Design for Cultural Commons - PG Cert

Program Overview

---

The Design for Cultural Commons Postgraduate Certificate equips students with the knowledge and skills to utilize the concept of "the Commons" as a framework for creating more just and ecological forms of cultural practice. Through experiential learning, students will explore the history and theory of the Commons, analyze and apply Commons-based principles to real-world projects, and develop skills in community engagement, collaborative design, and ethical decision-making. Graduates will be prepared for careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, where they can contribute to the development of more sustainable and equitable societies.

Program Outline

The Design for Cultural Commons Postgraduate Certificate equips students with the knowledge and skills to utilize the concept of "the Commons" as a framework for creating more just and ecological forms of cultural practice. This program is designed for individuals seeking to critically analyze and apply Commons-based principles in their own creative and professional endeavors.

---

Objectives:

• Understand the history and theory of "the Commons"
• Analyze and apply Commons-based principles to existing organizations and institutions
• Develop ethically and financially sustainable forms of cultural practice
• Learn how to engage communities and stakeholders in collaborative projects
• Gain experience in designing and implementing public interventions
• Foster a critical and innovative approach to contemporary social and ecological challenges

---

Program Description:

The Design for Cultural Commons program emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to actively engage with the Commons framework and apply it to real-world projects. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, discussions, and individual research, students will:

• Examine contemporary case studies of Commons-based practices
• Develop their own Commons-based projects
• Learn how to facilitate community engagement and collaboration
• Reflect on the ethical and social implications of their work
• Gain the skills needed to advocate for Commons-based solutions

---

Outline:

---

Content:

The program covers a diverse range of topics related to the Commons, including:

• The history and theory of the Commons
• Commons-based governance models
• Commons-based design principles
• Community engagement and collaboration
• Social and ecological justice
• Financial sustainability for Commons-based projects

---

Structure:

The program is structured as follows:

• Year 1:
• Semester 1:
• Inclusive Engagement Methods (20 credits)
• Social Artefacts and Services (20 credits)
• Semester 2:
• System and Institutional Design (20 credits)
• Dissertation (40 credits)

---

Course Schedule:

The course schedule is subject to change, but the current schedule is as follows:

• Semester 1:
• Inclusive Engagement Methods: Wednesday evenings and Monday evenings
• Social Artefacts and Services: Thursday evenings
• Semester 2:
• System and Institutional Design: Monday evenings
Students will analyze the social and ecological impacts of contemporary design practices, explore concepts of sustainable production and consumption, and develop their own proposals for socially responsible products and services.

---

System and Institutional Design (20 credits):

This module delves into the design of systems and institutions within the context of "the Commons."

---

Assessment:

---

Assessment Methods:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Written essays:
Students will write essays on topics related to the Commons, demonstrating their understanding of key concepts and their ability to apply them to real-world scenarios.
• Public talks:
Students will give presentations on their individual projects, sharing their insights and findings with a public audience.
• Coursework:
Students will complete assignments and projects throughout the program, demonstrating their practical skills and ability to apply the concepts learned in the classroom. Students will be assessed on their ability to:
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the history and theory of "the Commons."
• Apply Commons-based principles to analyze and redesign existing systems and institutions.
• Develop innovative and ethical proposals for Commons-based projects.
• Communicate their knowledge and ideas effectively in written and oral formats.
• Collaborate effectively with others.
• Reflect critically on their own work and the work of others.

---

Teaching:

---

Teaching Methods:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. These methods include:

• Lectures:
Renowned academics and practitioners in the field of the Commons will deliver lectures on key topics.
• Workshops:
Students will participate in hands-on workshops, gaining practical experience in applying Commons-based principles to real-world projects.
• Discussions:
Students will engage in lively discussions with their peers and faculty, exploring different perspectives and honing their critical thinking skills.
• Individual research:
Students will conduct independent research on topics of their choosing, deepening their understanding of the Commons and its application to their specific interests.
• Mentoring:
Students will receive individualized support and guidance from faculty and industry mentors throughout the program.

---

Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and passionate faculty members who are actively involved in research and practice related to the Commons. The faculty brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education.

---

Careers:

---

Career Paths:

The Design for Cultural Commons program prepares students for a variety of careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Potential career paths include:

• Community organizer:
Working with communities to develop and implement Commons-based projects.
• Social entrepreneur:
Starting and running businesses or organizations that prioritize social and ecological impact.
• Policy analyst:
Advising governments and organizations on policy issues related to the Commons.
• Researcher:
Conducting research on the Commons and its implications for social and ecological change.
• Artist or designer:
Creating art and design that promotes social justice and sustainability.
• Educator:
Teaching about the Commons and inspiring others to engage in Commons-based practices.

---

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the Design for Cultural Commons program are well-prepared to pursue a variety of career opportunities. They will have the skills and knowledge needed to work in a wide range of settings, including:

• Community organizations:
Working directly with communities to develop and implement Commons-based projects.
• Social enterprises:
Contributing to the development of businesses and organizations that prioritize social impact.
• Government agencies:
Working on policy issues related to the Commons and contributing to the development of more sustainable and equitable policies.
• Non-profit organizations:
Supporting the work of organizations that are committed to social and ecological justice.
• Educational institutions:
Teaching about the Commons and inspiring future generations to engage in Commons-based practices.

---

Other:

---

Partnerships:

The Design for Cultural Commons program has formal partnerships with the Design Museum and Design Exchange Magazine, as well as informal partnerships with numerous community organizations, local government agencies, and charities. These partnerships provide students with access to real-world projects, networking opportunities, and potential career opportunities.

---

Accreditation:

• Location: Aldgate
• Course type: Postgraduate
• Typical duration: 1 year (full-time)
• Entry requirements: An honours degree classification of 2.1/2.2 (or equivalent) in any subject discipline, practice experience in any field, with some understanding of working within NGOs or other third sector organisations.
• English language requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University's standard English language requirements.
• Application deadline: Rolling admissions