Multidisciplinary Innovation MA/MSc
1 Year Full-Time | September Start
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Study
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Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
MDI is truly unique, it is the only Masters that will allow students to work live projects throughout the entire course, all year-round, every semester. We welcome students onto this course from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. Working collaboratively with people with a range of skill sets, you’ll devise creative solutions using strategic innovation to solve real-world, complex challenges to social, organisational and commercial issues. Previous organisations we have worked with include multinationals like Mars, Unilever and Realme, local start-ups and charities.
Want to read some of our frequently asked questions about this course? Discover more here.
Our MDI philosophy is to create a cross-disciplinary learning environment in the studio that nurtures and practices innovation and originality with a specific user and issues-based approach.
As part of this course, you will work in a simulated agency environment within our studio to:
We aim to encourage and develop your skills both practically and intellectually and to help you grow as individuals. You will be challenged through live projects and gain valuable experience as a reflective practitioner and strategic thinker. You will also have the chance to grow and become a confident, professional and highly employable graduate. Previous graduates from this course have secured senior roles with large organisations, and some have started their own businesses and charities or gone on to PhD study.
Level of Study
Postgraduate
Mode of Study
1 year Full Time
Department
Northumbria School of Design, Newcastle Business School
Location
Northern Design Centre
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2024
Fees
Fee Information
Modules
Module Information
EXCITING NEW CULTURAL PARTNERSHIP
NEW INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE. FIND OUT MORE HERE.
Discover the funding options available to you.
Explore our immersive 360 tours, informative subject videos, inspirational student profiles, ground-breaking research, and a range of life at university blogs videos and articles.
Find out what MDI is all about, listen to MDI student Hannah chat about her experiences on this course, plus details of a recent live consultancy project our students have worked on with Realme. Plus find out what career opportunities are available to you and discover our frequently asked questions section.
Teaser.
Students will study one module per semester to allow flexibility around live projects and related timelines. You can expect practical involvement in multiple aspects of innovation and design-led co-creation. These include project scoping and planning, creative research and insight development, ideation and concept refinement, strategy development and communication, value definition, and pitching and reporting to clients.
Our assessment strategy is designed to consolidate theory-rich project learning. Assessment methods include portfolios and project reports.
Multidisciplinary Innovation students work on a suite of diverse projects with globally leading brands such as Unilever, BA and Mars, as well as charities and regional businesses such as Percy Hedley Foundation, Whitefield Academy Trust and Northumbrian Water.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
The course also leverages the resources of Newcastle Business School, with double accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in business and accounting. The quality of our research, teaching and engagement with business were among the factors that led to Newcastle Business School being named ‘Business School of the Year’ at the Times Higher Education Awards 2015.
We also employ recent graduates on a part-time basis as Innovators in Residence (IiR). Find out more about our IiR and meet our current team here.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Northumbria works with a wide range of partners including regional businesses, national and multinational companies, government agencies and charities. Our partners include teams at Unilever who recognise the strength of Northumbria’s design, technology and business capabilities.
When you join this course you’ll become part of a community of knowledge experts, practice experts and external collaborators. Your learning and collaborative practice will be supported by the use of relevant technologies at or beyond industry standard.
Based at our City Campus, our studio which is located close to the tutor offices, library and digital commons, is equipped with mix of desktop PC's and Apple Mac's, white panels for project mapping, breakout rooms for tutorials and online meetings.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Each module will develop your understanding of research methodologies, encourage personal reflective enquiry, and engage you as a co-researcher in academic-led research programmes. These ongoing programmes are based around two interconnected communities: ‘design-led Responsible Innovation Practice’ and ‘Strategic Entrepreneurial Leadership’.
Discover more about Multidisciplinary Innovation
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
You’ll build a portfolio and CV that lists actual strategic innovation and research projects that you will have undertaken, and which will have allowed you to build your own professional network.
During the course you’ll work with personal development experts from Newcastle Business School to develop a deep understanding of your personal and professional traits. You’ll learn how to use these traits whilst collaborating with others in innovative practices. This will develop a level of self-awareness and creative confidence that employers and recruitment agencies will find impressive.
"On personal level I believe MDI was so important for my career as it embodies everything that is critical to the success of modern business. Innovation, strategy, planning, teamwork. MDI put us one step ahead and I continue to implement the skills I acquired on a daily basis."
Luke Menzfeld, Multidisciplinary Innovation alumni, Business Analyst
The Multidisciplinary Innovation programme has welcomed many entrepreneurs and business managers to talk with the team and give them advice
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Innovation is increasingly a strategic priority, and by applying the skills you’ll learn on this exciting course, you’ll be able to lead and deliver positive change and competitively seek a career in this expanding sector.
