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
| Type |
Public |
| Campus setting |
Urban |
| Annual Endowment |
321.6 million |
| Cost of attendance |
£25,442 |
| Campus housing capacity |
3286 |
| Student retention rate |
88% |
University of Arts London Cost of Attendance
| Expenses |
Amount (Pounds) |
| Tuition |
£9,250 Undergraduate Courses
£22,880 Postgraduate Courses |
| Housing fee |
£130 per week (average) |
| Meals |
£35 per week |
| Personal expenses |
£33 per week |
