Studying innovation and design abroad
What is innovation and design?
Innovation and design is the study of creating new ideas, products, and services that improve how people live and work. It focuses on combining creativity, problem-solving, and technology to develop solutions that are practical, appealing, and effective. Students in this field explore how design thinking and innovation processes can transform industries and everyday life.
The subject draws on knowledge from engineering, business, psychology, and visual arts. As an innovation and design student, you will learn how to identify problems, generate ideas, prototype solutions, and test them in real-world settings. Your learning may take you from creative studios to laboratories, workshops, and collaborative project spaces.
Why study innovation and design abroad?
Studying innovation and design in a different country exposes you to diverse perspectives, cultures, and ways of thinking. You could visit cutting-edge design hubs, participate in international competitions, or see how innovation drives local industries. These experiences help you understand global trends and user needs in a way that textbooks alone cannot.
By studying abroad, you will also develop valuable skills in cross-cultural collaboration, communication, and networking. You can form international connections with designers, entrepreneurs, and organisations, giving your career a global perspective.
What you will study
Innovation and design programs often combine theory with practical experience. Key areas of study can include:
- Design Thinking – learning how to approach problems creatively and iteratively.
- Product and Service Design – developing innovative products, systems, and services.
- Human-Centred Design – understanding user needs and experiences.
- Sustainable Innovation – creating solutions that are environmentally and socially responsible.
- Digital Tools and Prototyping – using software and fabrication technologies to test ideas.
- Project Management and Entrepreneurship – turning innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.
Courses frequently include workshops, collaborative projects, internships, and partnerships with companies or innovation labs.
Related subjects you might also like:
- Industrial Design
- Product Development
- Business Innovation
- Technology and Innovation Management
- User Experience Design
Accreditation
At undergraduate level, you may graduate with a Bachelor of Design (BDes), Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Innovation and Design or a related field. Some programs integrate innovation with business, technology, or engineering.
At postgraduate level, options include a Master of Design (MDes), Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, or Master of Research (MRes). Specialisations may focus on sustainable design, product innovation, digital fabrication, or service design. Professional accreditation or recognition may be available through design or innovation industry organisations in some countries.
Careers
A degree in innovation and design can lead to careers in product development, service design, design consulting, and technology innovation. Graduates often work as design strategists, innovation managers, UX designers, or creative consultants.
Other opportunities include entrepreneurship, project management, or research roles in innovation labs, start-ups, and multinational companies. Beyond these positions, innovation and design graduates may work as educators, researchers, or policy advisors in creative and technological industries.
The skills developed in this field are in demand worldwide, allowing you to contribute to projects that bring real change and new solutions to society.