The portfolio you’ll build through the practical experience gained will give you a distinct advantage, especially when combined with the valuable network of contacts you’ll make in the business community.
Some of our past graduates have gone on to have successful careers within a variety of roles including; Innovation Strategy Consultant, Global Category Manager, Lead Advanced Design Studio Engineer, Creative Account Manager, Innovation Manager, User Experience Researcher, Market Project Manager, and Head of 3D Department, to name but a few.
"If you're unsure whether to return to uni to join MDI... toss a coin, then do it anyway. It was one of the best decisions of my life, hands down."
Sarah Semple, Multidisciplinary Innovation alumni, Brand Designer & Strategist
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Applicants should normally have:
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in any discipline. Applicants with appropriate work experience and/or a relevant professional qualification will be considered.
International qualifications:
If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English language requirements:
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
Full UK Fee: £9,250
Full EU Fee: £18,250
Full International Fee: £18,250
Scholarships and Discounts
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There are no Additional Costs
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
DE7024 -
Design-Led Innovation Practice (Core,60 Credits)
During this module, you will be introduced to and undertake design-led innovation practice. You will develop a detailed understanding of the principles and a range of approaches to innovation practice, through the phases of: Set-up, Problem & Solution Exploration, Strategy Development, Pitch, and Unpack. You will learn about the range of methods and resources that support design-led innovation practice and be encouraged to challenge and adapt them.
You will be introduced to key knowledge and concepts about the practicing professional, his/her self-development and the broader contexts of the team, the organisation, and the commercial environment. You will enter into the process of personal and professional development within the context of multidisciplinary innovation teams, and in the aspects of project planning, coordination and management.
You will tackle, as part of a multidisciplinary team, a range of innovation projects, working with external organisations and communities. During these projects, you will be coached, supervised and challenged as you learn how best to contribute your knowledge and expertise within a multidisciplinary team. You’ll learn about different forms of innovation and design-led co-creation, by practicing:
• Project scoping and planning
• Creative research and insight development
• Reflective practice and collaborative workshops
• Ideation, concept refinement and evaluation
• Strategy development and communication
• Value definition and impact assessment
• Client pitches and reporting.
DE7025 -
Responsible Innovation Practice (Core,60 Credits)
During this module, you will refine your understanding of, and undertake, design-led innovation practice with a particular focus on responsibility in innovation. You will learn, through practice, how to lead organisations and communities; responding to their local issues in the context of mega trends; developing a detailed proposal informed by an understanding of the impacts and consequences of innovation.
Within a multidisciplinary team you will undertake design-led responsible innovation framing and addressing a complex innovation project within your client’s context. Individually you will produce a change plan for enabling your team’s proposal.
You will identify key knowledge and concepts related to ‘responsible business practice’, ‘resilient communities’, and ‘mega trends’. You will continue the process of personal and professional development within the context of multidisciplinary innovation teams, and in the aspects of ‘innovation horizons’, ‘local, national and global policies’, and ‘knowledge and transformation economies’.
Within a multidisciplinary team you will undertake an in-depth innovation project working with an external organisation(s) or community(s). During this project, you will be coached, supervised and challenged as you learn how best to contribute your knowledge and expertise within a multidisciplinary team. You will refine your understanding about the value of design-led co-creation, by producing a business proposal, defended as responsible, that justifies a vision and resourcing based upon:
• Understanding of a complex issue
• A critical appraisal of current action and initiatives
• An innovation tapestry and strategy
• Personal reflexive positioning of drivers, competencies and future action.
HR9716 -
Strategic Innovation Practice (Core,60 Credits)
During this module, you will develop your understanding of, and undertake, design-led innovation projects demonstrating your developing strategic innovation practice. You will learn how design-led innovation enables ‘co-created strategy’, develops new organisational ‘creative functionality’ and establishes ‘strategic insights and assets’.
Within a team, you will develop pathways to realise strategic value by designing innovative policies, systems, services, products, communications, strategies and ways of working.
You will be introduced to key knowledge and concepts related to ‘understanding and leading teams’, ‘communities of practice’, and ‘competitiveness and strategy’. You will continue the process of personal and professional development within the context of multidisciplinary innovation teams, and in the aspects of brand development, strategic goal setting, and business modelling.
