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Design & New Environments MA

The two-year MA Design & New Environments program explores how design can actively respond to rapid societal, technological, and environmental transformations through researching, prototyping, and communicating innovative solutions.

  • Open for applications

    6th of January 2025

  • Application deadline

    8th of April 2025

  • Applications answered

    May / June 2025

  • Registration fee

    More information

  • Name of programme

    Design & New Environments MA

  • Name of degree

    MA

  • Units

    120 ETC

  • Duration of study

    4 semesters – 2 years

About the Study

The MA Design and New Environments (MADNE) program explores how design can address the challenges of our evolving world. These "New Environments" are defined by transformations in society, technology, culture, and the environment. MADNE equips students with the skills to rethink outdated systems, craft innovative solutions, and tackle pressing global and local challenges through design.

This design-focused program integrates methodologies such as design thinking, systems thinking, and contextual research, encouraging students to create meaningful and innovative solutions. Students learn to use tools and technology, such as digital media, physical prototyping, and video, to mediate and communicate their designs effectively. Theory is seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, informing practice and fostering critical inquiry.

Iceland serves as a unique laboratory for innovation, offering unparalleled proximity to nature, sustainable energy practices, and close-knit communities. Students engage with Icelandic society, institutions, and industries to create solutions that connect local insights to global challenges. Collaboration, critical inquiry, and professional engagement are central to the program, fostering both individual and collective growth.

Course Structure

The MADNE program combines studio work, residencies, thematic seminars, and hands-on design exploration, providing students with a comprehensive education in design. Prototyping, material experimentation, and media-based communication are central to developing and realizing design propositions and solutions. The program encourages collaboration while supporting individual growth in a small cohort environment.

  • First Year: Students build a foundation in field research, case studies, and studio-based design projects, using prototyping and material exploration to engage with real-world challenges. A six-week residency in the spring allows them to apply their skills in professional settings.
  • Second Year: Students develop independent projects through advanced studio work and seminars, focusing on critical reflection, prototyping, and communication strategies. Their final practice-led master's project demonstrates their ability to navigate and innovate within complex environments.

After Graduation

Graduates of MADNE are equipped for careers that bridge design, sustainability, and innovation. Potential career pathways include:

  • Design Consultancy
  • Environmental Advocacy
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Public Sector Innovation
  • Independent Design Practices
  • Advanced Research and PhD Studies

Application process

IUA employs a standard electronic application form.

The application process is in two steps, first submit the application and then pay the application fee. Please note: It is possible to save the application while working on it.

Open for applications

6th of January 2025

Application deadline

8th of April 2025

Applications answered

May / June 2025

Price list

More information

The Application

An application is not valid until the applicant has submitted the application and paid the application fee. Applicants must submit the following documents:

  • 1. Certified copy of degree certificate(s) and program / course transcript(s) (PDF)

    required

    Applicants should submit a detailed record of higher education up to the present, including programs of study taken and grades achieved. This may be submitted in Icelandic or English.

  • 2. Proof of English Proficiency

    required

    English language proficiency equivalent to the Icelandic upper secondary course English 6 is required. You can meet the requirement by achieving the minimum required score in the following internationally recognized English tests:

    • ELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI Online: Overall score of 6.5, no section lower than 5.5
    • TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or TOEFL iBT Paper Edition: Score of 20 (scale 0-30) in written test, total score of 90. We do not accept TOEFL ITP, TOEFL iBT MyBest, Institutional TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, or the revised TOEFL Paper-delivered Test.
    • Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments: University of Michigan, Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE)
    • Pearson PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online: Score of 62 (writing 61)
    • Cambridge ESOL: C1 Advanced (CAE), minimum overall score 180 (points awarded since 2015), or Cambridge English certificate level C1, minimum score 180, or Cambridge English: Advanced
  • 3. References from two referees (PDF)

    required

    Applicants must submit references from two referees, at least one academic reference. Each reference should not exceed one page. The references may be submitted in Icelandic or English.

    Applicants add two referees (names and emails) in the application form. When applicants have submitted the application, the referees will receive an email from the IUA asking them to submit a reference for the applicant.

    Applicants will receive a confirmation when the referees have submitted the reference.

  • 4. Statement (PDF)

    required

    Applicants for the MA Design must write a short explanation about their decision to apply for this specific program, and this place, Iceland, and how they see the program's emphasis tie in with their aims towards a future professional role as designers. The Statement should be written in English.

  • 5. Curriculum Vitae (PDF/URL)

    required

    Applicants must submit a CV of relevant education and professional experience, language proficiency, and general information about the applicant. The CV should be written in English.

  • 6. Portfolio of works (PDF/URL)

    required

    Applicants for the MA Design must gather prime examples of their work into a digital portfolio, which they submit with their formal application. This can include a PDF document or links to external websites, videos, audio, images etc. The submitted work should reflect the applicant's character, shed light on main interests, demonstrate skills and competences, and make it accessible to comprehensively read the applicant's ability for original creation and communication of ideas.

Admission Process

In assessing applications, applicants' work experience is taken into consideration along with submitted original material (portfolio).

Furthermore, interviews are conducted with applicants where attention is paid to how well the relevant individual is likely to absorb the teaching and the methodology of design.

A specially appointed admission committee assesses the applications on the grounds of assessment of submitted material and interviews. If the applicant is considered for acceptance, the required documents will be discussed, in English, with the applicant in an interview following review by the application committee.

Admission Requirements

Applicants will have completed BA/BS Degree or equivalent. Applicants should have a strong interest in the environment; however we welcome applicants from different disciplinary and interdisciplinary backgrounds.

Language Requirements

The MA Design is an international program conducted in English.

Students must be proficient in spoken and written English in the academic context. If there is doubt concerning language skills, applicants may be required to submit evidence of English proficiency.

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