HOGESCHOOL VOOR DE KUNSTEN UTRECHT (HKU) · NETHERLANDS
Minor Design for Social Change
Diploma · Taught in en
At a glance
6 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Diploma
Level
- 6 monthsDuration
- 30 ECTSCredits
- English (or Dutch if all participants agree)Language of Instruction
- Full-timeMode of Study
- Focus on UN Sustainable Development GoalsKey Focus
- Frame Innovation MethodCore Methodology
The Minor Design for Social Change is a part-time program focused on using design principles to address societal issues. You will work in multidisciplinary and international teams to develop solutions for challenges such as poverty reduction, inequality, climate change, and waste management. The program emphasizes the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and employs Kees Dorst's Frame Innovation method to guide research and prototyping. Students will learn to make the results of their projects visually transparent for a broad audience, taking on roles like designer, project manager, programmer, or director.
Curriculum
The minor is structured in 2-week blocks, each focusing on a central theme. Instruction includes lectures, project work, tutorials, and coaching. The curriculum revolves around the Frame Innovation method, encouraging students to research, re-frame, and prototype solutions for social issues. Themes include archaeology and architecture, identifying paradoxes, building contexts, expanding fields, theme research, developing new frames, rapid prototyping, and exploring futures for transformation.
- Block Structure
- Introduction to Frame Innovation Theory
- Creative and Visual Research based on Frame Innovation
- Project Coaching (Content, Process, and Method)
- Theme Research and Re-framing
- Developing New Frames and Rapid Prototyping
- Game Changing: Futures and Transformation
Careers
This minor prepares you to take on various roles in addressing social issues, including designer, project manager, programmer, or director. You will gain experience in research, problem-solving, and presenting design solutions for a wide audience, contributing to social change initiatives.
- Designer
- Project Manager
- Programmer
- Director
Entry requirements
First-year diploma and current Bachelor's studentMust have completed a first-year diploma and be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's program within the social, creative, or economic domain.
Applicants are expected to be creative, critical, reflective, socially aware, well-organized, innovative, and possess good communication and presentation skills. A selection process will assess suitability for the minor.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Tuition fees are not specified for this minor.
How to apply
1. Check EligibilityEnsure you have a first-year diploma and are currently enrolled in a Bachelor's program in the social, creative, or economic domain. You should also possess qualities like creativity, critical thinking, and good communication skills.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather a brief motivation letter (max 1 A4) highlighting your social commitment and learning goals for the minor, a concise CV, and examples of your relevant work (if any).
3. Submit ApplicationApply via the Kies op Maat portal. Note that registration for the current intake is closed.
4. Selection ProcessHKU conducts a selection process to assess your suitability for the minor.