Today's complex societal challenges call for different disciplines and backgrounds, in- and outside university, to think and work together. This is called “transdisciplinary collaboration”. However, transdisciplinary collaboration is hard. Conflicting attitudes, opinions, methodologies, and vocabulary often hinder effective collaboration, keeping societal challenges from being solved.
And this often also true if you work as disciplinary expert in an organisation: you will typically work with colleagues and stakeholders with a wide range of backgrounds. In the context of a specialized master’s, PhD or EngD program, it can be hard to learn how to effectively do so, making the transition to real world jobs extra challenging.
The Shaping Responsible Futures programme can help you to overcome these challenges. You will learn to transcend disciplinary boundaries and connect science to society by collaborating with real-world stakeholders, all to build confidence as a responsible change-maker.
Program setup
The Shaping Responsible Futures program is widely recognized to be one of a kind. Rather than being a separate program, it is a 20EC program you can do next to your regular (pre-)Master, PhD or EngD program. This can be in the planned elective space of your (pre-)Master, in the education/training time of your PhD or EngD, or extracurricularly. Think about it as a transdisciplinary expansion module to your specialized disciplinary training!
Also the type of education is special. You work intensively in small interdisciplinary groups from all UT programs, in close interaction with both teachers and stakeholders, to solve real world challenges. The emphasis is on developing the crucial transdisciplinary skills, building transdisciplinary connections, and having positive impact. This is also reflected in the emphasis on feedback and learning: you will not receive grades, but only a pass-fail for each of the courses.
Registration
To make this small-scale, intensive education possible, we can only accept 30 students for each course each year. This means you need to apply for the programme. You can choose to apply for the full program, or just one or two courses. In previous years, the 30 spots were typically not filled, hence when you apply you have reasonable chances to be accepted.
Do note that successfully applying is only the first step. The courses are designed to really give you a deep dive into transdisciplinary collaboration, where your disciplinary effort is crucial for the success of the team. The motivation and willingness to go the extra mile to step outside your disciplinary comfort zone is crucial for your (and our) success in, and enjoyment of, the Shaping Responsible Futures programme.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please reach out to us at master-insert@utwente.nl. If you want to apply, please do so here. We look forward to hear from you!
Programme Pillars
👥 Transdisciplinarity
We work with students, teachers, and stakeholders from different disciplinary backgrounds.
🌍 Real-World Challenges
Our programme is designed around the real-world challenges of our regional partners.
💪 Personal Development
We help you to define, pursue, and achieve your personal learning goals.
Student Testimonials
Features
🧭 Self-Directed Learning
You get the freedom to pursue your own curiosity
🚀 Novel Educational Approach
You are trained in activating workshops
⭕ Learning Community
You become part of DesignLab's community
💡 Engineering, Design, & Social Sciences
You learn to transcend disciplinary boundaries
🌍 Challenge-Based Learning
You work on real-world regional challenges
💭 Feedback Focused
You receive feedback instead of grades
🔥 Transdisciplinary Front-Runner
You experience a one-of-a-kind education
🎓 Shaping Responsible Futures Certificate
You earn an official certificate