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Postgraduate

MA Design for Industry 5.0

Multi-coloured semi-transparent show
Evolve ‘IM’ shoes: new biometric evolutionary footwear. Designed and engineered by Assa Ashuach In collaboration with Stratasys multi material AM technology,
College
Central Saint Martins
Start date
September 2023
Course length
Two years (60 weeks) extended full time

At the forefront of new industry, this course centres people and planet in the future of design, technology and manufacturing.

Applications closed 2023/24

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

Industry 5.0 is a future in which the traditional drivers of efficiency and productivity give way to the ethics of care and human-centred design. MA Design for Industry 5.0 foregrounds people and planet to explore the entrepreneurial opportunity presented by the fourth industrial revolution. It is part of the Product, Ceramic and Industrial Design programme.

Why choose this course at Central Saint Martins

Purpose-driven entrepreneurialism: Learn how to use new technologies, allowing for decentralised, local manufacture and co-production, to benefit people and planet.

Unconventional and equitable approaches: Join us to invent new forms of practice in care-oriented industrial design and manufacturing.

Interdisciplinary approach: This course offers you the opportunity to identify and make the most of practices both adjacent and remote to your own.

Internationally recognised: Central Saint Martins' Product and Industrial Design courses were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Further and Higher Education, recognising their leadership in design education and contribution to industry and design professions, both in the UK and internationally.

London as a living lab: Central Saint Martins is in the heart of London, an ever-changing creative capital city that contains intertwining networks of industry, cultures and histories.

Open days

There are currently no open days scheduled for this course, please check back at a later date.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Course overview

Underpinning this industrial design course are principles of human-centred design, and by extension, multispecies design, combined with design-led social entrepreneurship, circular economy and open innovation. This is enabled by digital transformation along with fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine to Machine communication. This course experiments in merging physical and digital space. It explores equitable futures for manufacturing through the creative and ethical application of data-driven machinery and intelligent software in dialogue with existing design and manufacturing processes. 

The course title, MA Design for Industry 5.0, draws on  the EU’s concept of Industry 5.0 : [it] “provides a vision of industry that aims beyond efficiency and productivity as the sole goals and reinforces the role and the contribution of industry to society... while respecting planetary boundaries” (2021). The course prepares you to shape a planet-centric industry that reinforces its role and contributions to society. 

Care for the individual, society and planet are embodied in teaching and learning and applied to design challenges. Considering the historic context of industrial design, where care has seldom been considered throughout the manufacturing chain, caring approaches and technological opportunity will allow us to disrupt and innovate manufacturing paradigms. The concept of ‘Matters of care' is therefore both subject and method on this course. Care is defined as an attentiveness and sensitivity to the impact and effect of the design intervention. The definition of ‘Matters of Care’ for this course is drawn from Maria Puig De La Bellacasa. She takes philosopher Tronto’s definition of care, which encompasses everything we do to ‘maintain, continue and repair our world’ to create an environment where we can all live well ‘in a complex, life sustaining web’ (2017:217). This is inflected with a multi-species approach, that sees care, and caring, as a disruptive force that can engender positive change.  

We see the designer as a critical social actor who works and co-operates with others across disciplines to research, generate and develop new products, systems and services. We promote an interdisciplinary culture, one that brings together diverse interests in design and production to examine and articulate production in terms of its benefits to human and non-human stakeholders.  

By engaging with new creative opportunities provided by decentralisation, automation and data exchange in manufacturing, MA Design for Industry 5.0 promotes the entrepreneurial use of intelligent, data-driven technologies applied with social purpose and ambition. 

On this course, you will be defining a future for industry. You will generate and visualise new ways of collaborative working at the confluence of design, entrepreneurship, technology and manufacturing. 

How: 

Project-based learning is the overarching approach. This is complemented with team-based co-learning and collaborative co-creation. This approach encourages the development and enhancement of appropriate interpersonal skills, empathy, and active listening. You will take an intersectional approach to your learning, especially in the evaluation of key stakeholders. This approach considers ethics at all points of the learning journey (learning through doing, and modelling behaviour), as well to all stakeholders within the design process.  

Building, critiquing and extending technical competencies is an important aspect of your learning; enabled through inductions, technical workshops, skill-sharing and peer-learning activities, and realised and reinforced through project work. This will include selected applied digital technical competencies/tools such as scripting. Critical experimentation, adaptation, risk-taking and independent exploration are encouraged. 

Design methods such as research, ideation, iterative design development, prototyping and manufacturing, are key learning methods. Entrepreneurial ambition is built through the course, with precise articulation in Unit 3 emphasising design strategy and planning. You will evidence this in planning documents and opportunity mapping.  

