Brunel course gets cash boost

Brunel University’s design management course has been bolstered by a five-figure donation from British Airways. Course director Naomi Gornick denies suggestions that the course was set to close through lack of money.

Gornick, course director of Brunel’s MA in Design, Strategy and Innovation, last week contacted Alex Pratt, design export promoter for the Department of Trade and Industry, seeking help and advice in approaching corporate sponsors.

But Gornick says there was “no particular urgency” about the matter. “Seeking funds is a normal activity and I was told that Alex Pratt could be helpful,” she

maintains.

“Every university department is under financial pressure, and we are always looking for ways to be economical,” she adds.

Gornick confirms that The Rover Group has also indicated it will support her course with cash.

Design management courses have been developed at several colleges in recent years. Dick Petersen, senior lecturer at West Surrey College of Art and Design, says that Surrey’s design management course has “no major financial problems”. The course at De Montfort University is “just beyond break-even”, according to Wendy Powell, head of design management. “At the moment we’re fine,” she confirms.

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