Running through all units is an ethical focus on planetary approaches and user-centred design. We encourage a broad definition of “user” that includes, for example, the worker/operator. Key areas of study throughout the course will be matters of care, hybrid manufacturing and enterprise.
Unit 1: Care
Overview of Industry 5.0
This unit establishes a community of practice where staff and students adopt an ethical approach towards each other. This is key to practicing, rather than just learning, about ethical approaches.
This unit gives you an overview of the field(s) of study viewed through the lens of “matters of care” and user-centred design methodologies. This will include an introduction to fourth industrial revolution technologies. Exploring the virtual and physical design landscapes, and the potential of decentralisation and mass customisation in the context of user/worker wellbeing and design for diversity and social equality.
Unit 2: Relational and Material Practices for Common Good
This unit is shared with other postgraduate design courses at Central Saint Martins. You will work in interdisciplinary groups to respond to a planetary challenge.
The unit explores how relational practices can create positive impact. We investigate how you can create shared wellbeing through a shared concern for a specific place or community of humans and non-humans – be it social, financial or environmental.
Unit 3: Values and Manufacture
In this unit, what you have learned in Units 1 and 2 is used to inform the strategic planning of a project. You will set the stage with care and consideration for all stakeholders, followed by manifesto building, user journey and opportunity mapping. Ethics, creativity, entrepreneurship and technology will continue to be the four major areas, with enterprise receiving particular emphasis through the exploration of value propositions and business models. Key technological learning will include hybrid manufacture, automation efficiencies and wellbeing.
Unit 4: Action and Impact
In this unit, you will manage and implement your final self-directed project using suitable design strategies, enabling technologies and partners. You will reflect on how your intervention benefits and impacts people, ecosystems and the planet.
Mode of study
The course 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.
The course has been designed in this way to enable you to pursue studies, while also undertaking part-time employment, internships or care responsibilities.
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 in order 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 on 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.
