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Design (Performance Sports) at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Course summary

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information. Course summary

  • Develop skills and knowledge to become a versatile, industry-focused designer.
  • Gain experience from live projects and links with the sports and outdoor industries.
  • Form ties with design, sport, health, wellbeing, manufacturing and lifestyle sectors.
  • Engage with physiological, psychological and ergonomic factors to propose solutions that deliver performance benefits.
The course is for students who’ve previously studied Fashion Design or Product/Industrial Design at undergraduate level. You’ll learn about the main business, ethical and technical contexts for developing innovative products and services. You’ll also have opportunities to experience real-world projects, gaining the specialist knowledge and skills required to work in this sector. How you learn At Sheffield Hallam, all our courses are designed to engage you with the world and challenge you to think in new ways. You’ll get to collaborate with others, and you’ll be taught in a supportive environment where you can thrive. Through a series of creative research and design projects, you’ll develop your individual practice – in a framework of manufacturing, production, cultural, ethical and environmental contexts. During the early stages of the course, you’ll cover the key concepts, theories and debates in both contemporary and future sports-industry practice. By utilising the expertise of specialist academic staff and industry specialists, you’ll build your knowledge through a series of lectures, seminars and workshops. You’ll also have specialist staff support to build on the skills and knowledge you gain from the initial modules. You’ll then apply your learning in an independently-planned research project – positioning your professional, creative practice within the design-for-sports industry. Applied learning Live projects Through our extensive connections with the sports and outdoor industries, you’ll be able to undertake real-world projects – building your confidence and enhancing your specialist knowledge and skills. Field trips There are opportunities to go on study trips and visits in the UK and abroad. These could include workshops, design exhibitions or visits to practitioners’ studios and industry events. Networking opportunities You’ll benefit from being part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary, postgraduate environment – with extensive links to international networks in the broader design-for-sport community. There are also opportunities to learn from both colleagues working in the industry, and the broader academic research community at Hallam. Design Futures is our own award-winning, in-house design consultancy – and you can also visit specialists from a range of sports and outdoor sectors.

Modules

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances. Compulsory modules Creative Design And Positionality | Coursework (100%) Design Lab: Synthesis And Manifesto (Performance Sports) | Coursework (100%) Methods For Research And Practice | Coursework (100%)

Assessment method

Coursework

Entry requirements

Normally you need • a 2.2 degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject or significant relevant experience • appropriate study plans, including an indication of possible project topics and clear, appropriate and realistic learning aims • a high level of creative ability, as evidenced by a portfolio of work • ability to discuss design issues critically and confidently For information on applying, the interview process and your portfolio, download our MA Design application support: https://www.shu.ac.uk/visit-us/selection-events/Application-and-portfolio-guidance-for-MA-Design-courses

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English.

If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English level.

Please click the following link to find out more about English language requirements for this course

https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/Art-and-design/MA-Design-Performance-Sports/Full-time/

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
EU £17155 Year 1
International £17155 Year 1

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

Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found at https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/terms-and-conditions-and-student-regulations under student fees regulations. Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. Please refer to our website for up-to-date information on costs and fees: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/undergraduate/fees

Sponsorship information

Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.

Design (Performance Sports) at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS