Master Design & New Environments

The Master Design & New Environments Programme considers environmental and societal challenges of today through the lens of expanded design and critical use of emerging technologies. Its interdisciplinary curriculum emphasises collaborative and experimental design, interdisciplinary dialogue, and the crafting of compelling narratives to instigate change. 

This two-year English-taught MA is ideal for creative individuals from diverse backgrounds who want to explore innovative approaches and methods and pursue careers the public and private sector, in advanced research, design consultancy, environmental advocacy, social entrepreneurship, and related fields.

The MA Design & New Environments is a full-time two-year, 120-ECTS, programme.

Over a period of two years, students engage in field work and case studies to research and map specific environments. Interdisciplinary seminars and guest lectures cover contemporary approaches and critical discourse from relevant disciplines. These seminars and lectures deal with the transformation of environments, adapting to climate change, and change in food and energy systems. In parallel, design and media studio courses and workshops provide hands-on support to students, helping them to develop and communicate innovative solutions for environmental, social, and systemic challenges. 

Course Highlights
Year 1:

Autumn: Field research, design & science seminars in collaboration with other universities, site-specific case studies.
Spring: Creative residency with one of our partners in Iceland: we have established a unique network of stakeholders driving innovation in the environmental sphere.

Year 2:

Final Projects/Final Thesis Students choose one of two tracks for the MA project:

  1. Practice-based track focused on the implementation of a professional design project.
  2. Theory-based track with an MA thesis and an individual publication.
Programme: Design & New Environments
Academic degree: MA
ECTS: 120 ECTS
Study length: 2 years
 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Opening of applications: January 8th 2024

Deadline: April 12th 2024

Application outcome: May 2024

 

APPLICATION

Electronic Application

CONTACT

hafdis [at] lhi.is (Hafdís Harðardóttir)
Departmental Coordinator

SHORT CUTS

Design MA on Instagram

IUA Rules

Tuition 

Course Catalog

Manifesto

The Master D.N.E trains critical designers, who can collaborate with peers from other disciplines and engage with complex challenges. The design and media studios focus on sharpening professional skills, - to propose and implement projects with a positive impact on the environment, in line with UN goals for sustainable development.
 
Thomas Pausz, MA Design Programme Director on behalf of the Design Department at Iceland University of the Arts (LHI).