Sustainable Design BA
Arts University Bournemouth, United Kingdom
BA (Hons) Sustainable Design
Arts University Bournemouth
Sustainable Design
Program Overview: BA (Hons) Sustainable Design
The BA (Hons) Sustainable Design at Arts University Bournemouth challenges you to examine societal issues and problems that require change, investigating what you can do to encourage positive transformation. You will develop and design proposals for change and reflect on what the world might look like after this change, combining creative thinking with environmental responsibility.
Situated within a specialist arts university, this program treats design as a way of thinking rather than just a process. You will work alongside students from other creative disciplines, including BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design), in shared studio spaces that foster interdisciplinary collaboration and diverse perspectives on sustainability challenges.
Alongside gaining the knowledge and skills needed for design and innovation, you will study different ways in which sustainability can be defined, understood, and realised. The program explores the social, economic, cultural, and political contexts of sustainability, developing a way of thinking about design and problem-solving that leads to a rewarding career in the creative industries.
Key Program Highlights
- Study at a specialist arts university where creative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration are central to the learning experience
- Unique blend of creativity and responsibility, placing sustainability at the heart of every design decision
- Shared studio spaces with Digital Technology students, mirroring real-world cross-disciplinary design collaboration
- Access to professional workshops, prototyping facilities, and industry-standard tools across both 2D and 3D design disciplines
Curriculum & Modules
The BA (Hons) Sustainable Design curriculum introduces you to the design process across a variety of disciplines, exposing you to contexts and tools rooted in 2D communication such as graphics and visual communications, as well as 3D design and prototyping. Topics like design strategy, user-centred design, and design business are part of the collaborative curriculum, breaking conventional subject boundaries no longer recognised by industry.
Design Fundamentals and Sustainability Principles
40 UK CreditsAn introduction to core design processes and sustainable thinking, exploring how design can be used responsibly to create a more sustainable future. Students develop foundational skills in research, ideation, and creative problem-solving.
Materials, Processes and Environmental Impact
40 UK CreditsExplores material selection, manufacturing processes, and their environmental implications. Students gain hands-on experience in AUB's workshops, experimenting with sustainable materials and circular design approaches.
Design for Social Change
40 UK CreditsFocuses on using design as a tool to address societal challenges and encourage positive change. Students investigate real-world problems and develop design proposals that reflect meaningful social impact.
User-Centred Design and Design Strategy
40 UK CreditsDevelops skills in user research, design thinking, and strategic design practice. Students learn to create design solutions that are both human-centred and environmentally responsible.
Collaborative Design Practice
40 UK CreditsInterdisciplinary project work alongside students from other AUB courses, mirroring professional design collaboration. Students tackle sustainability challenges from multiple creative perspectives.
Final Major Project
60 UK CreditsA self-directed capstone project where students define a sustainability challenge, conduct in-depth research, and develop a comprehensive design response. The project culminates in a professional-standard exhibition of work.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BA (Hons) Sustainable Design program at Arts University Bournemouth is portfolio-based, reflecting the university's focus on creative potential and passion for sustainability. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu, who will guide you through every step of the process.
Academic Requirements
- A-Level RequirementTypically BBC or equivalent qualifications demonstrating creative ability and academic potential
- PortfolioA creative portfolio demonstrating skills, interests, and engagement with sustainability or design themes
- International BaccalaureateContact Uni4Edu for current IB equivalency requirements
- Foundation DiplomaA Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media or equivalent is welcomed
- International QualificationsEquivalent secondary school qualifications from your home country are accepted; contact Uni4Edu for country-specific guidance
English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic)6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each band
- TOEFL iBT80 overall with minimum 18 in writing, listening, and reading, and 19 in speaking
- PTE Academic64 overall with at least 59 in each section
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Arts University Bournemouth offers several funding opportunities to support international students pursuing creative degrees. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis after you receive an offer of admission. Contact Uni4Edu for full details on eligibility and how to apply.
International Undergraduate Scholarship
Up to GBP 5,000Available to international undergraduate students in their first year of study, this scholarship recognises and supports creative talent within the global student community. It is awarded for the first year, with early fee payment waivers available in subsequent years.
AUB Progression Bursary
Available to students progressing from an AUB Foundation Diploma or other AUB programme to an undergraduate degree. This bursary supports continuity of study within the AUB creative community.
Chevening Scholarship
Fully funded (tuition, living costs, travel)Funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Chevening provides fully funded scholarships for outstanding international students. This is an external scholarship and is highly competitive, requiring demonstration of leadership potential.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Sustainable Design are well positioned to enter one of the fastest growing economic sectors nationally and internationally. The program develops a way of thinking about design and problem-solving that prepares you for a rewarding career across the creative industries, sustainability consultancy, and social enterprise sectors.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings & Recognition
Arts University Bournemouth is a specialist creative arts institution with a strong reputation in art, design, media, and performance education. The university has been recognised as a major advancer in recent UK league tables and was awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework. AUB is one of only a handful of specialist arts universities in the UK.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design | The Guardian | Top 100 UK |
| Tourism, Transport, Travel & Heritage Studies | The Guardian | #2 |
| Business and Management | The Guardian | #23 |
| Business, Management and Marketing | Times Good University Guide | #50 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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