The MA in Design and Environment addresses the intersection of design and environmental issues from the perspectives of both theory and practice-based study. In distinction to other programmes in the area, the programme undertakes an intensive inquiry into environmental discourses and practices, and maintains that such an inquiry enables creative projects that would not be possible in other contexts. In this sense, the MA establishes a critical-creative setting in which you can challenge existing theory and practice and explore ways to expand your own research and practice.
Along with your completed application form please include examples of your work: slides (approximately 12), a CD-ROM, or another appropriate representation accessible on generally used software; please include an index which outlines the concerns and ideas in what you have submitted (200-500 words) and a brief description of individual pieces (including scale, materials and collaborators and object performance where relevant). You should also submit a brief written statement (approximately 250 words), outlining your reasons for wishing to undertake this degree. Please make sure that slides and any supporting material are clearly labelled with your name and address: Goldsmiths cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage.
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The MA is transdisciplinary in focus, and offers you the opportunity to develop a specific design practice or area of research at Master’s level in relation to environment topics. Students may have training in design, arts, architecture and landscape architecture. In addition, the programme offers a thesis pathway option, which may be suitable for applicants with training in cultural and social theory, environmental studies, and geography. Applicants will have had some exposure to the creative industries, arts and practice, whether as actual practitioners, curators or people from disciplines engaged with thinking and writing about practice-based fields.
The MA helps you to:
Depending on their area of focus, graduates from the programme will also develop strong conceptual and critical design skills alongside a broad range of transferable skills in areas such as project management, creative facilitation, research methods, and also a working understanding of contemporary environmental topics in relation to creative practice.
The MA in Environment and Design is structured around core modules, options courses and a major project.
Design and Environment (30 credits) explores relations between design and environment. How do creative practitioners undertake environmental projects? What are the assumptions about what constitutes environment? What is the prevailing rhetoric about how to do something in the environmental arena? How do the different scale and media of design constitute the environment and scope of environmental effect differently? In this core module, we consider theory and practice at the intersection of design and environment; we critique and expand on the prevailing environmental discourses and practices; and we propose alternative models for environmental thought and practice.
Researching Design and Environment (30 credits) explores the means through which we know about – and find out about – design and the environment. We examine research paradigms, including what kinds of questions can be explored through observing and engaging in practice, and what questions emerge through empirical, critical and theoretical inquiry. We explore methodologies; create new research tools; and analyse and present research in new ways for the purposes of specific users and audiences.
Additionally this new MA offers breadth through a number of options (totalling 60 credits) that have been planned in collaboration with other MA programmes within the department. These options include:
Other options are currently available on the MA in Design in Critical Practice, and we anticipate further options being added as new MAs are offered within the Design framework. The core and option units allow students to develop understandings and expertise that they can draw together and utilise in their final project (60 credits).
The final project will enable students to engage in a significant research undertaking in a context of their choosing that will inform understandings of design and environment. The project can be undertaken as either practice-based research supported by theory or theory-based research supported by inquiries into practice.
Assessment is through peer review, tutor appraisal, student self-evaluation and student-tutor consultation. The assessment may be both formal and informal. In discussions through seminars and tutorials, tutors and students will be able to assess learning through process to final outcome. Depending on a student’s focus, the outcomes may consist of essays, design work, portfolios, and formal presentations.
If you register your interest in this programme we will keep you informed about open days and send you relevant further information. If you subsequently decide to apply for this programme you will be able to use the same login details to apply.
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