Master in Systemic Design

Systemic Design is a master's program taught in English at Politecnico di Torino, in Torino, Italy, over a course of 2 years. This field applies design thinking to complex systems, examining how products, services, and processes interact within larger social, economic, and environmental contexts rather than treating them as isolated problems. Students typically study design theory and methods alongside subjects such as systems thinking, sustainability, and service design, learning to map relationships between different parts of a system and identify how changes in one area affect the whole. Coursework often addresses how systemic design approaches can be applied to challenges like circular-economy production, community development, and organizational change, using visual mapping and collaborative design methods to work through complex, interconnected problems. Because the discipline draws on both design practice and systems theory, students also encounter topics like stakeholder engagement, participatory design, and the evaluation of design interventions across social and environmental outcomes. Graduates commonly pursue careers in design consultancy, innovation and strategy roles within organizations, and positions focused on sustainability and circular-economy projects. Others move into service design, social innovation, or roles within organizations seeking to redesign products, processes, or business models around systemic rather than isolated solutions. Some continue toward doctoral research in design studies or systems theory. The approach reflects a broader shift within design practice toward addressing interconnected social and environmental challenges rather than single-product problems, requiring designers to think across scales and disciplines. Delivered in English in Torino, the program is designed for students who already hold a first degree, often in design or a related field, and want to apply design thinking to complex systems and sustainability challenges over a 2-year master's course.