COURSE CURRICULUM

The Design for Sustainability and Circular Economy MSc provides students with advanced knowledge and skills to address environmental, social, and systemic challenges through design. The Professional Design Studio module develops higher-level design process skills, critical thinking, and the ability to apply methodological and theoretical approaches to contemporary design contexts, including academic and live industry projects. The Product and Product-Service System Design module teaches students to design products and integrated product-service systems that reduce environmental impact and promote resource circularity, using tools such as Life Cycle Analysis and ecodesign principles. The Social, Behavioural and Socio-technical System Change module focuses on social sustainability, social innovation, behavioural change theories, and systemic approaches to sustainability transitions. The dissertation enables students to conduct independent, in-depth research on sustainability challenges, applying design theories, strategies, methods, and tools while demonstrating critical analysis and professional presentation skills. Optional modules expand learning opportunities, covering creativity and aesthetic awareness, human-centred design, innovation strategy and management, branding strategy, future forecasting for design innovation, computer-aided design and manufacturing, and design research methods. Collectively, the program equips students to integrate design thinking with sustainability principles, develop innovative solutions at product, service, and systemic levels, and prepare for professional or research careers in sustainable design, circular economy initiatives, and socially responsible innovation.