Sustainable Innovation Design - Athlone

The MA in Sustainable Innovation Design is created to equip graduates with the skills necessary to tackle complex sustainability challenges through innovative design approaches. Rooted in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the programme integrates ethnographic research, circular economy principles, and interdisciplinary design thinking to prepare students for leadership roles in sustainability and regenerative practices.



The programme is strategically structured to reflect sustainability as a holistic, interconnected, and process-driven system rather than a set of isolated actions or goals. Rooted in three core pillars – Theory, Research, and Design Practice – the programme fosters a systems-thinking approach, enabling sustainability to emerge through interdisciplinary, ethical, and integrated solutions rather than siloed interventions.



This is a future-focused programme where students don’t just learn about sustainability – they design for it, lead with it, and innovate through it, across business, policy, and community sectors. The combination of live industry projects, educational networks, and a major independent project ensures graduates emerge not just as designers, but as visionary change-makers who can bridge the gap between design, impact, and leadership in a rapidly evolving world.

Semester 1

Design For Sustainability And Circular Economies Credits: 10

Design Ethnography Research Credits: 10

Design for Change Credits: 10



Semester 2

Collaborative Sustainable Design Project Credits: 20

Strategic Design & Innovation Heuristics Credits: 10



Semester 3

Capstone Project Credits: 30

Applications will be accepted from primary Level 8 degree holders in the following areas: creative arts, engineering, graphic design, product design or digital marketing areas with a minimum award of Second Class Honours Grade 2. Other subject areas will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.



If the primary degree is not in these areas a portfolio presentation would be required for assessment, which will be through the Portfolio Portal.



Graduates who hold equivalent qualifications or relevant professional/experiential knowledge in related disciplines or who have relevant industrial experience will be considered for places on a case-by-case basis in line with TUS RPL Policy.

12 months full-time.

Career Opportunities

Industry and public sector demand transdisciplinary thinkers who can lead climate-aware, ethically responsible innovation. Global movements in design for systems change, design justice, and regenerative development also inform the ethos of this programme. Graduates of the MA in Sustainable Innovation Design will be equipped with the skills, mindset, and reflective capacity to lead change across diverse contexts. Whether working within global organisations, regional development networks, start-ups, or academic settings, they will contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, and imaginally rich future.



Graduates may be employed in the following areas:



Service Design Specialist

Experience Design Manager

System Designer

Design Innovator

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Design Consultant

Creative Director

Design Director

Interaction Designer

Motion Designer

Graphic Designer

Brand Designer

Product Designer

Data Designer

Design Strategist

Fashion Designer



Further Study

Upon successful completion of this programme, graduates have the opportunity to complete Level 9/10 programmes here at TUS or elsewhere.