Master of Arts in Design

    Overview

    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

    1. The Master of Art in Design degree is offered under one modules; full time (Module II). The degree programme, is a two year programme that  runs  for a minimum of four (4) semesters and a maximum of twelve (12) semesters from the date of registration.
    2. To qualify for the award of the Master of Arts in Design, a candidate must take and pass all the 12 course units offered.
    3. The candidate shall be required to attend at least 2/3 of lectures and write a research thesis.
    4. The  course breakdown is as follows:

     

     

    YEAR 1

     

    FIRTS SEMESTER (Compulsory Theory)

     

    UNIT CODE

    UNIT NAME

    SEMESTER HRS

    EXAM HRS

     

    BDS 501

    Research Methodology

    45

    1x2 hours

     

    BDS 503

    Design Management     

    45

    1x2 hours

     

    BDS 505

    History of Design

    45

    1x2 hours

     

    BDS 507

    East African Design         

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 509

    Computer Aided Design

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 511

    Design Materials & Process

    90

    Portfolio

     

    Total

    405

     

     

    Graphics  Design Option

     

    BDS 502

    Advertising Design         

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 504

    Advertising

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 506

    Corporate Identity Design

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS508

    Publication Design

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 542

    Design Practice

    90

    Portfolio

     

    Total

    450

     

    Portfolio

     

    Fashion and Textile Design Option

     

     

    Portfolio

    BDS 510

    Printed Textile Design

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 512

    Woven Textiles Design

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 514

    Fashion Design

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 516

    Fabric Craft and Design 

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 542

    Design Practice

    90

    Portfolio

     

    Total

    450

     

     

    Interior  Design Option

     

    BDS 518

    Principles of Landscape Design

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 520

    Interior Space Design    

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 522

    Exhibition and Display Design

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 524

    Furnishing Design           

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 542

    Design Practice

    90

    Portfolio

     

    Total

    450

     

     

    Product Design Option

     

    BDS 526

    Jewellery Design

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 528

    Household Product Design         

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 530

    Leisure Product Design

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 532

    Furniture Design

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 542

    Design Practice

    90

    Portfolio

     

    Total

    450

     

     

     Design Option

     

    BDS 534

    West & North African Design

    45

    1x2 hours

     

    BDS 536

    Central & South African Design

    45

    1x2 hours

     

    BDS 538

    European-American Design

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 540

    Oriental Design

    90

    Portfolio

     

    BDS 542

    Design Practice

    90

    Portfolio

     

    Total

    360

     

     

     

     

    YEAR 2

    FIRST SEMESTER

    UNIT CODE

    UNIT NAME

    SEMESTER HRS

    EXAM HRS

    BDS 601

    Contemporary Design Issues     

    90

    1x20 minutes oral examination

    BDS 603

    Design Project 1

    90

    1x20 minutes oral examination

    BDS 605

    Design Project II              

    90

    1x20 minutes oral examination

    Total

    270

     

    BDS 602

    Design Project II

    90

    1x20 minutes oral examination

    BDS 604

    Research Project II         

    90

    1x20 minutes oral examination

    Total

    180

     

     

    Minimum Admission Requirements

    Common Regulations, for Masters’ degrees, of the University of Nairobi shall apply

    Admission to the M.A. degree in Design is open to holders of Bachelor’s degrees in:

    1. Design, of at least Upper Second Class Honours, of the University of Nairobi or an equivalent qualification recognized by Senate;
    1. Any discipline related to Design, of at least Upper Second Class Honours from the University of Nairobi or other Universities recognized by the Senate;
    1. Design or a discipline related to Design of at least Lower Second Class Honours with at least three years of professional experience and a certified portfolio O Level Division III or equivalent plus a Certificate and Diploma in a relevant discipline
    2. Diploma from University of Nairobi or other recognized institutions and an aggregate of C in KCSE or equivalent.
    3. A Level with two principal passes, IB or equivalent in relevant subjects.
    4. Degree from a recognized University.

    Credit Transfers

    Applicants may transfer credits for similar courses, at Master’s level, taken in other institutions recognized by the Senate.

    Applicant seeking transfer of credit may:-

    1. Send a formal application seeking transfer of credits, justification of the request and attach evidence of the credentials which would support such a request.
    2. Apply for transfer of credit which is processed only after paying the prescribed exemption fee;
    3. Be allowed a maximum of one third of the courses.
    4. The courses in which transfer of credit is sought shall not exceed one-third (1/3) of the total units for the relevant degree programme.

