Last updated: 2 July 2026
We want you to take a course because it’s right for you — and to feel safe finding that out. Here is how refunds work for each thing we offer. To request a refund, email hello@critical.design from the address you purchased with. Nothing here affects your statutory rights.
Self-paced online courses
Every self-paced course comes with our guarantee: go through the first 10 lessons, and if it hasn’t improved your understanding and potential for impact, email us for a full refund. No forms, no hoops — just tell us it wasn’t right for you.
Live courses and masterclasses
If you cancel 14 or more days before the first session, we will refund you in full, or transfer your place to a future cohort — your choice. Within 14 days of the start we can no longer refund, because places are limited and held for you, but we will happily transfer your place to a future cohort or to a colleague. If we cancel or reschedule a course and the new dates don’t work for you, you get a full refund.
Thinking Collection membership
You can request a full refund within 14 days of joining. After that, your membership simply runs to the end of its year and doesn’t renew unless you want it to.
Digital downloads
Paid downloads are delivered immediately, so they can’t be returned once received. If a file is faulty or you don’t receive it, contact us and we will fix it or refund you.
Studio programme
Studio is a two-year commitment with a small annual cohort, so enrollment and withdrawal terms are agreed individually as part of your application and enrollment. If you are considering applying and want to understand the terms first, talk to us.
How refunds are paid
Refunds go back to your original payment method via Stripe, usually within 5–10 business days of approval. If cost is the barrier to taking a course in the first place, consider applying for a scholarship — that’s what they are for.