About the course

This exciting programme is intended to foster a new breed of designer for the 21st century. As the world undergoes massive, accelerated change, communities, cultures and societies are confronted by a variety of complex circumstances and complicated systems, including disruptive technologies, ageing populations, economic instability, conflict and displacement, and environmental degradation.

　　What will I study -

　　This programme will address the complex, real world challenges these communities face through design-led interventions driven by tactical, critical, strategic and creative approaches. It places an expanded notion of design practice at the heart of the enterprise of social, technical and environmental change and nurtures an interdisciplinary approach to these complex circumstances.

　　Our approach starts with understanding designers as researchers, who weave the interstices of traditional design practice with new methodological approaches, fostered by a sense of curiosity regarding uncertainty and instability. This new breed is seeking to understand the diversity of sociocultural perspectives and practices employed by the fragile networks embedded within these significant global challenges. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 1 Year(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Semester 1 (September), 2024	Edinburgh
Semester 1 (September), 2025	Edinburgh
Semester 1 (September), 2026	Edinburgh

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of Edinburgh

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent

　　We also ask for evidence of your ability to communicate in non-textual forms as well as your motivation to engage in design-led practices which embrace a wide variety of media, materials and techniques. Each portfolio should contain two explicit components:

　　a two minute video where you introduce yourself and discuss a potential circumstance for change across one of the three programme themes (social, technical or environmental change). The video should showcase your ability to present complex subject matter supported by appropriate reference materials, which may include objects, images, visualisations, compositions, performance, drawing, writing, etc

　　a collection of visual support material (maximum 15 pages) which demonstrates your affinity and aptitude for engaging in creative, design-led, studio based work. This can be existing project work, a portfolio of drawings, sketchbook development, whatever exemplifies your creative approaches to thinking and communicating complex information and ideas.

　　The portfolio is a requirement which helps us to determine your level of creative competency, to help us understand in which ways you will be able to flourish on our programme. Prior training in art, design or architecture is not required, but a desire and the courage to communicate change through multi-media means is expected. Professional experience equivalent to academic qualifications may be considered.

　　IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)

　　TOEFL-iBT: total 100 (at least 20 in each module)

　　

English language requirements

　　7.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

　　Book IELTS

　　About IELTS

　　Practice and prepare

　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 100.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomes

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　30th / 1250

　　THE World ranking12th / 130

　　Complete University guide

　　

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