and technical skills to solve complex design challenges.
2. Demonstrate competency in skills in scientific writing, logical reasoning and communication skills.
3. Engage stakeholders in collaborative design activities that are geared towards social change.

Schedule of Intakes

The Department admits new students at the beginning of every academic calendar year (which is usually September)

Application Information

You will be required to enter some basic information, including your email address and to choose a password. We will then send you an email to the address you entered, so that we can validate your account. When you have clicked on the validation link (sent to you in the email), you will be able to log in to the application system using the "Login" box below

For instructions on how to apply click here

To apply online here

 

Mode of Delivery

• Face-to-Face Mode

This is through lectures and tutorials using notes, electronic presentations, instruction manuals, group discussions, practical laboratory demonstrations and fieldwork.

• Open, Distance Learning and e-Learning

In case of delivery through ODeL, special arrangements shall be made for the practical laboratory, field work and computing sessions. Where not feasible alternative arrangements will be made to do them on campus. 

• Blended Learning

This is a hybrid of face to face with Open, Distance Learning and e-learning.

Contact of Support Persons

Phone: (254) 020-4913505
Email: stad@uonbi.ac.ke

Notable Alumni

Prof. Mugendi K. M'rithaa

Stephen Nderitu

Mr. Collins Makunda

Ms. Esther Kute

Dr. Lorraine Ambole

Dr. Lilac Osanjo

Nkatha Kiruki