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Ecological Design Thinking MA, PGDip, PGCert

UK

What will I learn?

COURSE CONTENT

We believe in a future where the things that we design no longer need to be detrimental to the wellbeing of our planet.
We believe in a future that pioneers ecological possibilities that redress social, environmental and economic imbalance.
We believe in a future that encourages creativity to explore integrated solutions that are beneficial to all-of-life.

This programme offers a dynamic new way of engaging with the challenging situations we face socially, economically and environmentally.

We show you how to use ecological design thinking to unravel complex situations in the work-place, in your community or within organisations. You will learn the practical skills and knowledge to show you how to achieve co-created solutions, which engage everyone and foster resilience in individuals and communities.

Ecological Design Thinking is a growing discipline around the world as its techniques are increasingly adopted in the fields of design, education and business as well as within leadership, management and consultancy.

The Ecological Design Thinking programme is transdisciplinary, insightful and universal in its application. The low-residency model allows for online study with four periods of two-week residency enabling professionals to continue their practice while studying.

It brings together theoretical and practical discourses on ecologically inspired design, with the latest developments in anthropology, psychology and socio-political economics. It aims to provide a tool-kit for change makers at the forefront of our transition to sustainable societies.

SKILLS

On this course you will:

Explore practical implications of eco-literacy for personal transformation and collective actions
Identify, frame and communicate systemic socio-ecological problems using innovative approaches, transdisciplinary frameworks and participatory practices
Co- design and facilitate bottom-up approaches to social change driven by ecological principles
Work in interdisciplinary teams and develop interpersonal skills to proactively formulate solutions to complex problems
Develop skills to evaluate, contrast, synthesise and work creatively with conflicting ideas and uncertainty
Use visual, verbal and written communications and appropriate media to present complex ideas effectively.

Graduates leave to work in:

Design and Architecture: building and development with regard to all systems of life
Town Planning: how to create an effective multi-functional community space
NGOs: especially those tackling climate emergency
Permaculture: agroforestry, land management and community
Business: making systems more ecologically sustainable
Education: teaching in multi-disciplinary disciplines
This programme can be taken full-time or part-time with a low-residency or online only pathway. PGCert (2 modules) and PGDip (4 modules) study options are also available.

Which department am I in?

Schumacher College

Study options

Full Time (1 year)

Tuition fees
£16,950.00 (US$ 21,890) per year
DEPOSITS : EU / International students – £1,000

This is a fixed fee
Start date

September 2025

Venue

Schumacher College

The Old Postern,

Totnes,

Devon,

TQ9 6EA, SOUTHERN ENGLAND, England

Entry requirements

For international students

BA/BSc (Honours) Degree: A first degree in design related subjects, or social or natural sciences. Where the first degree is not design-related, a portfolio of work will be required in support of the application or experience that is equivalent. Other non-standard awards or experience: A willingness to play a part in the interrogating and co-creating of Ecological Design Thinking as an evolving discipline. Candidates will be considered with prior credited learning and prior experiences subject to interview. Interview requirements: All applicants are required to attend an interview, either at the College or online. During the interview we will look for: evidence of intellectual clarity during interview; a clearly formulated purpose for taking the course; focused interests and a clear understanding of the ethos and philosophy of the College; readiness and ability to live and work in a communal setting. You need to achieve a 6.5 overall with a minimum of a 5.5 for each component: reading, writing, listening and speaking. This is equivalent to a B2 level.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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