University of Greenwich: Designing with diversity at University of Greenwich

A new Master’s programme from the University of Greenwich puts diversity and inclusion at the heart of design.

Launching in September, MA Design will look at the impact design has on everyone’s lives.

Course leader Dr Elena Papadaki says: “Everything designers create affects people. From text for the visually impaired to service design for those with hidden disabilities. The things we make construct systems and these systems, when scaled-up, make worlds. This puts people within systems of power that imply particular ways of being.

“Inclusive design can change our perception of the challenges people face. It can empower. Designing with this in mind can help us make things better through collaboration.

“Our new MA is an innovative multidisciplinary programme which will focus on ideas and practices that use methods, such as co-design, to explore how design diversity can empower practice and generate research in new and exciting ways.

“The aim of this Postgraduate programme is to provide students with the knowledge and expertise to find ways to associate creative design within a participatory approach. We want students to encompass democratic practices and aesthetic values.”

Each student will have at least one internship with a discipline-related organisation, so they will be making vital contacts with industry professionals.

Current course partners include:

World-leading immersive theatre company Punchdrunk.

EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) – the European network of organisations engaging in cultural relations from all EU member states.

The High Commission of Cyprus

MA Design is one-year full time or two-years part time.