Engineering and design

The Role of Design in the Circular Economy

Module code: H7098
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

This course introduces you to the circular economy and the designer’s role within the complex system that makes up this future-proofing way of working and living. From material selection, to reuse, repair, renting, redistribution, international legislation, the sharing economy, new business models and more, this module equips you with a wide-ranging knowledge that is highly desired by employers in all sectors.

Within each session, we will look at a different area and work collaboratively on tasks to understand how design fits within the circular economy, and what it means for us in the future of our careers.

Being a designer comes with a huge responsibility – understanding how we can not only develop products that are fit for a changing future, but understand systems design, developing business models, transparent supply chains, responsible uses of materials and so much more, we can ensure we are creating items with the highest consideration for circularity.

Module learning outcomes

• demonstrate an understanding of the changing facets of ‘sustainable design’ with relation to the circular economy (CE)
• demonstrate an understanding of how these facets can be applied to product design.
• demonstrate the ability to make informed choices on material selection and assembly / manufacturing processes in line with CE principles.
• demonstrate forward thinking and informed creativity with the production of ‘new’ products and business models