The MA Design and New Environments course at Iceland University of the Arts empowers students to create innovative environmental design through field visits.

School: Iceland University of the Arts (IUA)
Course: MA Design and New Environments
Location: Reykjavík, Iceland
Course dates: August 2024 to June 2026
Application deadline: 8 March 2024

The Master of Design and New Environments program at the Iceland University of the Arts offers an exciting hybrid curriculum merging design, media and environmental studies.

Over the course of two years, students are guided towards developing their research skills and designing creative projects, both individually and collaboratively.

The 2023/25 programme theme centres around climate and food systems. Here a collaborative approach is adopted, involving scientists, practitioners and industry partners.

Workshops in design and media studios at the IUA will provide a rich learning environment for students, developing their new skill sets which will allow them to contribute to meaningful solutions in these critical areas in the future.

One of the course highlights is during the first year, students immerse themselves in field research, design and science seminars, and site-specific case studies in autumn.

They engage in hands-on experimentation with diverse materials and technologies, which helps to shape their understanding of designing for new environments.

In spring, students embark on a dynamic residency in close collaboration with creative industry partners, in which they will experiment, materialise and tackle urgent environmental challenges in real-world contexts.

In year two, students choose their path in the practice-based track, which focuses on implementing innovative design solutions for environmental issues, or the theory-based track, which requires students to complete an MA thesis and an individual publication that explores the application of environmental design theories.

Applicants should hold a BA/BS degree or equivalent qualification. While a strong interest in design and the environment is preferred, we welcome applicants from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. Please find details of admission requirements here.

Applications to this course have now closed.

Top image: Field research trip to the Sleepy Islands in 2023

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