You will tackle, as part of a multidisciplinary team, a range of innovation projects, working with external organisations and communities. During these projects, you will be coached, supervised and challenged as you learn how best to contribute your knowledge and expertise within a multidisciplinary team. You will continue to develop your understanding about different forms of innovation and design-led co-creation, by:
• Practicing in depth and meaningful value creation
• Understanding interconnected perspectives through stakeholder mapping
• Creating cohesive arguments using the outputs of design-led innovation methods
• Building compelling narratives to shape and support project outcomes
• Practicing integrated strategy mapping to influence positive change
• Creating and presenting innovation pathways that highlight the link between local issues and mega trends.
YB7000 -
Academic Language Skills for Design & Fashion (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Effective reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
DE7024 -
Design-Led Innovation Practice (Core,60 Credits)
During this module, you will be introduced to and undertake design-led innovation practice. You will develop a detailed understanding of the principles and a range of approaches to innovation practice, through the phases of: Set-up, Problem & Solution Exploration, Strategy Development, Pitch, and Unpack. You will learn about the range of methods and resources that support design-led innovation practice and be encouraged to challenge and adapt them.
You will be introduced to key knowledge and concepts about the practicing professional, his/her self-development and the broader contexts of the team, the organisation, and the commercial environment. You will enter into the process of personal and professional development within the context of multidisciplinary innovation teams, and in the aspects of project planning, coordination and management.
You will tackle, as part of a multidisciplinary team, a range of innovation projects, working with external organisations and communities. During these projects, you will be coached, supervised and challenged as you learn how best to contribute your knowledge and expertise within a multidisciplinary team. You’ll learn about different forms of innovation and design-led co-creation, by practicing:
• Project scoping and planning
• Creative research and insight development
• Reflective practice and collaborative workshops
• Ideation, concept refinement and evaluation
• Strategy development and communication
• Value definition and impact assessment
• Client pitches and reporting.
DE7025 -
Responsible Innovation Practice (Core,60 Credits)
During this module, you will refine your understanding of, and undertake, design-led innovation practice with a particular focus on responsibility in innovation. You will learn, through practice, how to lead organisations and communities; responding to their local issues in the context of mega trends; developing a detailed proposal informed by an understanding of the impacts and consequences of innovation.
Within a multidisciplinary team you will undertake design-led responsible innovation framing and addressing a complex innovation project within your client’s context. Individually you will produce a change plan for enabling your team’s proposal.
You will identify key knowledge and concepts related to ‘responsible business practice’, ‘resilient communities’, and ‘mega trends’. You will continue the process of personal and professional development within the context of multidisciplinary innovation teams, and in the aspects of ‘innovation horizons’, ‘local, national and global policies’, and ‘knowledge and transformation economies’.
Within a multidisciplinary team you will undertake an in-depth innovation project working with an external organisation(s) or community(s). During this project, you will be coached, supervised and challenged as you learn how best to contribute your knowledge and expertise within a multidisciplinary team. You will refine your understanding about the value of design-led co-creation, by producing a business proposal, defended as responsible, that justifies a vision and resourcing based upon:
• Understanding of a complex issue
• A critical appraisal of current action and initiatives
• An innovation tapestry and strategy
• Personal reflexive positioning of drivers, competencies and future action.
HR9716 -
Strategic Innovation Practice (Core,60 Credits)
During this module, you will develop your understanding of, and undertake, design-led innovation projects demonstrating your developing strategic innovation practice. You will learn how design-led innovation enables ‘co-created strategy’, develops new organisational ‘creative functionality’ and establishes ‘strategic insights and assets’.
Within a team, you will develop pathways to realise strategic value by designing innovative policies, systems, services, products, communications, strategies and ways of working.
You will be introduced to key knowledge and concepts related to ‘understanding and leading teams’, ‘communities of practice’, and ‘competitiveness and strategy’. You will continue the process of personal and professional development within the context of multidisciplinary innovation teams, and in the aspects of brand development, strategic goal setting, and business modelling.
You will tackle, as part of a multidisciplinary team, a range of innovation projects, working with external organisations and communities. During these projects, you will be coached, supervised and challenged as you learn how best to contribute your knowledge and expertise within a multidisciplinary team. You will continue to develop your understanding about different forms of innovation and design-led co-creation, by:
• Practicing in depth and meaningful value creation
• Understanding interconnected perspectives through stakeholder mapping
• Creating cohesive arguments using the outputs of design-led innovation methods
• Building compelling narratives to shape and support project outcomes
• Practicing integrated strategy mapping to influence positive change
• Creating and presenting innovation pathways that highlight the link between local issues and mega trends.
YB7000 -
Academic Language Skills for Design & Fashion (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Effective reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.
Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.
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If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
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