Undergraduate Course: Introduction to Futures Thinking and Futures Methods (EFIE10005)
Course Outline
| School | Edinburgh Futures Institute |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course introduces students to the "transdisciplinary discipline" of futures studies, equipping them with practical skills to apply cutting-edge methods and tools across diverse fields. The course will assist students to identify and implement the methods best suited for their unique research questions and concerns. By providing insights into methodologies sought by corporate, government, and other organisations, the course aims to enhance graduates' abilities to tackle global challenges and improve their career prospects. |
| Course description |
Introduction to Futures Thinking and Futures Methods provides an in-depth academic exploration of contemporary futures studies and foresight methods. Throughout the course, you will engage with a comprehensive syllabus covering the investigation of change patterns over time, analyses of past trends, and imagination of future possibilities. The course will examine how people reason, imagine, and feel about futures, contextualising these insights within individual and cultural narratives. This course emphasises adaptability and strategic application, preparing you to address complex global challenges within the context of a chosen knowledge area and your unique research question. You will gain knowledge of methodologies used by professionals in corporate, government, and other organisations and enhance your readiness for diverse career opportunities.
Through a structured approach, you will explore typologies of futures studies tools and methods, contrasting academic literature with practical foresight toolkits. You will engage with others in a dynamic learning experience that includes analysing illustrative case studies and participating in discussions that challenge conventional perspectives. The learning experience is designed to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and practical skill development, enhancing your readiness for diverse career opportunities. You will participate in interactive seminars and workshops, which will offer hands-on experience in applying these methods to your research questions and personal interests. By the end of the course, you will have a practical guide to selecting and applying an evolving array of methods, enhancing your competency in futures studies and foresight.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2025/26, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 40 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 10,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 20,
Online Activities 20,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
146 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
The assessment focuses on applying one or more futures methods to a specific issue, research question, or critical challenge. It begins with students identifying a problem or issue, collectively defining a critical, real-world global challenge. The Course Organiser will help form student teams for semester-long group work with a focused research goal.
Summative Assessment:
The course will be assessed by means of the following components:
1) Group Presentation (Poster Session or Slide Show) (50%)
Fifty percent of the assessment is based on a final group presentation, in the format of either a poster session or a slide show. Student groups will be given multiple options for their presentations.
(Learning outcomes 2-4).
2) 1000 Word Individual Essay (50%)
An individual 1,000 words long essay (not inclusive of references).
(Learning outcomes 1 and 5).
Students are encouraged to illustrate their reflections with visual images; however, this is not a requirement.
Assessment of Group Work:
Web PA or similar technology will be used for peer moderation to ensure accountability and fairness. Both group collaboration and individual contributions will be evaluated. |
| Feedback |
Throughout the course, students will receive both formative and summative feedback to support their learning and development.
Formative Feedback:
- Tutorials and Workshops: Informal tutor and peer feedback will be integrated into workshops.
- Class Discussions: Timetabled classes will include feedback sessions allowing students to refine their understanding through interactive discussions.
- Activities: Each weekly class includes specific activities such as student reflection, Q&A sessions, and synchronous and asynchronous discussions. These highly interactive sessions provide opportunities for ongoing feedback.
- Draft Submissions: Students can submit drafts of their group projects for short written feedback, guiding improvements before final submission.
Summative Feedback:
- Group Projects: Detailed written feedback will be provided on final group reports, covering strengths, areas for improvement, and suggestions for further development.
- Peer Assessment: Use of Web PA to offer peer feedback, promoting reflection on both group and individual contributions.
Feedback will be scheduled regularly throughout the course to ensure it supports learning progression and enhances students' ability to apply concepts practically. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand and compare different futures studies methods, identifying appropriate tools for different questions and contexts.
- Use interdisciplinary approaches to connect futures thinking with existing knowledge, helping to address global challenges.
- Develop practical skills in foresight techniques, supporting scenario planning and decision-making.
- Work effectively in teams, communicating ideas and collaborating.
- Reflect on the ethical and real-world implications of futures thinking, considering its impact on areas such as health, governance, politics, the economy, education, the environment, and the creative industries.
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Reading List
Indicative Reading List:
Asian Development Bank (2020) Futures Thinking in Asia and the Pacific: Why foresight matters for policy makers. Asian Development Bank. https://www.adb.org/publications/futures-thinking-asia-pacific-policy-makers
Dubai Future Foundation (2024) Future Opportunities Report: The global 50. https://www.dubaifuture.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Global-50-2024-Eng.pdf and https://www.dubaifuture.ae/the-global-50
Hichert, Tanja & Schultz, Wendy (2024) Futures Studies Methods: A typology and guide to research design. In: Roberto Poli (ed.), Handbook of Futures Studies (pp. 329-359).
Glen, Jerome & Gordon, Theodore (2009) Futures Research Methodology - Version 3.0. The Millenium Project.
Inayatullah, Sohail (2012) Futures Studies: Theories and methods. In: There's a Future: Visions for a better world (pp. 37-65). BBVA Group.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Solferino Academy (2023) The Strategic Foresigh Book. Solferino Academy. https://solferinoacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Strategic-Foresight-Book-EN-ED02.pdf
OECD (2025), Foresight Toolkit for Resilient Public Policy: A comprehensive foresight methodology to support sustainable and future-ready public policy, OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/bcdd9304-en.
Ramos, José, Sweeney, John, Peach, Kathy, & Smith, Laurie (2019) Our Futures: By the people, for the people. Nesta. https://media.nesta.org.uk/documents/Our_futures_by_the_people_for_the_people_WEB_v5.pdf
Rohrbeck, René & Kum, Menes Etingue (2018) Corporate Foresight and its Impact on Firm Performance: A longitudinal analysis. Technological Forecasting and Social Change 129(105-116).
UN Futures Lab (2023) UN Strategic Foresight Guide. UN Futures Lab Network. https://un-futureslab.org/media/uploads/2024/03/UN-Futures-Lab-2023-UN-Strategic-Foresight-Guide.pdf
UK Government (2024) The Futures Toolkit. UK Government Office for Science. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66c4493f057d859c0e8fa778/futures-toolkit-edition-2.pdf |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
By the end of the course, students should:
1) Possess critical and analytical skills, with the ability to apply them to futures thinking and within the context of strategic, narrative, and transformational foresight.
2) Be capable of evaluating and applying a range of futures methods to complex problems in different fields.
3) Demonstrate creativity and adaptability in addressing uncertain and evolving challenges.
4) Work effectively in teams, collaborating across disciplines to develop informed, future-oriented solutions.
5) Manage workloads efficiently, meet deadlines, and engage in reflective practice relevant to foresight analysis, scenario planning, and informed decision-making. |
| Keywords | Futures Studies,Foresight,Futures Methods |
Contacts
| Course organiser | |
Course secretary | Mr Matt Bryant
Tel:
Email: Matt.Bryant@ed.ac.uk |
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