MA Sustainable Design at University of Brighton

Programme overview

Our Sustainable Design MA is a future-focused, research-led course that empowers you to address the complex challenges of sustainability through critical design thinking and practice. We welcome applicants from all disciplinary and professional backgrounds. This course provides a dynamic space to explore contemporary themes including regenerative design, design justice, and design futures.

Faculty: School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering | Department: Architecture and Design | Duration: full-time: 1 year; part-time: 2 years | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Brighton, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Collaborate with leading researchers – You'll have the opportunity to work alongside staff and researchers from internationally recognised centres, including: Together, you’ll explore how design can lead social, cultural, and ecological transformation. Join a global alumni network – Our graduates go on to work in education, design, charities, policy, and research across the UK and internationally. As part of our growing alumni community, you’ll stay connected through events, collaborations, and shared values. Modules include Design Research Practices, Situate, Radical Modes of Design Culture and Practice, Design Lab, Design: Masterwork.

Career pathways

The MA Sustainable Design at Brighton will support you to position your career in response to ecological, social, and systemic challenges. Our alumni have utilised the MA to develop projects, initiatives, businesses, and social enterprises, often accessing support and funding from within the university to launch enterprises that have provided a long-term career path after graduation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Degree and experience. Candidates will normally have a previous degree, although this does not have to be in a design subject or equivalent. Other. There is no formal deadline for receipt of applications, and applications may be made at any time. At the point of admission, students are expected to have clear reasoning behind their choice to undertake this programme, nominal understanding of the context of sustainable design underpinned by a desire and determination to know more. Direct access to semester 3 of the programme will be considered only where applicants have accrued the appropriate number of credits at either masters level or postgraduate study in a relevant subject. Applicants must demonstrate through their personal statement within the application form and, where appropriate, at interview, a clear motivation to engage with issues of sustainability and design by showing: an ability to articulate individual perceptions and understandings of sustainable design. an ability to positively engage in critical discussion regarding the broader implications in relation to sustainability. a body of work that demonstrates experience and competency. an ambition to critically appraise and develop their practice within the context of sustainability. English language requirements. If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,720 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, full-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

International applicants: GBP 18,792 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, full-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

Duration: full-time: 1 year; part-time: 2 years

Apply through the official page: https://evsipr.brighton.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app_crs

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