Design Innovation

Design has become a catalyst for change which drives innovation, sustainability, and social progress across industries and societies. Not just for operational efficiency but to help organisations address pressing environmental and socio-cultural challenges. It means there’s high demand for future-oriented specialists with a creative and strategic design mindset, combined with robust collaboration skills.

The MSc Design Innovation brings together creativity, strategy and leadership to help you harness design as a force for transformation within organisations, communities and systems.

This course is for those who see design not only as a practice, but as a way of thinking, a means to reimagine how we live, work and interact. You’ll develop the insight and confidence to lead innovation projects that respond to environmental and socio-cultural challenges, while fostering sustainable and inclusive futures.

Develop a specialist approach and skill set

Design innovation is a highly collaborative field, and you’ll stretch that skill in cross-cultural and interdisciplinary project work. Through a combination of project-based learning, critical reflection and collaboration, you’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of how design drives change in different contexts from corporate innovation, sustainability, public policy and social enterprise.

On each module you’ll analyse and evaluate real-world design practices and case studies, learning to balance creative ideation with strategic decision-making. Across the course, emphasis is placed on developing your ability to communicate ideas clearly, manage complex processes and lead interdisciplinary teams.

Learn from innovators and engage with industry

You’ll study in London, a global centre for design and innovation, surrounded by organisations shaping the future of design. The course features insights and collaborations with partners such as Citizens UK, Design Thinkers Academy, Snook, the Design Council, Outlandish, Doughnut Economics Action Lab and others.

Teaching draws on the experience of creative practitioners, academics, thought leaders and managers who bring diverse perspectives from the worlds of design, sustainability and innovation management. Their expertise will guide you through current debates and emerging approaches, helping you frame your own professional path.

A springboard for a career with impact

The design innovation field is growing and evolving rapidly. By the end of your course, you’ll have the mindset and skills needed for roles in design leadership, innovation management, design strategy and new service development.

It’s relevant to organisations across all sectors, so you’ll be well placed to make an impact in any area that interests you. With a strong creative and strategic approach, you could use it to support your own venture or go on to PhD level study.

Why you should study this degree