Design and Innovation for Sustainability

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:

Scholarships available ? up to £5,000. 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 visit: Finance and funding

Overview:

Suitable for graduates from a wide range of disciplines. A design or engineering background is not essential; the important considerations are an interest in sustainable development and a desire to be at the forefront of sustainable design-led innovation.

Takes you on to a range of positions where knowledge and experience of design, innovation, sustainability and management are essential attributes in engaging organisations with global sustainability issues and agendas. Graduates will be well equipped to lead multidisciplinary operations through the application of a design-led approach to sustainable business strategy.

You will be taught by a wide range of subject specialists at Cranfield, and practitioners from industry, who draw on their research expertise and industrial experience to provide a stimulating a learning experience.

Course Description:

Growing global concerns about environmental and social issues have placed increasing importance on sustainable development worldwide. Governments and companies recognise the need to innovate to meet competitive pressures. Design and innovation provide a vital tool for organisations to improve their competitive advantage while addressing environmental performance.

This course takes a design-led approach to product and service innovation. Graduates are able to apply design thinking across the business disciplines of design, management, engineering and science to meet the environmental, social and economic needs of consumers while improving organisational sustainability.

Students work within the Centre for Competitive Creative Design (C4D), voted one of the world?s top 30 design schools by Business Week (Sept 2009). The Centre is a partnership between Cranfield University and the University of Arts London (UAL). It aims to inspire organisations to apply creative design capability and enhance competitiveness.

The MDes comprises eight one-week assessed modules, a group project which includes individual concept development through collaboration, and an individual project. Students undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) complete the eight modules and the group project. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) students complete six modules.

Group Project

The group project provides students with the opportunity to undertake a consultancy-type project, addressing a real-life design for sustainability problem, while working under academic supervision. Success is dependent on the integration of various activities and working within agreed objectives, deadlines and budgets. It develops and refines students? organisational, management and team-working skills. For part-time students a dissertation usually replaces the group project.

Individual 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 design and innovation for sustainability. Many of the projects are supported by external organisations.

Modules:

The modules include lectures and tutorials, and are assessed through written examinations and assignments.

Compulsory Modules:

• Concept Development and Prototyping
• Design Driven Innovation
• Strategic Communication and Brand Development
• Managing Innovation and New Product Development
• Principles of Sustainability
• Programme and Project Management
• Whole System Design 

Elective Module (select one):

• Environmental Regulation in Practice
• Evaluating Sustainability
• Creative Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Want to find out more?

Contact our Enquiries Office for further details on all the courses we offer by either email: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk or phone +44 (0)1234 754086. You can also visit our website.

Additional content

• Specialist Energy MSc opportunities