Ecological Design Thinking

Ecological Design Thinking is a low-residency programme with 4 x 30-credit modules and 1 x 60-credit Dissertation or Major Project module.

The course is available full time over one year or part time over two years.

Part-time students would gain their 180 MA credits by completing modules 1, 2 and 3 (90 credits), alongside full-time students in Academic Year 1. They will join the cohort in the following year to complete modules 4 (30 credits) and 5 (60 credits) in Academic year 2.

A full-time (1 year) or part-time programme (2 years) with 4 x 30 credit modules. PGDip students would gain 120 credits by completing modules 1, 2, 3,4 alongside MA students.

Each of the four (30 credit) modules will include:

• 1 or 2-week intensive/residential element at Schumacher College followed by 4 weeks supported e-learning.
• Students can take the course full-time over one year, or part-time over two years.

Part-time students would gain their 120 PG Dip credits by completing the core theoretic modules 1 and 2 alongside full-time students in Academic Year 1. They will join the cohort in the following year to complete the core studio modules 3 and 4 in Academic Year 2.

A full-time programme with 2 x 30 credit modules. PGCert students would gain 60 Credits by completing modules 1 and 2 alongside full-time students.

It is proposed that each of the two (30 credit) modules will include:

• 1 or 2-week intensive/residential element at Schumacher College followed by,
• 4 weeks supported low res learning.

To apply for the accredited single module option, apply in the usual way, selecting the ‘Module One’ option during the application process.

This MA programme consist of 5 modules (4 taught and 1 dissertation module). The first 2 weeks of each taught module are timetabled teaching periods, where you must live on site (or nearby) and participate in the learning community. So there are 4 two-week periods, spread across 7 months.

The remaining 4 months are the dissertation research and writing period. You may choose to return home for the duration of the dissertation. If you are an international student you will no longer be sponsored by us for your Tier 4 visa.

Outside of the two-week periods, international students (only) may request accommodation and full board onsite at Dartington for terms 1 and 2: this would require you to participate in the learning community activities. Alternatively you can opt to live nearby or anywhere in the UK and travel to and from Dartington when required.

We have a limited number of residential places available for international students. Apply as early as possible and select the accommodation option on the application form.

• Download the full Programme Specification document (pdf)

Modules

Module One: Design and Ecology (30 credits)
Ecological Design Thinking seeks to design socio-cultural systems which are aligned and harmonious with ecological systems. As a foundation module, ‘Design and Ecology’ aims to explore the behaviour of ecosystems and cultivate ecological literacy through intellectual and embodied processes. In this module students evaluate their own ecological philosophy and explore principles from ecology and Gaia theory, dynamic systems thinking, planetary boundaries, complexity theory, regenerative design and biomimicry.

Module Two: Design and Society (30 credits)
To move towards regenerative societies, social and cultural systems need to be designed in partnership with ecological systems. The ‘Design and Society’ module integrates design thinking approaches with ecological processes and principles. In this module students explore and critically assess social behaviours and values manifested in both conventional and alternative socio-economics and political systems. They navigate complexity in the social context and begin to develop participatory methodologies and modes of intervention in social systems which would bring them into partnership with ecological systems.

Module Three: Design and Place (30 credits)
Stories of the past are integrated in the ecology of place. Ecological Design Thinking seeks to align itself to the evolutionary narrative of the land and be inspired by the wisdom of places and people. This module examines the principles and processes of ecological design thinking in the context of a given place. Students develop project briefs by pursuing investigations that include the study of past and present practices and identification of issues and opportunities in a particular place. This module applies the knowledge from the ‘Design and Ecology’ and ‘Design and Society’ modules to the design context.

Module Four: Design in Practice (30 credits)
Ecological design is the practice of navigating through complex socio-ecological dynamics. Drawing from the theoretical and experiential knowledge of the previous modules, this module further explores and develops the principles, processes and practices of ecological design thinking in the context of a placements or research project. Students explore the challenges and dynamics of working on live projects. They critically examine the ecological, social, economic and cultural context of the given project and systematically test ecological design solutions through a range of methods.

Dissertation or Major Project (60 credits)
This module enables students to pursue a project or an academic essay of their own interest in the context of Ecological Design Thinking. They are required to conduct autonomous inquiries and contribute to the further evolution of theory and practice in the field. Assessments are made of students’ ability to apply knowledge gained over the course of the taught elements of the Masters in innovative and practical ways.

Examples of dissertation topics and final projects have included:

• Being reclaimed by the land: The role of landscape in transformative learning
• Centring the Ecological Imagination: A catalyst for change
• Weaving regenerative fabrics: An exploration of the community-led ecological textile industry
• Designing through making: A theory and practice for reimagining the way we design
• Water Tracing: An ecological design art practice
• Story of Change: A quest for regenerative culture through storytelling
• Weaving memory: threading the ecological self into social justice