Qualification : MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
CAO/PAC code : MH50K
CAO Points :
Closing Date : 30 June 2023
The MSc in Design Innovation is the first of its kind in Europe. Its focus is helping you learn from theory and practice; and to understand and acquire (by experience) the ability to develop smart, novel, winning innovation concepts.
It offers the opportunity to become a leader in Design Innovation for your organisation by providing practical education and experience in the key themes that drive 21st century innovation, such as innovation strategy and a deep understanding of human needs, behaviours and socio-cultural trends. You will learn the methods necessary to research, acquire, analyse and present this understanding as well as the techniques and skills to synthesise actionable innovation concepts. The MSc in Design Innovation matches actionable insights with organisational strategies and capabilities to deliver differentiating and competitive new concepts.
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 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, Business, 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 worlds 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
Commences
September
The programme welcomes participants from varied disciplinary backgrounds, including graduates of Social Sciences, Anthropology, Design, Business or Engineering. Graduates of other disciplines are also invited to apply. A first class or upper second class honours primary degree qualification is normally required, and participants must 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.
Minimum English language requirements:
IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
PTE (Pearson): 62
National University of Ireland Maynooths TOEFL code is 8850

Academic
Academic
The programme is delivered by assignments, lectures, workshops and dissertation. A large portion of the learning is experiential through case research, workshop discussion, fieldwork and individual or group assignments. A substantial field project is carried out in the third semester, with a written dissertation on completion. All modules and dissertation are 100% continuously assessed, with no end-of-semester written examinations.
Modules
The programme is delivered over 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time). It is structured in a modular format to facilitate part-time study over 2 years while staying in employment.
Taught modules are delivered in semesters 1 & 2 (Autumn and Spring).
Dissertation project, including field research, is carried out in semester 3 (Summer).
Online application only http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity
PAC Code
MH50K Full-time
The following documents should be uploaded to your online application form:
Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of their birth certificate or valid passport.