Sustainable Design MA

University of Brighton

United Kingdom, Brighton

University Rank:#801

Duration1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 23,680 / Year

Next IntakeSeptember 29, 2026

Sustainable Design MA

About

Sustainability is a fundamental part of the design industry. Our Sustainable Design MA is at the forefront of this discipline, specialising in research-led learning, criticality and innovation in design practice, theory and culture.

As a student on our established postgraduate degree you will learn to utilise design research in order to examine sustainable development challenges and pursue original ideas for more equitable and just futures. You will have opportunities to expand critical conversations about how design informs and interrelates with the complex and challenging issues of sustainability and design culture.

‘Sustainable Design’, or ‘Design for Sustainability’ (DfS), has evolved considerably over the last 40 years. You will learn with researchers, academics and industry experts who critically confront sustainability issues in, through and for design. Thematics within the course evolve continually in line with the discipline and will include, for example, gender equality and space, design justice, pluriversality, regenerative design, decolonising design, and confronting legacies of oppression in design theory, practice, and education.

Learning alongside students with different professional backgrounds and experience, our Sustainable Design MA is designed to continue to drive this discipline forward, by equipping you with the skills to implement change and adapt to the shapeshifting nature of sustainable development.

Learn to make sustainable and ethically responsible designs as you work alongside experts in ecology, psychology, design and business.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Degree and experience
Candidates will normally have a previous degree, although this does not have to be in a design subject, or equivalent. English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept. Other
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:

an ability to articulate individual perceptions and understandings of sustainable design

an ability to positively engage in critical discussion regarding the broader implications in relation to sustainability

to present a body of work that demonstrates experience and competency

an ambition to critically appraise and develop their practice within the context of sustainability.

English Program Requirements

English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

Career

Careers

We support students at all stages of their lives and careers and believe strongly that learning is a lifelong activity. This commitment means that we host students from a broad range of educational, employment, practice, and life experiences.

Our applicants range from experienced practitioners seeking expertise in sustainability; students progressing directly from undergraduate study; and people seeking a career change or who want to find more purpose and meaning in their employment.

Our graduates have progressed careers in areas such as highly skilled employment, research, or have launch business start-ups.

Some have gone into employment in sustainability focussed roles as either designers, analysts, strategists, or academics for organisations, including: Government/Policy roles in Policy Lab, Nesta; Design agencies, including Brand Pie and Sonder Collective; or charitable organisations, such as Fairtrade and Change Grow Live.

Since the course launched in 2009, more than 15 of our students have continued their studies at PhD level. Most of these receive fully funded studentships – either via the University of Brighton or hosted by other leading institutions internationally.

Our graduates have also gone on to create their own businesses. Notable start-ups include BlockBuilders – a UK-based design agency specialising in digitally-based youth engagement; ONCA – a social enterprise workshop and agency based in Costa Rica; Yoshi Design Lab – a multidisciplinary design agency based in Taiwan; Old Tree Brewery and Eve Apple Press – two sustainability focussed drinks companies based in Sussex.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

23,680 / year

Sustainable Design MA

University of Brighton

United Kingdom, Brighton