Design Innovation
The MSc in Design Innovation is the first of its kind in Europe. Its focus is helping you learn from theory and practice; and to understand and acquire (by experience) the ability to develop smart, novel, winning innovation concepts.
It offers the opportunity to become a leader in Design Innovation for your organisation by providing practical education and experience in the key themes that drive 21st century innovation, such as innovation strategy and a deep understanding of human needs, behaviours and socio-cultural trends. You will learn the methods necessary to research, acquire, analyse and present this understanding as well as the techniques and skills to synthesise actionable innovation concepts. The MSC in Design Innovation matches actionable insights with organisational strategies and capabilities to deliver differentiating and competitive new concepts.
This MSc programme is ideal for anyone aspiring to be an effective radical innovator. In particular, it directly prepares graduates for the roles of innovation leadership, innovation management, product management, strategic marketing, market research, design strategy and new product or service development in a wide variety of sectors such as design, manufacturing, IT, web design, media and all areas of the public services. We welcome participants from various disciplinary backgrounds, including graduates of Social Sciences, Anthropology, Design, Business, Computer Science or Engineering. Graduates of other disciplines are also invited to apply.
We particularly welcome mature applicants through our Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) stream who have gained knowledge and skills through industry experience. Our RPL policy facilitates a review of the professional skills and relevant life experience of applicants without significant academic qualifications, but who have equivalent learning achievements which adequately prepare them for the programme.
Subjects taught
The programme is delivered by assignments, lectures, workshops and dissertation. A large portion of the learning is experiential through case research, workshop discussion, fieldwork and individual or group assignments. A substantial field project is carried out in the third semester, with a written dissertation on completion. All modules and dissertation are 100% continuously assessed, with no end of semester written examinations.
Modules
The programme is delivered over 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time). It is structured in a modular format to facilitate part-time study over 2 years while staying in employment.
Taught modules are delivered in semesters 1 & 2 (Autumn and Spring).
Dissertation project, including field research, is carried out in semester 3 (Summer).
Entry requirements
The programme welcomes participants from varied disciplinary backgrounds, including graduates of Social Sciences, Anthropology, Design, Business or Engineering. Graduates of other disciplines are also invited to apply. A first class or upper second class honours primary degree qualification is normally required, and participants must conduct a brief interview to demonstrate their understanding of the MSc objectives. Exceptionally, candidates with lower second class honours or other degree qualifications may be allowed to join the programme, after interview.
Minimum English language requirements:
• IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
• TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
• TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
• PTE (Pearson): 62
National University of Ireland Maynooth's TOEFL code is 8850
Application dates
All applications should be made through the PAC system.
Closing Date: 30 June 2021
Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Post Course Info
This MSc programme is ideal for anyone aspiring to be an effective radical innovator. In particular, it directly prepares graduates for the roles of innovation leadership, innovation management, product management, strategic marketing, market research, design strategy and new product or service development in a wide variety of sectors such as technology, pharmaceutical, agri-food, design, manufacturing, service industries and all areas of the public service.