MA/MSc Innovation and Creative Strategy

Program Overview

This one-year full-time program combines design thinking, entrepreneurial leadership, and collaborative skills to equip students with the tools to address global challenges and create positive change. Through hands-on client projects, students develop innovative solutions and build entrepreneurial confidence in a design studio environment. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in innovation, design, entrepreneurship, and management, with alumni securing positions in diverse organizations across industries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objective:

This program aims to equip students with the design thinking, entrepreneurial leadership, and collaborative skills necessary to address complex global challenges and create positive change.

Description:

• The program combines design-led innovation and entrepreneurial leadership to foster a transformative educational experience for students.
• Students work on real-world client briefs, ranging from start-up charities to Fortune 500 corporations, to develop innovative solutions and build entrepreneurial confidence.
• The design studio environment replicates a real-world agency, fostering collaboration and hands-on experience.
• Graduates are well-equipped to lead organizations and communities towards a sustainable future.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Design thinking principles and methods
• Entrepreneurial leadership & innovation
• Creative problem-solving strategies
• Collaboration & teamwork skills
• Project management & execution
• Design research & insights
• Strategic communication & pitching
• Global challenges & sustainable development

Structure:

• 1-year full-time program
• Taught through lectures, seminars, and tutorials
• Emphasis on hands-on learning and client projects
• Supported by an innovator in residence and expert faculty

Course Schedule:

• Intensive, with approximately 12-20 hours of classroom sessions per week.
• Additional time dedicated to independent study and project work.
• Weekly academic support sessions to enhance learning skills.
• Individual guidance provided by a dedicated tutor.

Modules:

• Design Process (30 Credits): Introduces key design thinking concepts and methods, focusing on action research, cross-cultural collaboration, and innovation & enterprise.
• Design Innovation and Creative Practice (30 Credits): Explores design-led innovation practices through various phases, including set-up, problem and solution exploration, strategy development, pitching, and unpacking.
• Strategic Innovation Practice (30 Credits): Guides students in undertaking design-led innovation projects, focusing on strategic innovation, brand development, and business modelling.
• Responsible Innovation Practice (30 Credits): Addresses the ethical and social implications of innovation, emphasizing responsible business practices and co-created strategy development.

Assessment:

• Portfolios showcasing individual and collaborative projects
• Assignments testing critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Reports demonstrating research and analytical abilities
• Participation in class discussions and activities

Teaching:

• Experienced faculty with diverse backgrounds in design, business, and innovation
• Innovator in residence providing mentorship and industry insights
• Creative and interactive teaching methods

Careers:

• Graduates are prepared for various roles in innovation, design, entrepreneurship, and management within diverse organizations.
• Alumni have secured positions in creative agencies, consultancies, start-ups, and corporations across industries.
• The program opens doors to numerous career paths, including:
• Creative Account Manager
• Innovation Strategy Consultant
• User Experience Researcher
• Global Category Manager
• Creative Director
• Entrepreneur
• Design Strategist

Other:

• Northumbria University is ranked top 20 in the UK for Art and Design.
• Graduates gain valuable experience working on 5-7 client projects during the program.
• Students have opportunities to collaborate with external organizations and communities.
• The program fosters a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Tuition fee 2024/25 UK/Home students: £9,250 per annum International students: £18,250 per annum