Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Ph.D. in Cultural, Fine Arts and Design Research

SDG Alignment for Ph.D. in Cultural, Fine Arts and Design Research

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Cultural, Fine Arts and Design Research is uniquely positioned to advance sustainable development by exploring the critical intersection of culture, creativity, and community. The program's core mission is to produce high-level researchers who can safeguard and promote cultural heritage, making it a powerful contributor to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By fostering innovation in the creative industries and developing new design solutions with a focus on social and environmental impact, the curriculum is a key driver for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and supports the growth of creative economies under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Through courses on sustainable design, it also aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). As a doctoral program, it embodies the principles of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and, through its interdisciplinary research, fosters the collaborations essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a doctoral program, this curriculum represents the highest level of quality education. It is designed to cultivate expert researchers who can generate new knowledge in the interdisciplinary fields of culture and design, fostering the lifelong learning and advanced skills necessary to address complex societal challenges.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
321 701	Research Methodology in Culture, Fine Arts and Design	Provides the core research methodologies that define high-quality doctoral education, equipping students for top-tier employment and innovation in academia and creative industries (Target 4.3 and 4.4).
321 998 / 999	Dissertation	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical and professional skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to decent work and sustainable economic growth by fostering the creative economy. It prepares graduates to lead and manage cultural institutions and innovative design enterprises, which are vital for creating jobs and promoting local culture and tourism as drivers of economic development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
321 705	Cultural and Fine Arts Management	Directly supports policies for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture (Target 8.9) by training professionals to manage cultural and artistic enterprises effectively.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: This program is a catalyst for innovation in the creative industries. By focusing on design innovation and research-led solutions, the curriculum enhances the scientific and creative capacity to develop new products, services, and experiences, contributing to a more diverse and innovative industrial base.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
321 706	Design Innovation	Directly fosters innovation (Target 9.5) by focusing on the creation of new design solutions, products, and services, which can enhance industrial competitiveness and drive the creative economy.
321 998 / 999	Dissertation	Drives innovation by generating novel research that can be translated into new design methodologies, cultural products, and creative services, thereby enhancing scientific and artistic research (Target 9.5).

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: The program is fundamentally focused on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by championing the role of culture and design. The curriculum equips researchers with the skills to study, manage, and safeguard cultural heritage, while also training them to create community-focused designs that are environmentally and socially sustainable.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
321 703	Cultural Studies	Provides a deep theoretical understanding of culture, which is foundational for efforts to safeguard tangible and intangible cultural heritage (Target 11.4).
321 705	Cultural and Fine Arts Management	Directly contributes to the metric on 'Support of arts and heritage' by preparing professionals to manage and preserve cultural assets, which strengthens efforts to protect cultural heritage (Target 11.4).
321 707	Design for Society and Environment	Directly aligns with creating inclusive and sustainable communities (Target 11.3) by teaching design principles that prioritize social well-being, environmental protection, and community participation.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Alignment Summary: The program promotes responsible consumption and production patterns through its focus on sustainable design. Students learn to create products, services, and systems that minimize environmental impact, use resources efficiently, and consider the entire life cycle, contributing to a more circular and responsible economy.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
321 707	Design for Society and Environment	Directly contributes to the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by teaching design methodologies that prioritize environmental sustainability and responsible production.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program's interdisciplinary and research-intensive nature fosters partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminars and the dissertation process, students engage with diverse academic fields, cultural institutions, and communities, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations essential for achieving the SDGs.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
321 702	Seminar in Cultural, Fine Arts and Design Research 1	Promotes the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by requiring students to engage with and present on international research, fostering a culture of cross-disciplinary knowledge-sharing.
321 998 / 999	Dissertation	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to solve critical sustainability challenges through culture and design.