Postgraduate Prospectus
Innovation and Creativity in Industry Master of Design MDes/MTech/PgDip/PgCert
Suitable for graduates of science, engineering, business, technology or related disciplines keen to pursue careers as engineering or management professionals with creative design capability. The part-time option allows practitioners from the engineering or science-based industries to enhance their knowledge of how creative practices can improve product and service development within their current employment.
Takes you on to positions within a range of sectors. Roles are varied, ranging from managers of people to design managers, creative engineers or consultants. Graduates of this course will possess a combination of science-based skills with creative insight which is increasingly desirable for employers looking to enhance productivity performance in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
You will be taught by a wide range of subject specialists from Cranfield and from outside the University, who draw on their research expertise and industrial experience to provide relevant and stimulating teaching.
Course description
In today’s highly competitive world, business success depends increasingly on the ability to innovate. Business leaders need to recognise the importance of design thinking in shaping business strategy. Forward thinking professionals with the ability to integrate creativity and design thinking in the business functions of engineering, management, communication and commerce, will be sought after by employers across multiple sectors.
This innovative course develops modern business leaders able to exploit creativity and design thinking at a strategic level to achieve organisational competitiveness.
Cranfield has been named one of the world's top design schools by BusinessWeek for its Master of Design (MDes) in Innovation and Creativity in Industry. Students work within the Centre for Competitive Creative Design (C4D), a collaboration with the University of the Arts London (UAL), ensuring students benefit from the expertise of two organisations recognised as leaders in their fields.
The course comprises eight one-week assessed modules (seven compulsory and one elective), a group design project, which includes individual concept development through collaboration, and an individual design project resulting in a public exhibition.
Students undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) complete the eight modules and the group project. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) students complete six modules.
"This course encourages design thinking and innovation. It gives students a deeper understanding of how business, engineering and design work by learning each of the processes first hand. Students from any field or skill can be exposed to other disciplines therefore it gives them the ability to apply ‘design thinking’ in all aspects of industry."
Group project
The group project provides students with the opportunity to take responsibility for a consultancy-type project, while working under academic supervision. Success is dependent on the integration of various activities and working within agreed objectives, deadlines and budgets. It addresses a real-life challenge in creative design practice and develops and refines students’ organisational, management and teamwork skills. For part-time students a dissertation usually replaces the group project.
Individual design project
The individual project provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research, think and work in an original way, contribute to knowledge, and overcome genuine problems in creative design. Many of the projects are supported by external organisations.
Modules:
The modules include lectures and tutorials, and are assessed through assignments. These provide the tools required for the group and individual projects.
- Technology and Prototyping
- Design Thinking
- Design Driven Innovation Processes
- Brand Management and Communication
- Creative Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
- Consumer Trends and Behaviours
- Whole System Design
- Smart Materials and Processes
Entry requirements
Candidates must possess, or be expected to achieve, a 1st or 2nd class UK Honours degree in a relevant discipline, or the international equivalent of these UK qualifications. Other relevant qualifications, together with significant experience, may be considered.
Duration
1 year full-time, 2-5 years part-time.
Start date
Full-time: October. Part-time: throughout the year.
Number of places
20.
Assessment
Taught modules 40%, group project 20% (dissertation for part-time students), individual project 40%.
Funding
Other funding opportunities exist, such as industrial sponsorship. For the majority of part-time students sponsorship is organised by their employers. Please note that a formal offer of a place on this course must have been received before consideration can be given for funding. For information on funding opportunities and details of conditions, please see: Finance and funding
Further details & applications
Further information
Contact
School of Applied Sciences Enquiries
T: +44 (0)1234 754086
E: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk
Application process
Application form. UK students are normally expected to attend an interview and financial support is best discussed at that time. Overseas and EU students may be interviewed by telephone.
Online application
Teaching location
Cranfield campus, School of Applied Sciences.
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