Master of Design

Welcome Message by the Chair Department of Design

Welcome to the vibrant world of design at Machakos University. The Department of Design is delighted to extend a warm welcome to our creative haven, where innovation thrives and passion fuels progress. Feel free to explore our diverse programs, draw inspiration, or collaborate with our talented faculty and students. Our department is the ideal destination to unlock your creativity and forge the future of design.

Introduction of the Programme.

The Master of Design Programme at Machakos University is a unique program that enables our university to embark on a transformative journey where creativity meets expertise. Our newly launched Master of Design Programme is designed for innovators and visionaries who are ready to redefine the boundaries of design. With a dynamic curriculum curated by industry leaders and cutting-edge facilities at our disposal, the program prepares students to unleash their full potential as they explore specialized tracks, collaborate with top-tier professionals, and emerge as leaders in the world of design. Join us in shaping tomorrow’s design landscape. Your masterpiece starts here.

Enroll today and let your creativity thrive.

Programme overview:

“Be the future of design and creative technology.”

School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) is proud to present Master of Design (MDes) program, a comprehensive and innovative course that offers specializations in Interior Design, Fashion Design and Graphic Design. This program is meticulously crafted to equip students with advanced knowledge, cutting-edge skills and a critical understanding of contemporary design practices. The program embodies Design Thinking; the how of design; critical, analytical, practical and artistic approaches; trans disciplinary collaboration; scientific research paradigm; transformation; academic discourse; industry input and; creation of opportunities with the local community. The program is driven by coursework and the transformative potential of research through creative practice. Further, the degree recognizes scientific research in design holds the potential to generate authentic knowledge and insight acting as a transformative agent in academia, industrial systems, community, solution economy and government

The MDes is designed for early to mid-career professionals with an interest in pursuing graduate work at the intersections of design and technology. As a candidate in the MDes program, you will develop a multi-faceted perspective, engage in prototype experimentation, and explore innovative approaches. Through applied design knowledge in hands-on projects and real-world challenges, both independently and collaboratively, you will cultivate a commitment to leveraging design to enhance all aspects of life. Moreover, you will gain the expertise and insights necessary to drive significant outcomes in your professional career.

Interior Design:

Our Interior Design specialization focuses on creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. You will learn to blend creativity with practicality to transform spaces into inspiring environments. The curriculum covers advanced topics such as digital fabrication and 3D modelling, advanced spatial planning, scenic and exhibition design, responsive interior environments and smart home integration. Through hands-on projects, you will gain real-world experience in designing residential, commercial and public spaces.

Fashion Design:

The Fashion Design specialization is tailored for those who aspire to make a mark in the ever-evolving fashion industry. Our program explores digital technologies for the fashion industry, technical textiles in garment construction, textile innovation and fashion accessories. You will explore the cultural and social dimensions of fashion while developing your unique design voice. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry partnerships, you will be prepared to launch your own fashion line or contribute to leading fashion houses.

Graphic Design:

In the Graphic Design specialization, you will master the art of visual communication. This track emphasizes creative problem-solving, digital media proficiency and conceptual thinking. You will gain advanced skills in advertising design and branding, motion graphics and photo-video techniques, graphic design for print and web media and advanced digital media applications for graphics. Our program fosters an environment where you can experiment with new techniques tools and emerging technologies for graphic design, ensuring that you stay ahead of industry trends.

The course will be offered under blended mode of study (online and physical) in any one of the following options:

i)         Course work and thesis

ii)        Course work and design project

A candidate shall be awarded a Master of Design Degree of Machakos University if they have met all the requirements as stipulated in Machakos University Statutes. The Degree to be awarded under these regulations shall be any one of the following:

Master of Design (Interior Design)

Master of Design (Fashion Design)

Master of Design (Graphic Design)

Entry Requirements:

i. Holder of a Bachelor’s degree with at least a second-class honor (Upper Division) in a design related discipline or equivalent from Machakos University or any other University recognized by the Commission for University Education.

ii. Holder of a Bachelor’s degree Second class honors (Lower Division) in any design related discipline or equivalent from Machakos University or any other University recognized by the Commission for University Education and a minimum two years related work experience after graduation.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the MDes program are well-prepared to pursue a variety of career paths in design. Whether you aim to become a lead designer in an established firm, start your own design studio, or pursue a career in academia, the skills and experiences gained from our program will set you on the path to success.

UI/UX Designer, Product Designer, Industrial Designer, Design Manager, Fashion Designer, Interior Designer, Fashion Coordinator, Graphic Designer, Game Designer, Textile Laboratory Manager.

Contact Details:

Dr. Benta Oguda ; Phone: 0720597870 ; Email: benta.oguda@mksu.ac.ke

Ms. Coletta Matayo; Phone: 0728208150; Email: cmatayo@mksu.ac.ke

Link to Department News and events, fee structure and application form: