Design Innovation

The MSc in Design Innovation is the first of its kind in Europe. Utilizing a blend of theory and practice you will learn the necessary skills to become a leader in Design Innovation, developing smart, novel, winning innovation concepts.



Through our unique multi-disciplinary approach, combining Design, Ethnography, Psychology, Engineering and Business, you will learn the methods necessary to research, acquire, analyse and present actionable innovation concepts. The MSc in Design Innovation matches actionable insights with organisational strategies and capabilities to deliver differentiating and competitive solutions.



While suited for anyone aspiring to be an effective radical innovator, it directly prepares graduates for the roles in innovation leadership, innovation management, product management, strategic marketing, market research, design strategy and new product or service development. Our graduates have gone on to work 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.



Both full- and part-time courses are continuous assessment, with grades awarded for assignments completed within each module.



Full-time programme

The full-time programme is delivered over 12 months beginning in September, approx. 4 contact days per month (9 am-6 pm). Students use the time between classes to apply their learnings and complete assignments. Taught modules are delivered in semesters 1 & 2 (autumn and spring) with dissertation projects, including field research, carried out in semester 3 (summer).



Part-time programme

The part-time programme is delivered over 24 months beginning in September, approx. 2 contact days per month (9 am-6 pm). Students use the time between classes to apply their learnings and complete assignments. Taught modules are delivered in semesters 1 & 2 (autumn and spring) with dissertation projects, including field research, carried out in semester 3 (summer) of year 2.

Year 1

• Business Analytics

• Business Management

• Climate Change

• Design Innovation

• Digital Marketing

• Economics

• Finance

• International Business

• It - Enabled Innovation

• Mathematical Science

• Sound And Music Computing

• Strategic Marketing

• Strategy & Innovation

• Theoretical Physics And Mathematics



Year 2

• Business Analytics

• Business Management

• Climate Change

• Design Innovation

• Digital Marketing

• Economics

• Finance

• International Business

• It - Enabled Innovation

• Mathematical Science P/T

• Sound And Music Computing

• Strategic Marketing

• Strategy & Innovation

• Theoretical Physics And Mathematics

The programme welcomes participants from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, including graduates of Social Sciences, Anthropology, Design, Business or Engineering. Graduates of other disciplines are also invited to apply. No former design experience is required.



A first class or upper second class honours primary degree qualification is normally required, and participants may be required to 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.



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.



Minimum English language requirements:



Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Closing Date : 30 June 2025



Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.



Full-time programme

The full-time programme is delivered over 12 months beginning in September, approx. 4 contact days per month (9am-6pm).



Part-time programme

The part-time programme is delivered over 24 months beginning in September, approx. 2 contact days per month (9am-6pm).

Commences September

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.