Qualification : MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
CAO/MU Apply code : MH51K
CAO Points :
Closing Date : 30 June 2025
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 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
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 through our PAC system 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
Academic
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.
Online application only. To make an application please click here.
To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:
- Evidence of your primary degree
- Academic transcripts
- A copy of your passport
- A personal statement
Interviews are included in the application process.
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