Design thinking can be employed to change the world. Our course offers a pathway for individuals who wish to lead innovation through creativity and applied design thinking, in a variety of related industries.
The course consists of two semesters of study, which includes design based projects; academic study; and a professional, research focused industrial placement, leading to a final, stand-alone research project. The final research project can follow three paths, with a focus on commercial delivery, entrepreneurship or commercial consultancy, based on an individual’s career aspirations and area of interest.
The course is designed to offer advanced study in innovation design, with an emphasis on application of creativity and innovation tools, alongside the skills needed to lead, collaborate and facilitate in areas which require innovation.
The academics involved with this programme have extensive links with design and manufacture companies locally and globally, which are utilised to ensure that modules are relevant for the modern roles in innovation design, and used as a basis for professional development through work placements, and to promote an innovative and commercially focused mindset.
Students arrive with a background or interest in the role of design thinking and innovation, and embark on a range of design challenges, enabling them to steer, row and rock the boat in relation to innovation activities and strategic direction.
The course is designed to challenge students to engage with design at all levels, from understanding its wider role and value in organisations, to applying this understanding alongside creativity and innovation tools in the roles of leader, facilitator and practitioner.
Content modules are split between essential core modules, which provide an in-depth understanding of tools and techniques used to apply innovative design thinking, whilst optional modules offer opportunities to pursue specialist areas of interest in more depth and include introductions to key design industry standard software such as Solidworks, Adobe Indesign, Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as influential design related subjects: Consumer Psychology and Behaviour Change. We strive to provide you with an excellent teaching and learning environment through a diverse range of assessment methods and the use of experiential teaching tools, technology, media and environments.
Core Modules may include:
Design Thinking - Process and Facilitation
Design Thinking - Strategy
Research Methods for Design
Design Project
MSc Dissertation (with Research, Artefact & Report, and Strategic Planning routes)
Optional Modules may include:
Parametric CAD with Advanced Surface Modelling
CAD Finite Element Analysis for Industry
Applied Digital Graphics
Nudge and Behaviour Change
Consumer Psychology: Theory
Applied Consumer Psychology