Design, Strategy and Leadership

Start: January

Duration: 2-3 years part-time.

Entry Requirements:

Candidates must possess, or be expected to achieve, a 1st or 2nd class UK honours degree in a relevant business, engineering or design-based discipline, or the international equivalent of these UK qualifications. Other relevant qualifications together with industrial experience may be considered.

Course Description:

The successful use of strategic and tactical design within industry and private sector organisations is  able to impact on business performance, build market share, generate and sustain growth, improve productivity and increase competitiveness (Design Council, 2011). The Cox Review Report (2005) stresses the importance of the creative sector in the national competitiveness of the UK. It highlights the notion that future growth can only be achieved through a long-term commitment to promoting and harnessing the wealth creating potential of creativity and innovation.

Offered by Cranfield’s Centre for Competitive Creative Design (C4D), the MDes in Design, Strategy and Leadership exploits existing expertise within Cranfield’s School of Applied Sciences and School of Management. This executive Master's course reflects the need for qualified professionals with a range of skills in both the creative and strategic domains, who can combine the disciplines of creative innovation strategy and design leadership in order to deliver growth and increased competitiveness. 

The course integrates world-class design-driven innovation and strategic management teaching and research activities through a unique teaching approach. The MDes course comprises eight assessed modules, in which students engage in creative leadership, strategic design management, financial and business planning, design thinking and innovation strategy. Modules are delivered in facilities in London, supported by seminars, workshops and lectures in creative and design agencies, providing a closer link to professional practice. Residential elements will be delivered at Cranfield. Students also undertake a group project, in which students apply their skills to real business challenges, and an individual thesis project.

Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) students complete eight modules and the group project. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) students complete six modules.

Group project

The group project involves students working in teams to fulfil demanding objectives within a tight timescale, applying state-of-the-art technologies and approaches to addressing major challenges in design strategy, and delivering results to a high professional standard. A dissertation may also replace the group project for part-time students.

Individual thesis project

The individual thesis project offers students the opportunity to develop their research capability, depth of understanding and ability to provide world-class solutions to real problems in design strategy and leadership.

Modules:

Core modules:

• Induction
• Personal Leadership and Development
• Managing Design Thinking
• Strategic Management and Leadership
• Design Innovation Processes
• Business Planning and Development
• Design and Management Consulting Practices
• Open Innovation and Social Networking

Optional modules (select one):

• Internationalisation and Leadership
• Brand Management and Communication
• New Approaches to User Centred Innovation

Funding:

Funding opportunities exist, such as School bursaries and 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 please visit: www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/funding

For further information, please contact School of Applied Sciences Enquiries tel: 01234 754086 or email appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk

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