GMIT offers new MSc in Design & Innovation co-designed with industry

Six departments across GMIT have collaborated with a wide range of industry and service sector groups to develop a ground-breaking new postgraduate course, the Master of Science in Design & Innovation, commencing delivery in September.

The course was designed by a multi-disciplinary team from departments within the Schools of Engineering, Business, and Design & Creative Arts following consultation with representatives from the IDA and several companies that included Thermo King and Avaya.

The two-year course seeks to address skills shortages in the west of Ireland as highlighted in reports such as “The National Planning Framework: Project Ireland 2040”, explains Dr Gabriel J Costello, Chartered Engineer and lecturer in the Dept of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and Chair of the new MSc.

“The masters employs a “learning by doing” approach inspired by the Stanford d. School’s design philosophy, which is having an increasing influence in Higher Educational Institutes around the world. In addition to traditional engineering and product design education, “design thinking” is now being applied across disciplines such as business, law, medicine, the social sciences and humanities,” says Dr Costello.

“In these challenging times, addressing current business and societal challenges will require skills in creativity and innovation. The Level 9 course is for employees who want to upskill in the areas of design and innovation while continuing to work part-time or full-time. It will be beneficial to a broad number of sectors such as medtech, technology, agri, design, manufacturing, the service industries and the public sector.”

“It is 100% project-based and will be delivered in a blended mode over two academic years combining on-line and remote learning together with team-based classes every second Saturday per month. It is suitable for people holding a level 8 degree in Engineering, Design, Business, Computer Science or related disciplines, who wish to move into leadership roles in research and development (R&D) and the wider areas of new product, new service and new process management.”

GMIT will hold an Open Evening webinar on Thursday, 28 May, at 6 pm where teaching staff will be available to discuss and answer questions on the programme To attend this online event, please join that evening using the link on the GMIT homepage https://www.gmit.ie/open-evening-webinar-new-msc-design-and-innovation There is no requirement to register.

For more information about this course, see:https://www.gmit.ie/design-and-innovation/msc-design-and-innovation and/or contact Dr Gabriel J Costello gabrielj.costello@gmit.ie or Dr Carine Gachon, Head of Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, tel. 085 8034769

For information about the academic staff delivering this course, please see: https://www.gmit.ie/sites/default/files/public/engineering/docs/b-msc-design-and-innovation-lecturer-profiles.pdf

Closing date for applications is Friday, 19 June 2020. Please note the programme will proceed pending relevant public health directives and sufficient numbers.