The development of softer and ethical competencies concerned with matters of care are as important as technical and entrepreneurial skills in the course. “Care” is examined through practice-based means (projects, collaborations, challenges), design theory lectures, and discussions, providing robust critical and ethical frameworks, to inform your work. In the context of MA Design for Industry 5.0, care is highlighted in the practices of empathic user-centered- and co-design. 

The course therefore references UNESCO’s key competencies for sustainability in planning and delivery of the course: systems thinking, anticipatory, normative, strategic, collaboration, critical thinking, self-awareness, and integrated problem-solving competencies. These are all developed throughout the course but emphasised in particular units. For example, in Unit 2, the emphasis is on developing critical thinking and collaboration competencies. 

We are committed to developing ethical design practices. To achieve this, we are working to embed UAL's Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into the course. 

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

MA Design for Industry 5.0 is unique as an industrial design course exploring purpose-driven entrepreneurship afforded by fourth industrial revolution technologies. The course centres on diversity, sustainability, human-centred design and matters of care in the contexts of manufacture enabled, for example, by artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics and distributed manufacture. 

MADI5.0 uses projects and design challenges as learning vehicles in which theory and practice are integrated. The academic content is organised under the headings: Design and Creative, Technical, Planetary, Ethical & Contextual, and Professional and Entrepreneurial. 

The course grows through four units of study. This builds through internal group-forming, external collaboration, self-positioning, manifesto and project infrastructuring, and culminates in the execution of a major self-directed industry 5.0 project. Through it, you develop a design proposition that addresses the interrelated contextual, technological, and environmental concerns intimated by your practice.  

External engagement is central to your studies, and the curriculum is actualised by collaboration with external practitioners, experts, organisations and enterprises, generating opportunities for innovation and knowledge exchange. 

The course requires high levels of self-direction of MA Design for Industry 5.0 students, especially in the final two units of study. You will be supported through academic, pastoral and technical tutorials, and access to supervised facilities. 

Unit 1: Care 

This unit gives you an overview of the field(s) of study including the technological, environmental and entrepreneurial, viewed through the lens of “matters of care” and user-centred design methodologies. This unit establishes a community of practice where staff and students apply ethical approaches towards each other. 

Unit 2: Collaborative practices for Common Good 

The aims of this unit are to explore the potential of collaborative practice and to equip you with the ability to apply interdisciplinary approaches through collective agency. It supports you in building communities of practice across the College, drawing on interdisciplinary expertise and group working methods from a breadth of disciplines. The unit explores how relational and networked-based practices can create positive impact, based on a shared concern for a specific place, space or community of humans and non-humans, in order to create common and shared well-being (social, economic and environmental). 

Unit 3: Values and Manufacture 

In this unit, you will take what you have learnt in Units 1 and 2 to inform the strategic planning of an Industry 5.0 project. This unit spans  the final ten weeks of year one and the first ten weeks of year two. 

It progresses through four phases: 

Project Manifesto 

Project Value Proposition  

Collaboration and Co-Design  

Project Positioning and Differentiation 

Unit 4: Action / Impact 

In this unit, you will manage, implement and evaluate your final self-directed Industry 5.0 project. 

 

Important note concerning academic progression through your course:

If you are required to retake a unit you will need to cease further study on the course until you have passed the unit concerned. Once you have successfully passed this unit, you will be able to proceed onto the next unit. Retaking a unit might require you to take time out of study, which could affect other things such as student loans or the visa status for international students. 

Mode of study 

MA Design for Industry 5.0 is offered in extended full-time mode which runs for 60 weeks over two academic years. You will be expected to commit 30 hours per week to study, which includes teaching time and independent study. This will be a combination of studio, workshop and research activities.  

The course has been designed in this way to enable you to pursue studies, while also undertaking part-time employment, internships, or responsibilities to care for others. 

Credit and award requirements 

The course is credit-rated at 180 credits.  

On successfully completing the course, you will gain a Master of Arts (MA 

degree).  

Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, an MA is Level 7. All units must be passed to achieve the MA, but the classification of the award is derived from the mark for the final unit only. 

If you are unable to continue the course, a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) will normally be offered following the successful completion of 60 credits, or a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) following the successful completion of 120 credits. 

Learning and teaching methods

This is a studio workshop-based design and making course which will be complemented by online learning approaches, with at least 80% of delivery taking place in person. 

  • Project-based learning  
  • Technical inductions and workshops  
  • Skill-sharing and peer-learning  
  • Independent enquiry, research, ideation and design development.  
  • Lectures, seminars and discussions  
  • Live briefs – initiated by staff and students 

There is an emphasis on learning through making and experimentation, in physical proximity with other students.  

