MA Biodesign

Course summary:

MA Biodesign explores bio-informed design strategies as a driver for sustainable innovation.

Inspired by biological living systems, this two-year, research-led Masters degree introduces designers from multidisciplinary design backgrounds to biological systems, synthetic biology, computational design, and digital and biofabrication techniques to articulate alternative and innovative new design propositions for the emerging bio-circular economy to redefine the use of energy, water, air, waste and materials.

With dedicated Lecturer in Biology and a brand new 'Grow Lab' bio-laboratory facility, you can be part of the emergent and fast growing biodesign movement targeting contemporary challenges like climate change, low energy manufacturing, natural resource depletion, and human and environmental health.

The current global cultural and socio-political context will inform the development of your personal biodesign agenda, supported by a strong emphasis on ethical issues and a 'learning-through-making' approach to teaching.

"I am delighted that Central Saint Martins is leading the way by setting up this groundbreaking MA in Biodesign. This builds on the College's long-standing reputation for using design to intervene in other disciplines and producing innovative hybrid outcomes. The Central Saint Martins MA Biodesign will develop a rigorous practice-led research approach, equipping students with a range of skills and processes. I am confident that the graduates from the course will emerge as pioneers in this developing field."

Professor Jeremy Till, Head of Central Saint Martins, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, University of the Arts London.

This course is part of the Jewellery, Textiles and Materials Programme.

Great reasons to apply:

• You can be part of the emergent biodesign movement targeting contemporary challenges like climate change, low energy manufacturing, natural resources depletion, human and environmental health
• You will have access to the 'Grow Lab', a new bio laboratory facility at Central Saint Martins with full technical support
• You will learn biology protocols from a dedicated Lecturer in Biology
• The research-driven curriculum benefits from the Central Saint Martins pioneering and extensive body of research and international scientific network of the Design & Living Systems Lab
• There will be opportunities to work with industry partners on Knowledge Exchange and Research-oriented projects in this rapidly emerging field
• The course combines the excellence of creative craftsmanship and the disruptive and experimental culture of Central Saint Martins with a rigorous scientific curriculum to create innovative sustainable design proposals.

Anyone Interested.

Course details

MA Biodesign explores bio-informed design strategies as a driver for sustainable innovation. This research-led design course aims at incorporating the inherent life-conducive principles of biological living systems into the design process to develop alternative and regenerative design propositions for a sustainable future. Students will work in the context of the emerging bio-circular economy to articulate alternative and innovative new design solutions that can redefine the use of energy, water, air, waste and materials and how we design and make in the future.

The course will introduce designers from multidisciplinary design backgrounds to whole system thinking, biomimicry principles, biological systems, bio-computational simulation, digital and bio-fabrication techniques. Students will apply these principles to design new sustainable materials, products, services, systems or architectural propositions. There will be a strong emphasis on ethical issues, and on learning through making, whilst the theoretical and global cultural and socio-environmental context will inform the development of a personal biodesign agenda.

Fees & Funding:

Home/EU fee Tuition fees for 2019/20

University of the Arts London (UAL) is Europe’s largest specialist art and design university. Its unique creative community is made up of six renowned Colleges, each with its own world-class reputation: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts.

UAL is the world’s sixth best University for Art and Design in the QS World University Rankings 2018. Offering an extensive range of courses in art, design, fashion, communication and performing arts, UAL is the main talent pipeline to the UK’s creative industries.

Home to a diverse community of over 18,000 students from 129 countries, UAL has a track record for launching and furthering careers. Our graduates can be found in every part and at every level of the creative and cultural sectors, from heads of global business to self-employed practitioners, and on shortlists for awards ranging from the Turner Prize to the Oscars.

Building on UAL’s association with some of the most original thinkers in the arts, students and staff are inspired to challenge convention, generate new ideas and nurture talent. Home to award-winning staff and students for more than a century, UAL’s Colleges are at the forefront of learning, creativity and practice in their specialist subjects. This close-knit College structure offers opportunities for learning and enquiry for people at all stages of their creative development.