MSc DESIGN INNOVATION

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

The programme welcomes participants from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, including graduates of social sciences, anthropology, design, business or engineering. Graduates of other disciplines are also invited to apply. No former design experience is required.

A first class or upper second class honours primary degree qualification is normally required, and participants may be required to conduct a brief interview to demonstrate their understanding of the MSc objectives. Exceptionally, candidates with lower second-class honours or other degree qualifications may be allowed to join the programme, after interview.

Standard applicants and RPL applicants can apply here.

Fees for the full- and part-time course can be found here.

Minimum English language requirements:

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. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

IELTS : 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band

Duolingo English Test (DET) : The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 - with at least 110 in each individual subscore. 

Pearson Test of English : 63 with no less than 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section

TOEFL internet-based test  : iBT: 90 with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section

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.