Master of Design in Design Innovation & Transformation Design

The Glasgow School of Art

Programme Overview

This programme is taught at the GSA's campus in the Highlands of Scotland.

In a world of increasing complexity, in which businesses and governments must consider the diverse and ever-evolving needs of the people they serve, design has become a vital tool for helping organisations transform their strategic direction.

Transformation Design focuses on change-oriented approaches to design, which engage with complex social or systemic issues. This programme looks at ways to understand complexity and work with stakeholders using participatory processes that trigger transformation. Research and teaching feeds into projects that combine strategic thinking with hands-on exploration to shape future concepts in areas such as healthcare, education, housing and politics.

Taught at The Glasgow School of Art’s Highlands Campus, the programme provides opportunities to explore new forms of design in relation to public participation, social and technological innovation and policy-making. You will be encouraged to develop your own personal perspective on Transformation Design and to define new roles for your practice within complex social, economic and political contexts.

The course also provides an opportunity to share knowledge and methods with students from prestigious international universities as part of the annual Winter School. This seasonal event brings together students and faculty from leading institutions around the world for a two-week programme of lectures, workshops and networking opportunities that offers an insight into what a career in design as a global activity looks like.

Assessment

The assessment combines written work, visual and project material produced both by groups and individuals. The assessment formats are designed to develop analytical thinking, creative synthesis and a rigorous capacity for reflection and self-evaluation. There is an emphasis upon collaborative studio working combined with individual exploration and analysis of theoretical positions and discourses. Students will also achieve PgCert and PgDip exit awards during this course.