Caroline Norman

MA Design Management

Could you tell us about what you do and how this feeds into your course?

I have over 20 years’ experience in design and brand consultancy. I started life as a Graphic Designer then moved into client and business management, spending seven years as Managing Director of Boxer, a division of The Marketing Store Worldwide. I’ve worked with a wide range of organisations including national brands, charities, small businesses and universities.

When I joined Birmingham City University I wanted to learn how to teach so undertook the Master’s in Education, since then I’ve been awarded two BCU teaching fellowships and have been awarded Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy,

My main area of interest is how the relationships between designers, businesses and universities can be enhanced.

What is the philosophy of your course? 

MA Design Management has a distinctive professional approach so our teaching focuses on design practice. Our aim is to accelerate designer’s careers by providing the knowledge and skills to work and communicate effectively across design and business disciplines.

If you had to name one thing about your course that makes it distinct, what would it be?

One of the course’s greatest strengths is the quality of the student cohort; we attract students from all design disciplines from all over the world, and many of our students are already established in design practice. Full-time, part-time and work-based learning students study together which makes for a rich student cohort and provides current design experiences and challenges for students to share.

Why is Birmingham a good place to study/work?

The Master’s in Design Management at Birmingham City University has been established for over 20 years. We have a proven track record in design management and continually innovate in-keeping with the needs of the sector.

Why do you believe it’s important to study an MA and why might students want to study your course?

The course is aimed at designers who want to understand business and marketing better. The course covers business management, marketing, design strategy, entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, design leadership and design practice including project management, intellectual property law and finance. Strong emphasis is placed on the development of evidence-based decision making, high level leadership and communication skills.

Where will the students be based in their time here and what will their learning environment be?

The course is based in the Parkside Building, and we set out to provide a high quality, intellectually challenging environment whilst acknowledging designers’ experiential learning styles. Teaching and learning opportunities are based on lectures, seminars, workshops, an optional placement, live projects, simulated projects, guest lectures, study groups, group and individual tutorials, students also enjoy a wealth of extra-curricular opportunities.

What can students do to help prepare them for the course?

Students are welcome to come and visit and join a class if they wish; we also provide guidance on what they might read and research before they join the course.

What’s the favourite element about working at Birmingham School of Architecture and Design?

My colleagues and the students who enrich our lives. There’s nothing better than hearing back from a former student and learning about their success.