Certificate in Critical Design Philosophy

Explore recent design history from a critical perspective and new theoretical frameworks for design, and examine the philosophical foundations of design.

Our postgraduate certificate explores recent design history from a critical perspective and proposes new theoretical frameworks for design that are matriarchal, eco-centered, and non-anthropocentric.

The course begins by examining the philosophical foundations of design, particularly those of the Enlightenment period, and their impact on contemporary design practice, and contribution to the multiple crisis in the Anthropocene.

We will then introduce alternative design philosophies and frameworks that centre on ecological sustainability, social justice, and more-than-human perspectives.
These approaches challenge the modernist and anthropocentric assumptions that underpin traditional design practices and offer new ways of thinking about design that prioritize care, interdependence, and collective sustainment.

This course is offered within the MA in Design for Change which was developed with George Brown College in Toronto. The MA programme is now affiliated with the Brookfield Sustainability Institute which works with industry and government partners and engage, the programme also works with projects through IADT’s Public Design Lab.

Note: course is subject to validation.

Application deadline:

IADT operates a rolling admissions policy for graduate taught courses, with decisions issued in 4 weeks after a submitted and complete application is received. An application is incomplete until you provide all required items on the checklist (including the application fee, if applicable).

Generally, courses will remain open to applications until all places are filled.

For more information, please visit Critical Design Philosophy – IADT