    Attachment Opportunities

    The Interior Design major focuses on residential and commercial design. Residential interior designers are responsible for the layout and design of spaces where clients live while commercial designers specialize in designing spaces for businesses such as offices, restaurants, stores, and more. Interior Designers are needed in many areas such as:

    • Health Care
    • Hospitality
    • Facility Space Planning
    • Retail Design
    • Consulting Services
    • Lighting Design
    • Exhibit Design
    • Sustainable Design

    Career Prospects

    1. Furniture Designer, Set Designer, Interior Designer, User Experience, Interactive Designer, Prototyper, ModelMaker,Production Manager, Ideation Lead, etc
    2. Freelance Designers, Advertising Agencies, Design Studios, etc
    3. Fashion Designers, Fashion Stylist, Illustrator, Patterncutter, Machinist, Textile Surface Designer, Costume Designer, Samplemaker etc.
    4. Freelance Illustrators, Art Director, Illustration for Development, Animation, Art Tutors, Artists, Experiential Design, Publishers, Art Curators, Editorial Illustration, Web&Content Design, etc.
    5. Interior Design Firms, Architecture Firms Freelance Designers, Interior Designers in Residential and Commercial Space, Indoor and Outdoor Landscape Designers, Exhibits and Display Designers for Expos, Marketer and Suppliers, Construction Project Managers, etc

    Masters in Design-Year 1-(TOTAL of 11 units)      
       Semester 1   Semester 2   Yearly TOTAL  
    TUITION           216,000             216,000                 432,000
    MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR)               6,500                      -                       6,500
    ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR)               7,000                      -                       7,000
    CAUTION - (ONCE)               5,000                      -                       5,000
    LIBRARY (PER YEAR)               5,000                      -                       5,000
    REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250)               2,250                 2,250                     4,500
    EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000)               5,500                 5,500                   11,000
    ID CARD ( PER YEAR)               1,000                      -                       1,000
    ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR)               2,000                      -                       2,000
    STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR)               1,000                      -                       1,000
    TOTAL           251,250             223,750                 475,000
    Masters in Design-Year 2-(TOTAL of 11 units)      
       Semester 1   Semester 2   Yearly TOTAL  
    TUITION           216,000             216,000                 432,000
    MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR)               6,500                      -                       6,500
    ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR)               7,000                      -                       7,000
    LIBRARY (PER YEAR)               5,000                      -                       5,000
    REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250)               2,250                 2,250                     4,500
    EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000)               5,500                 5,500                   11,000
    ID CARD ( PER YEAR)               1,000                      -                       1,000
    ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR)               2,000                      -                       2,000
    STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR)               1,000                      -                       1,000
    THESIS EXAMINATION                 30,000                   30,000
    TOTAL           246,250             253,750                 500,000
           
    Grand TOTAL                     975,000
    Exam Regulations

    Examinations for the Master of Arts in Design programme has TWO components, theory and portfolio examinations.

     

    1. The examination will be governed by the general examinations regulations of the University of Nairobi.
    2. Examinations shall be conducted in the semesters in which the courses are taught
    3. Examinations shall take the form of continuous assessment, written, portfolio and dissertation.
    4. Continuous assessment shall comprise of tests, assignments, term papers, oral presentation and sketches executed during the semester.
    5. Two or three-hour written examination for all theory and studio courses.
    6. Portfolio examination shall comprise oral presentation and exhibition.
    7. The pass mark for a course shall be 50%; and the weighting shall be as follows
    8. A-45 hour course unit shall be examined by a 2-hour written examination and marked out of one hundred.
    9. A-90 hour course unit shall be examined by a 3-hour written examination and marked out of two-hundred.
    10. A design or research project is the equivalent of three course units is marked out of three-hundred.
    11. A pass obtained by re-sitting a course unit shall be recorded as 50%
    12. Examination of Courses
    13. A theory course shall be examined by continuous assessment and a two or three-hour written examination paper.
    14. A studio course (marked*) shall be examined by continuous assessment, and portfolio.
    15. Examination of portfolio/design project shall be by oral presentation and exhibition of work.
    16. Oral presentation shall be marked out of one hundred.
    17. Exhibition of work shall be marked out of two hundred.
    18. A research project shall be examined by continuous assessment regulations governing thesis examination.