Master of Design Strategy and Innovation
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
This course has been discontinued - this course is closed for new enrolments, the information on this page is provided for continuing students.
The Master of Design Strategy and Innovation combines study in design thinking, design management and strategy, systems and complexity thinking, innovation processes, futures forecasting, leadership and advanced sustainability practice. The course is suitable for designers and non-designers who wish to complement their existing skills with the frameworks, strategies, techniques and tools to solve complex problems.
Students learn how to integrate design-led strategies into existing practice in business, government agencies, social enterprise and communities. The course prepares students to create, lead and manage new products, systems and services that have a sustainable impact on the economy, society and the environment. They may also undertake study in related areas such as marketing, entrepreneurship and innovation, media and management. Students have the option to participate in study tours and projects with Design Factory Melbourne.
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Duration
3 semesters full-time or equivalent part-time. Mid-year entry is available for part-time students.
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Master of Design Strategy and Innovation provides a unique opportunity to integrate design thinking, design management, strategic design, systems and complexity thinking, innovation processes, futures forecasting, transformational leadership and advanced sustainability practice within the same course.
The course is suited to practitioners from all disciplines who wish to complement and extend their existing capability with design-led tools, techniques, frameworks and strategies for solving complex organisational, social and technological problems and to facilitate change in business, government agencies, social enterprise and communities.
The course will prepare graduates to create, lead, implement, manage and sustain innovation in products, systems and services that have a sustainable impact on the economy, society and the environment.
Students would normally sequence their study with the Master of Design Strategy and Innovation award. Students are eligible for an exit award - either the Graduate Certificate of Design Strategy and Innovation or the Graduate Diploma of Design Strategy and Innovation should they complete the designated units for each stage.
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Master of Design Strategy and Innovation, students must complete 150 credit points comprising:
- 7 Design core units (100 credit points)
- 50 credit points of study from the Capstone stream which includes one elective
or
- 7 Design core units (100 credit points)
- 2 Design Factory Melbourne units (50 credit points)
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Design Strategy and Innovation is 50 credit points (normally four units)
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Design Strategy and Innovation is 50 credit points (normally four units)
Units of study
Design core units
Students must complete the following seven units (100 credit points):
Students must complete the following seven units (100 credit points):
DDD70015 Design Management
DDD40001 Studio 1: Methods for Design Research (25 credit points)
FST80008 Designing for Change
DDD40001 Studio 1: Methods for Design Research (25 credit points)
FST80008 Designing for Change
Students must complete either the Capstone stream and one 12.5 credit points elective unit (50 credit points), or the Design Factory Melbourne stream (50 credit points):
Capstone Stream:
Capstone Stream:
Elective units
Students must complete one elective unit (12.5 credit points) if they have selected to undertake the Capstone stream. Select from the list below or any post graduate unit from elsewhere in the University:
Design Factory Melbourne Stream: (by application)
DDD80020 DFM: Global Innovation & Interdisciplinary Collaboration 1* (25 credit points)
DDD80021 DFM: Global Innovation & Interdisciplinary Collaboration 2* (25 credit points)
DDD80021 DFM: Global Innovation & Interdisciplinary Collaboration 2* (25 credit points)
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Aims and objectives
The course aims to provide graduates with an understanding of how design, design methods and design strategies integrate with management and innovation. It enables graduates to understand the management of design as a value-add resource in business. It is particularly suitable for ‘mid-career’ designers moving into management or strategy-related positions, or those responsible for managing design resources.
Upon successful completion of the Master of Design Strategy and Innovation, graduates will be able to:
- investigate and critically evaluate current practices and trends in design practice, strategy and management as they relate to social, cultural, economic and environmental contexts.
- conceptually and technically investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theory and apply them through independent research and projects on design strategy and innovation.
- use research principles and methods and communication skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and outcomes to an industry standard.
- demonstrate critical thinking and evaluative judgement in planning, problem-solving and decision-making during design projects.
- synthesise and demonstrate the integration of design thinking, design management, strategy, systems.
Graduate skills
The Swinburne Graduate Attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching courses assist all its graduates to be:
- capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- effective and ethical in work and community situations
- adaptable and able to manage change
- aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing.
Professional recognition
Upon completion of this qualification students may be eligible to become a member of the Design Institute of Australia, Australian Graphic Design Association or Design Management Institute but should confirm eligibility with the organisation.
Pathways and scholarships
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year. Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
Students with a recognised 3-year Bachelor qualification are eligible for entry into the Master of Design Strategy and Innovation.
How to apply
This course is closed for new enrolments.