Sustainable Design and Innovation

You can start this course in January 2011, and you can study full time or part time.

Why choose this course?

• As pressure on resources forces us to become increasingly efficient in energy use and the way we exploit materials, designers with the ability to recognise and apply appropriate technologies and innovative thinking will be very much in demand.
• This course will give you the tools and knowledge you need to influence the future of a sustainable society through the design of appropriate products and environments.

About the course

During this course you'll develop your interest in the sustainable design of manufactured products or built environments. You'll consider sustainability with regard to the design, development, production or construction, operation, use and disposal of the products of our society. And you'll find out about the latest thinking in environmentally friendly design, alternative technologies and the development of innovative solutions to design problems.

Sustainability is not just about the environment, so you'll look at the relationship between design and the societies and cultures in which it operates, taking into consideration how these entities affect and are affected by the decisions made in the development of new products and buildings, as well as their environmental impact.

This course has been developed for designers from diverse disciplines and aims to encourage dialogue between different fields of design, so that you can share your ideas and strategies and explore the future of sustainable design in a dynamic and inspirational environment.

What you'll cover

This course is made up of three stages - Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters. You'll be able to choose some of your modules, so you can focus on what's important to you.

Modules include:

• Research Methods: Data Collection and Analysis
• Design for Recycling and Reuse
• Innovation in Sustainable Design
• Designing Environments
• Designing for People
• Sustainable Design Ethics

Please click here to see a full list of what you'll cover

Your career

Sustainability is key to the future of our economy. Governments are encouraging sustainable design solutions by introducing legislation and using fiscal policy. And industry and commerce are keen to employ people who have the background and knowledge to take advantage of the opportunities offered by a sustainable approach to design and development. This is true in both the construction and manufacturing industries.

The development of sustainable design solutions that take account of outcomes throughout the lifecycle of products and buildings is seen as fundamental to the future profitability of many national and international companies.

Research into sustainability is very important to our future. There are opportunities for those interested in an academic career in this subject area - we have a specific research interest in the design, development and use of products that promote sustainability in buildings.

What next?

• Find out more about fees and entry requirements
• Come to an open event
• Apply now
• Contact us