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MSC DESIGN INNOVATION
The first of its kind in Europe, this 2-year part-time MSc blends theory and practice. You'll learn the necessary skills to become a leader in design innovation, developing smart, novel and winning innovation concepts.
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- Qualification
- Master Of Science Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH51K
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 27 August 2027
Overview
The MSc in Design Innovation is the first of its kind in Europe. Utilising 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.
Celebrating 10 years of Design Innovation - graduate profiles
Through our unique multi-disciplinary approach, combining design, ethnography, psychology and engineering, 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, computer science or engineering. Graduates of other disciplines are also invited to apply.
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.
”The Masters in Design Innovation proved to be a real turning point for my career. It allowed me to rediscover the crucial elements of insight-led, user-centred design, & in doing so, gave me the skills & opportunity to work on innovative solutions for some of the world’s biggest companies.” Michael Torrans, Innovation Services Design Lead Associate Manager, Accenture
“The decision to study the MSc in Design Innovation has been invaluable for my career. It has given me the confidence to tackle complex problems in my own work using design thinking. The course has shifted my mindset to be more experimental & collaborative in my work.” Lydia Ward, UX Researcher, Genesys
“I studied part-time over two years while continuing to work. It was a great opportunity to upskill with like-minded people from diverse backgrounds. The teaching is superb, the course content is fresh, & I worked on exciting industry-led team projects as part of each module.” Claire Lillis, Programme Manager, Aerogen
Dianne Hassett- MSc Design Innovation graduate.
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/graduate-profiles/diane-hassett
Course structure
Duration: 2 years part-time
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.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Year 1
Year 2
Careers after your Masters
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.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) in any discipline.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information.
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.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- Personal Statement - minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme.
(Current/Previous MU Students do not need to provide personal statements)
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.