Facilities

Fees and funding

Home fee

£7,315 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£18,640 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows: 

An honours degree in a relevant field: product design, 3D design, furniture design, service design, interaction design, architecture, engineering, computer science and ergonomics. Applicants are also considered from related disciplines but portfolios from these areas must demonstrate some proficiency in industrial design skills and demonstrate that personal and professional aspirations are compatible with the aims of the course. 

Or an equivalent EU/international qualification 

And normally at least one year of relevant professional experience which may be the UAL Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS). 

AP(E)L –Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning 

Exceptionally, applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:  

  • Related academic or work experience 
  • The quality of the personal statement 
  • A strong academic or other professional reference 
  • Or a combination of these factors. 

Each application will be considered on its own merit but cannot guarantee an offer in each case. 

English language requirements 

IELTS level 6.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English language requirements webpage). 

Selection criteria

We select applicants according to potential and current ability in the following areas: 

  • Generate and communicate a range of complex and creative ideas (Portfolio Review)  
  • Analyse a design problem from a number of perspectives and generate a range of original design responses at a professional level (Portfolio Review)  
  • Demonstrate your personal and professional aspirations are compatible with the aims and objectives of MA Design for Industry 5.0 evidencing a commitment to at least 2 of the following: social entrepreneurship, ethics and/or Industry 4.0 technologies (Personal Statement/Interview).   
  • Demonstrate a high level of fluency in your design process to be able to benefit from the postgraduate course (Portfolio Review/Personal Statement/Interview). 

We are looking for empathic people who are, or want to be manufacturing-oriented design entrepreneurs, or individual practitioners and who are interested in working collaboratively during their studies. 

Apply now

Applications closed 2023/24

You should apply by clicking on the link to the direct form below. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.

Deferred entry

Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.

Transfers

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units and modules on your current postgraduate course and wish to continue your studies at Central Saint Martins, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and unit transcripts.

You will need to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following information when completing the online application form:

General information

  • Personal details (including legal full name, preferred name, date of birth, nationality, addresses)
  • Current English language level
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history

Personal statement

Your statement should be about 500 words long and demonstrate:

  • Empathy in your approach to design
  • An interest in manufacturing-oriented design entrepreneurship
  • Your ability and willingness to work collaboratively.

We cannot consider your application if you do not provide all the information above.

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal.  We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal.  You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

When you'll hear from us

If this course requires a digital portfolio as part of the application process, you will be invited to submit this through UAL’s online submission tool, PebblePad. We will request this separately after initial processing of your application is complete. Once we request your portfolio, you will have 7 days to submit it.

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

Applications closed 2023/24

There are two ways international students can apply:

You can only apply to the same course once per year.

If you are applying directly you click on the link to the direct form below. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.

Transfers

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units and modules on your current postgraduate course and wish to continue your studies at Central Saint Martins, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and unit transcripts.

You will need to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Deferred entry

Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.

Visas

Read our visit our immigration and visa advice page to find out whether you need a visa to study.

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following information when completing the online application form:

General information

  • Personal details (including legal full name, preferred name, date of birth, nationality, addresses)
  • Current English language level
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history

Personal statement

Your statement should be about 500 words long and demonstrate:

  • Empathy in your approach to design
  • An interest in manufacturing-oriented design entrepreneurship
  • Your ability and willingness to work collaboratively.

Immigration history check

Whether you are applying online or through a UAL representative you will need to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL.  If you do not complete the check we will not be able to proceed with your application.

We cannot consider your application if you do not provide all the information above.

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal.  We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal.  You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. We are no longer accepting applications from international students for 2023/24 entry to this course. International applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

When you'll hear from us

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

After you apply

What happens next

Initial application check

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course.  If you do, you will be invited to submit a portfolio through the UAL Portal.

Digital Portfolio

Your portfolio will be up to 25 pages and should include projects which demonstrate the following:

  • Your ability to analyse a problem from multiple perspectives and generate a range of original design responses to a professional level
  • High-level proficiency in design process, demonstrating your ability to benefit from this postgraduate course
  • An ability to generate and visually communicate a range of complex design ideas
  • Command of fundamental technological principles.

For more portfolio advice please visit our portfolio advice page.

Interview

Following the review of the portfolio we select a small number of applicants to move on to the next stage of the process.  These applicants will be invited to an online interview, lasting 15 to 20 minutes.  For support with your interview, visit our Interview tips page.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Portal.

Feedback

This course receives a high number of applications, and unfortunately we cannot provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you have had an interview.

If you would like to request feedback, please contact us via your portal.

Each and every application is carefully considered by a member(s) of our academic team. With so many strong applicants to choose from, it is often a very difficult decision to make. If you are unsuccessful, you are welcome to apply to us again in the future.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.