A modern visual representing the Design for a Sustainable Future master's study programme at KTU. A mosaic of violet and white shapes, consisting of different forms, symbolizes the diversity of sustainable design structures.

Design for Sustainable Future

What can we do to make design work for people and the planet? We need a new generation of design professionals who can integrate sustainability principles into every creative solution. With the help of the Politecnico di Milano and The Critical Agency, students in the Design for a Sustainable Future programme will acquire the knowledge to design products and services for the circular economy. State-of-the-art laboratories, international projects and practical challenges will help them become designers who know how to create a more sustainable future.

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Programme values

Students and lecturers collaborate in an engineering lab where real-world solutions are created – from mechanical systems to cutting-edge research. This is the essence of hands-on learning at KTU, driven by innovation and impact.

Valued by industry leaders

This programme is developed in collaboration with leading design partners – the Polytechnic University of Milan (Italy) and strategic design agency The Critical (Lithuania) – providing the highest level of design research and know-how.

Another angle of the “Young-Lab” auditorium shows a space where modern design, flexible layout, and functionality meet – ideal for everything from group work to creative academic projects. It reflects KTU’s commitment to delivering a holistic study experience.

Inspiring learning environment

The projects are carried out in the M-Lab laboratory centre, the D-Lab laboratory and the DesignLibrary Kaunas, a space dedicated to design, research, communication and project presentation.

Students prepare to launch a drone – part of aeronautics and engineering studies rooted in hands-on learning with real-world applications. KTU’s engineering programs embrace cutting-edge technologies.

Real-world cases

Master’s studies is your design project for a more sustainable future. During your studies, you will interactively develop your project using the specially developed Circulσσp circular design pathway and the tools, and systemic and evolutionary approach. Projects are presented at design exhibitions and conferences.

Students from KTU’s GIFTed program tackle real-world challenges using the mind map method – this is a space for high-potential youth to collaborate, think creatively, and lead with purpose.

New Freedom to shape your path

Dive into design challenges – work with companies, public organisations, municipalities or realise your own unique idea. Choose modules from the management and engineering fields, plus additional ECIU micro-modules. Visit the best design universities with Erasmus+ study exchange programme.

Career opportunities

A better future through design.

This programme equips you with the design and sustainability skills needed to develop products, services, and systems that contribute to a more sustainable future. You will work on circular design projects that address today’s sustainability challenges. Collaboration with international partners, access to state-of-the-art laboratories, and interdisciplinary studies will prepare you for the global job market and support your active role in the transition to a more sustainable economy.

Here are some of the careers you can pursue after your studies:

Designer – Sustainability Expert

Develops and implements design ideas with interdisciplinary teams across industries. Analyses existing products, services and their systems, seeks opportunities for improvement and develops solutions that contribute to the environment and society.

Design Research Expert

Participates in design research to understand and develop solutions for industry and society. Uses design as a research method, integrating social, environmental and economic factors to promote sustainability.

Future Scriptwriter

Develops future visions by creating strategies, models, products, or services. Drives change within business organisations and the public sector. Also works on personal projects aimed at promoting the long-term well-being of the environment and society.

Admission requirements and programme structure

Cycle – second cycle

Field – design, environmental engineering, management

Form, duration – full-time studies (2 yr.)

Study type – evening-time, blended learning

Location – Kaunas,
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design

Language – English

Degree awarded – master of arts

Yearly price ⁱ : full-time studies – 6985 €, price per credit – 116,42 €

Financial support »

Semester

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Design Research Methods	6	On-campus learning
Design Studio 1	12	On-campus learning
Eco-Design	6	On-campus learning
Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship	6	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Circular Design Strategies	6	On-campus learning
Design for the Future	6	On-campus learning
Design Studio 2	12	On-campus learning
Parametric Modelling and Prototyping	6	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Design Research Project	6	On-campus learning
Design Workshop	12	On-campus learning

Electives to the Engineering and Technology Subjects (Select 6 cr.)

Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping	6	On-campus learning
Corporate Social Responsibility	6	On-campus learning
Digital Fashion Technologies	6	Blended learning
Innovative Materials	6	On-campus learning
Smart Textiles and Wearable Technologies	6	Blended learning
Sustainable Chemicals Management	6	Blended learning

Electives to the Management subject (Select 6 cr.)

Engineering Projects Management	6	Blended learning
Launching of New Products to the Market	6	Blended learning
Quality Management	6	Distance learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Master’s Degree Final Project

On-campus learning

Good to know

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.
Blended - learning on the university premises and online.
Distance - almost all learning online.

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.

Admission requirements

University bachelor degree certificate:	Bachelor’s degree in the field of design with a good average grade (min. CGPA>60%). Bachelor‘s degree in the group of study fields of arts, engineering sciences, technologies, business and public management, social sciences, humanities (in the study field of art history) and and up to 30 credits of additional studies or the assessment and recognition of professional competence in the field (in case of ≥1 year of work experience.
Proficiency in English:	IELTS ≥ 6.0, TOEFL ≥ 85, CEFR ≥ C1, or previously completed studies in english language.
Transcript requirements:	Obtain a suitable transcript of your bachelor's degree from your school. If unavailable, provide official translations and verified copies of the original documents.
Accepted languages:	English / Russian
Document legalisation:	The documents must be legalised (Apostille) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country where the documents were issued. This requirement does not apply for the documents issued in the EU and Belarus, Ukraine.

Score structure

◼	0,9	average grade (CGPA) of University‘s Bachelor’s degree (min. length – 180 ECTS) and its supplement
◼	0,1	motivation letter and online interview
+	≤ 4	additional points

Additional points

science activities (scientific publications, presentations at scientific conferences, participation in exhibitions, work in student science society or science group etc.) or art activities (publication or realization of artwork, participation in art exhibitions, contests of architecture)	≤ 2
at least 1 year of work experience in the field of study programme	0,5
graduated from academic talent development program in higher education institution (for example "GIFTed talent academy")	0,5
partial studies in the higher education institution abroad with ≥24 ECTS completed	0,5
bachelor's or master's (if integrated study programme is completed) degree diploma with honours	0,5

admission procedure

Testimonials

KTU’s Design for Sustainable Future study programme is an example of how higher education institutions are working to reduce the impact of climate change, promote a circular economy, and strengthen energy security and economic resilience in line with their strategic goals. Integrating the disciplines of design, management and environmental engineering, this programme responds to the growing need for professionals able to address complex sustainability challenges.

Jonas Liugaila

Partner and Mission Lead, The Critical / Secretary General, International Council of Design

Portrait photo of a woman with short grey hair, wearing a black turtleneck and bold round patterned eyeglasses. She is smiling while looking at the camera, against a neutral light grey background.

KTU’s Design for Sustainable Future programme prepares designers who are sustainability experts, able to create sustainable products, services and systems. Graduates are proficient in design-based research, combining creativity, technology and data analysis. They are ready to tackle environmental, social and economic challenges, to work in interdisciplinary teams and to use design to implement sustainable transition projects in companies or start-ups.

Rūta Valušytė

Head of Study Programmes

International mobility partners

Join an exchange programme with our international partners:

more about exchange studies

FAQ

Why choose the Design for a Sustainable Future at KTU?

Because it is the only interdisciplinary master’s programme in Lithuania that combines design, management, and environmental engineering. Students work in modern laboratories, conduct research, present their work at international conferences and exhibitions, and gain international experience through Erasmus+ exchanges.

What are the admission requirements?

Admission is open to people with a bachelor’s degree in design or other related fields, provided they can demonstrate artistic training. Those with at least one year’s work experience in design may be assessed on the basis of their professional skills. Graduates may need an additional 30-60 credits of study, depending on their experience.

What career paths can I pursue after graduating from Design for a Sustainable Future?

You’ll become a designer – a sustainability expert who can design products, services and systems that meet sustainability principles. You’ll work in interdisciplinary teams, develop your own start-ups, pursue your own professional activities or continue your PhD research in Lithuania or abroad.