Online programmes: What are Futures Studies?
Monday, 10 May 2021
There are many disciplines out there, and Futures Studies might be one that is still unknown to many. However, there are several online programmes related to it, even at a postgraduate level.
Choosing which of all the in-person and online programmes available you should study, even at a postgraduate level (for instance, postgraduate online diplomas), is a difficult task. And, on top of that, futures studies is still one of the most unknown disciplines that exists. So, it might be time to take a closer look at it.
If a professional tries to explain what postgraduate online diplomas in future studies are all about, his explanation would probably be something like this: Futures studies are rooted in the study of social and technological advances from both an interdisciplinary and a holistic perspective. But it could also be narrowed down even more: Futures studies are the systematic exploration of future alternatives.
Philosophy is, of course, deeply connected to these online programmes, because that discipline is the one that allows students to analyse each of the possible futures and predict social and behavioural trends. But philosophy isn't alone here, other disciplines are central in these online diplomas.
And there is also another very important aspect that is a characteristic of online programmes in futures studies: The possibility of changing the future. Futures studies are not all about trying to figure out what will be the future of mankind in terms of behaviour, technology, and many other elements. It also involves providing their students with the tools they need in order to redirect the future to its best version.
Of course, this means that if students of these online diplomas have evidence that the future will come with negative consequences as a result of human behaviour, it will be their responsibility to implement all the knowledge and skills they have acquired in order to do what they can to change the future so it can be a better one, packed with possibilities for all of us.
So, these online diplomas play a central role in the determination of our future as a species, therefore studying them is also committing to make the world a better place.
Which institutions offer online programmes related to futures studies?
In South Africa, the number of online programmes available is high and ever-growing. However, when it comes to this particular field of study the best option might be the Postgraduate Diploma in Futures Studies offered by Stellenbosch University. It is just one of the many online programmes available in this institution and it has a length of one year.
If you want to get more information about this programme or any of the other in-person and online programmes available in different South African institutions, you can begin your search by visiting our website: www.startuniversity.co.za
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