Our guiding philosophy is to actively seek new interactions between creativity, industry and society, through experimental modes of design research and engagement. Interactions which are underpinned by thematic areas of study aligned to global socio-economic challenges (technology enabled futures; healthy societies; consumption and sustainable economies; activism and civic participation; hyperconnectivity and business models; climate change equity). Themes which challenge you to explore the role of design-led innovation in delivering benefit for individuals, businesses and civil society.

Typical modules include:

Global contexts and systems (20 credits)

You will explore motivations and behaviours influencing design and innovation practice within contemporary contexts. Your strategic thinking will be developed through reference to economic, social and environmental ecosystems.

Design-led innovation principles and methods (20 credits)

You will investigate the role of innovation professionals in delivering value to organisations. The key principles of design-led innovation to manage innovation in commercial businesses and values-led organisations.  

Design Thinking Lab (20 credits)

You will apply the design thinking methodological approach to: problem setting and framing; identifying opportunities from insights; generating ideas; prototyping concepts; validating and testing outcomes. The module also provides a speculative space where you can explore creative ways of communicating future narratives.

Advanced design research (20 credits)

You will employ advanced design research methods to inform strategic decision-making and add value to organisations. This includes human-centred (ethnographic) research techniques to derive user perspectives (observation, conversation and immersion), design research tools to map relationships, visualise journeys and develop narratives.

Creative and collaborative professionalism (20 credits)

Your professional presence and collaborative skills will be developed in this module, through presenting innovation proposals and concepts to partners and clients in an authentic, engaging and creative way.

Innovation Impact Lab (60 credits)

You will focus on the transformative power of design, in challenging incumbent business practices through the examination of innovation models which respond to broader societal and sustainable development challenges. You will develop a lab mindset though the experimentation of creative approaches to the measurement, reporting and strategic management of environmental, social and economic impacts. 

Innovation Lead Project (20 credits)

This is your final self-directed project which empowers you to fully express your creative innovation skills and intrapreneurial mindset, through the detailed proposition, execution and analysis of a live innovation project.   

Course Structure 

The course is offered as a one year full-time or two year part-time (180 credits) level 7 course. The academic year 2020/2021 commences on 21st September 2020 and ends on 4th June 2021. 

Both full and part-time modes comprise of six modules (20 credits each), culminating in an Innovation Lead Project encompassing all prior learning (60 credits). Part-time study offers a more flexible way to study, over an extended two year period. Part-time provision mirrors that of full-time, with teaching through traditional face-to face (lectures, seminars, tutorials, groupwork etc.), directed and independent study activities. 

Stages within the course delivery provide opportunities to accrue 60 credits within term one (year one for part-time study) for a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), and 120 credits upon further successful completion of modules within term two (year two part-time) for a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip).  

Course delivery: 

A programme of expert lectures, immersive activities and real-world briefs will catalyse your thinking around key innovation themes. 

You will apply the design thinking methodological approach to: problem setting and framing; identifying opportunities from insights; generating ideas; prototyping concepts; validating and testing outcomes.  

Activities focus on the professionalisation of your research and communication skills, required to negotiate the delivery of innovation projects and to secure buy-in from stakeholders. Interaction with external project mentors, guest lectures industry visits will inform design iteration and outcomes.  
divergent and convergent thinking and iterative experimentation drive innovation. 

The course provides opportunities for you to increase your value to future employers through exposure to real-world experiences of applying your design acumen to commercial and social projects.  

Additional Costs

It is not anticipated that students will be required to undertake a DBS check, however in a scenario of students undertaking research with minors or vulnerable groups, full ethics scrutiny will be sought Issues (see section G. Ethical Issues). 
If appropriate, students would be liable for any costs. 

The course employs a range of assessment methods which reflect the personal, collaborative and academic skills appropriate for a professional in this field. Methods which encourage metacognition, promoting thinking about the learning process not just the learning outcomes.

A mix of individual and group assessment methods are employed including: portfolio, podcasts, personal reflections, blogs, group presentations, workshop facilitation, simulation, interactive artefacts, scenario, and organisational intervention proposals.