Design courses

About MA Biodesign in University of the Arts London

Biodesign is an emerging discipline. Despite a growing number of publications and exhibitions, there is no universal definition of biodesign as such. Other terminologies exist, such as biophilic design, bio-integrated design, biomimetic design and bio-informed design. While they vary in definition, they all relate to a similar principle: that we can learn from nature to create more sustainable ways of living. The MA Biodesign at Central Saint Martins specifically understands biodesign as a means to incorporate the inherent life-conducive principles of biological living systems into design processes – to transition into a more holistic, sustainable future.  

MA Biodesign explores bio-informed design strategies as a driver for sustainable innovation. You will articulate alternative and new innovative design propositions for the emerging bio-circular economy. Through this work, you will redefine the use of energy, water, air, waste and materials. The course proposes questions such as:  

• How can we collaborate with living systems to prototype new sustainable materials? 
• How can we incorporate life-conducive values in the design process towards biocompatible solutions with surrounding ecosystems? 
• How can we engineer biological systems in order to tackle contemporary challenges, such as urban resilience, human and environmental health? 
• How can biodesign contribute to the circular economy? 
• Can bio-computation simulate and model living systems towards energy and material efficiency? 

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

Entry requirements

• A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:2 in a required subject or equivalent.

English language requirements

• IELTS: An IELTS score (or equivalent) of 6.0, or above, with 5.5 in each of the components. Certain courses require higher IELTS scores of 6.5, 7.0 or 7.5. .
• TOEFL iBT: 80 - 100 overall.
• PTE Academic: 51 - 65 (with no less than 51 in each component).

University of the Arts London Highlights

University of Arts London Cost of Attendance

• MBA
• Accounting
• Education
• Economics
• Arts and Science
• Biotechnology
• Computer Science & IT
• Environmental Sciences
• Finance
• Science
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Movie,Acting and Photography
• Biology
• Business Administration
• Chemistry
• Journalism
• Health Science
• View all courses