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Service Design at Norwich University of the Arts - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.

Course summary

Master the art of service design to create solutions that shape the future of user-centric experiences. The MA in Service Design equips students with the expertise to craft innovative and user-centric experiences. Rooted in the principles of people, products, partners, and processes, this course encourages a socially driven approach to design, aimed at improving user interactions across various contexts. You will explore co-design and collaborative methods to tackle complex problems, employing design thinking frameworks to create systematic and creative solutions. You will develop research methodologies through user research, journey mapping, and service blueprints, fostering an inventive and stakeholder-engaged approach to hypothesis testing and solution implementation. In a rapidly evolving world shaped by advanced technologies, climate change, and societal shifts, our Service Design course stands at the forefront of addressing these uncertainties. It integrates a design mindset with collaborative, innovative, and pragmatic methods to navigate and influence change. Our project-based learning approach involves collaborations with commercial, public, and social organisations, guiding students through deep research, concept generation, prototyping and user testing. This prepares graduates to confidently apply current thinking and conceptual insight to make meaningful impacts across diverse industries, from healthcare to finance, and beyond. Why study with us

  • Co-design and collaborative methods: Develop your skills in co-design and collaboration by working with stakeholders to address complex problems and create inclusive services.
  • Design thinking frameworks: Engage with design thinking practices that challenge you to innovate systematically and creatively while designing user-centred services.
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration: Benefit from shared taught delivery with other postgraduate courses, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge-sharing and interdisciplinary interaction.
  • Access to professional-level resources: Utilise a wide range of professional resources, including contemporary technology, media labs, 2D & 3D studios, high-specification PCs, and licensed specialist software.
  • Emphasis on ethical and inclusive research: Adopt an ethical approach to user research, focusing on accessibility, equality, diversity, and sustainability within various contexts.
  • Development of a professional portfolio: By the end of the course, you will have created a professional body of work that reflects your interests and prepares you for industry, enhancing your ability to communicate research visually.
Course structure This course is part of our suite of Master’s in UX, Interaction and Service Design, offering a collaborative framework across various specialisations, including MA User Experience Design, MA Interaction Design and MA Service Design. This provides students with opportunities to engage with peers from different disciplines while working on individual assignments. Such collaboration mirrors the professional dynamics in the creative industries today, allowing students to gain valuable experience in interdisciplinary teamwork and real-world problem-solving. This programme is a one-year course, including 30 weeks of direct teaching time and a 15-week final project. You will need to complete five units and one 60-credit major project (180 credits in total). All units on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. If you study part-time your modules will be split across two years. Full course details, including aims and assessment criteria, will be provided in the course specification upon validation.

Assessment method

Our assessment methods will vary based on the unit you choose and provide a comprehensive measure of your learning and progress. More information can be found at https://norwichuni.ac.uk/ma-service-design/#assessment

Entry requirements

To apply for the MA in Service Design, you typically need an honours degree of 2:1 or higher. This degree can be in design, computing, or other technical fields, but equivalent qualifications are also accepted. We also welcome applicants with strong degrees in social science, business, or related areas. Those with industry experience or relevant skills from non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including individuals currently employed. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us for guidance before applying.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9600* Whole course
Northern Ireland £9600* Whole course
Scotland £9600* Whole course
Wales £9600* Whole course
Channel Islands £9600* Whole course
Republic of Ireland £9600* Whole course
EU £18000* Whole course
International £18000* Whole course

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

These provisional fees are based off the 2024/25 fees and are subject to change.
Service Design at Norwich University of the Arts - UCAS