IELTS 6.5 with minimum of 5.5 in each component
PTE 61 (with no less than 51 in each component)
TOEFL iBT: 85 overall, 18 in writing, 10 in reading, 10 in listening and 17 in speaking
Cambridge: 176 with no less than 162 in each component
There is no formal deadline for receipt of applications, and applications may be made at any time. At the point of admission, students are expected to have clear reasoning behind their choice to undertake this programme, nominal understanding of the context of sustainable design underpinned by a desire and determination to know more. Direct access to semester 3 of the programme will be considered only where applicants have accrued appropriate number of credits at either masters-level or postgraduate study in a relevant subject.
Applicants must demonstrate through their personal statement within the application form and, where appropriate, at interview a clear motivation to engage with issues of sustainability and design through demonstrating:
On this established course, designers and creatives use practice-based design research to examine the challenges of sustainable development and present original ideas for more sustainable futures.
You will be learning in Brighton, a progressive city where sustainability and social concerns are high on the agenda. You will be working alongside experts in design, ecology, psychology and business in lively postgraduate studio spaces. We provide a stimulating environment that will encourage you to explore and challenge existing ideas and develop new propositions for sustainable development.
Throughout the course, you will gain knowledge and skills in speculative and critical design, design research and business-focused design innovation. You will leave us with the confidence and aspirations needed to become an effective agent of change – ready to enter a world where sustainable development forms the foundations of good design
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Sustainable Design: Present(s)
Semester one, 20 credits
In this module you will gain a broad introduction to established principles, theories and methodologies in sustainability and design.
Themes covered may include, for example, the circular economy, low-carbon building and production, sustainable food systems, sustainable communities, systems thinking, critical design and climate communication.
Teaching delivery will take the form of lectures, seminars, workshops and presentations from specialist practitioners, writers, researchers, manufacturers and theorists.
For assessment, you are required to create a three-minute 'video manifesto' and a research poster as well as a workbook of supporting research, process and development.
Research Methods
Semester one, 20 credits
This module gives you the opportunity to understand and
develop research as an integral part of your design practice.
You will develop a substantive research position piece that will likely be related to your ongoing design work and generally inform your specialisation research project.
We will ask you to engage with research through:
- Examining the scope and value of research in design relative to other aspects of design practice and other disciplinary fields.
- Considering a variety of practical and intellectual approaches to design research as well as challenges and limitations.
- Developing your individual position piece, including
definition of subject area and topic, research aims,
identification of research material and approach, planning of research process.
Studio
Semesters one and two, 60 credits
In this module, you will develop your practice in sustainable
design through independently defined studio practice, enabling you to progress to a position of authority in your chosen area of specialisation.
The module provides a reflective and productive environment for you to develop self-directed projects that engage critically with current discourses in sustainability and design.
It spans two projects and your final mark is based on the combined output of the two projects.
Sustainable Design: Future(s)
Semester two, 20 credits
In this module, you will expand your work outwards to the
edges of the discipline to consider new opportunities for
sustainable design innovation. You will be required to develop a more expansive comprehension of contemporary issues relating to sustainability and design, and develop the ability to situate your practice with greater clarity and purpose.
Specific module content will change year on year. Themes covered may include, for example, complex systems thinking, criticality in design, morality and ethics of design.
For assessment, you are required to develop and present a
‘model of sustainable design’ and a workbook of research, process and development.
Master
Semester three, 60 credits
This module takes the form of a self-directed design research project structured by an individually-defined 'statement of intent’ developed under supervision.
It requires you to develop and present the culmination, integration and application of experiences, methods, skills and mastery accrued throughout the course.
You are challenged to establish new ways of working, characterised by individually defined approaches to emergent issues in sustainability and design.
The final body of masterwork must be developed through practice(s) relevant to your research aims. These might include, for example, the development and production of design proposals, a written thesis, a documentary or film, an article for a leading publication, the development of a business plan, an exhibition, or a combination of the above.
After graduation, many students secure influential positions within major global businesses, charities and NGOs. Previous students include:
a product designer for Thammasorn in Bangkok, Thailand
an assistant professor at Suwon Science College in Hwasung, South Korea
a media designer at AKT II
a sessional lecturer at the University for the Creative Arts
a designer at the Graphic Thought Facility
a media producer at Paper Tiger Television
a design and technology teacher at Brighton and Hove College
a lecturer at Petra University in Amman, Jordan
creative head at Archeng Designers
a BIM engineer at CC
a senior sustainability advisor at Forum for the Future.
Insurance – Single: 300 GBP per year
