Changemakers Playground
Do you feel the gap between learning about the world’s challenges and actually being able to make a difference? This minor helps you make the step from theory to action by activating your imagination and equipping you with highly practical skills to turn ideas into reality.
Do you want to move from concern to action, from ideas to impact? Join the Changemakers Playground! Be inspired by creative spaces, movements and grassroots initiatives where change is already happening. Explore how artistic expression and creative practice can shape a more hopeful future. Design projects driving positive change and launch your ideas in real life.
Useful to know
| Start | February |
|---|---|
| Number of ECTS | 30 Dutch Education System |
| Programme level | Minor |
| Programme code | MI-CP-26 |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Year of study | Year 3 |
| Practical Matters | Housing and Immigration |
| Location | Utrecht Science Park |
What do you need to enter this programme? And what can you expect when you apply? In this section you'll find all you need to know!
This minor immerses you in a real community challenge, working collaboratively with stakeholders to co-create meaningful change. You'll explore how culture and alternative economic models drive social innovation, and apply contemporary design approaches like transition and value-sensitive design. You'll develop fundable project proposals, identify grants, and build a portfolio. Skills gained apply across service design, sustainability consulting, social entrepreneurship, urban innovation, and more.
The programme takes place during one semester and contains the following courses.
Module 1: Culture-led Transitions Culture
This module is at the forefront of driving positive change. It can inspire people to imagine and co-create a viable, low-carbon, just and sustainable future. However, the creative sector needs new approaches and models to become more sustainable and inclusive. In this module we will focus on these two dimensions.
Module 2: Designing Transformative Projects
In this module we will look at various strategies that explore plausible, networked and desirable design solutions. Each of these strategies will be taught in a laboratory/workshop-led set up with hands-on experimentation and visualisation techniques.
| Course Unit Title | Course description | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| New Models for Creative Industries | This module is about the ways creative industries can transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive future by adopting alternative economic and organisational models. | 5 |
| Designing for Transformation | You will learn about some of the newest approaches to designing projects for social impact, such as value-sensitive design, design justice, or more-than-human design. | 10 |
| Design: the plausible, the desirable and the networked | In this course, design becomes a way of imagining and shaping futures that are not only possible, but worth striving for. You will explore approaches such as world building, grassroots community advocacy, and the creation of desirable services to question how things are and envision how they could be. | 5 |
| Develop: Successful Project Proposals | How do you go from an idea to action? In this course, you will obtain skills and knowledge that will help you bring your ideas to life. You will learn where to look for and how to apply for funding, from identifying a suitable type of funding, to developing and submitting a proposal. | 5 |
| Project Work | This time will be dedicated to team and individual work in workshops, hackathons and consultation/feedback sessions. | 5 |
Please note that the programme reflects a (logical) bundle of courses/subjects and should normally be followed as such. By choosing this package you will have to participate in all the courses included. It is not possible to combine (two or more) programmes in one period.
English CEFR level B2.
Please note: If your English proficiency proves to be insufficient to participate actively in (parts of) the courses you have chosen, we cannot be bound to the Learning Agreement, neither can we guarantee to offer you the required amount of study load (EC’s). Teachers might request you to take a diagnostic test at the start of the course to check if your English proficiency is sufficient to successfully participate in that specific course. In all cases it is up to the programme manager to decide if your English proficiency is sufficient to be eligible for the programme/course.
- You have an interest in cultural and creative industries and design and are passionate about making a positive impact in the world.
- You can work independently and are comfortable working in international and interdisciplinary teams.
- Sufficient oral and reading English proficiency to follow classes and to write documents, such as project proposals.
- The minor doesn’t require an internship or workplace.
There are no additional requirements to enter this exchange programme.
Practical Information
When you move to a different country to study, there are lots of things to arrange. For instance, where will you live, what are the costs? Visit our practical information page to help you prepare your stay. It is also important to start arranging a living space as soon as possible. Our housing pages will help you on your way. A student living in the Netherlands needs about € 800 to 1000 a month to cover living expenses, such as housing, food and transportation. This includes insurances – health insurance is mandatory.
Find out how to apply
Ready for an international adventure?
Why choose HU?
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Turn Ideas into Real Impact
Work on a real community challenge, co-create with local stakeholders, and graduate with a fundable project proposal and practical design skills.
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Inspiring international setting
HU supports your ambitions. During your time in Utrecht, you will meet students from all over the world and make connections to last a lifetime.
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Utrecht Science Park Campus Benefits
On USP Campus, you'll find the universities' buildings, student housing, cafés, a sports centre, and much more. With excellent transport links to Utrecht and beyond.
