PG Dip Innovation through Design Thinking - HCI Pillar 1

Program Overview

The PG Dip in Innovation through Design Thinking equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to become innovative thinkers and leaders in various sectors. It emphasizes Design Thinking, data and digital literacy, and industry-in-the-classroom work-based learning. Graduates are expected to become future change makers, leading innovation within organizations and driving change.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to become innovative thinkers and leaders in various sectors. It focuses on Design Thinking, a human-centered approach to innovation, and emphasizes the development of design, data, and digital literacy. The program aims to create a new generation of design thinkers capable of tackling real-world challenges and driving change in complex environments.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Apply design thinking in organizational settings to address real-world challenges.
• Utilize tools and frameworks for implementing and scaling human-centered change in complex environments.
• Develop data and digital literacy competencies required for innovation.
• Identify and analyze trends driving change in an increasingly digital age.
• Adopt the principles of an action design approach in praxis.
• Demonstrate the ability to clearly present and discuss ideas, designs, and solutions.
• Manage the practicalities of working within teams charged with designing, prototyping, and evaluating solutions.

Outline:

Modules:

• ED6076 Innovation, Creativity, and Design Thinking (15 credits): This module introduces the principles and practices of Design Thinking, exploring its application in various contexts.
• BU6008 Data and Digital Literacy (15 credits): This module focuses on developing data literacy skills, including data analysis, interpretation, and visualization, as well as digital literacy skills, such as navigating digital environments and utilizing digital tools.
• BU6009 Industry-in-the-Classroom Work-based Learning Project (30 credits): This module provides practical experience through a collaborative project with an industry or social partner.
Students apply the skills and theories learned to address real-world issues within a business context.

Course Schedule:

• Delivery Mode: Online
• Sessions: Fridays, 10 am - 4 pm, over 12 weeks in Semester 1 (Sept-Dec) and 16 weeks in Semester 2 (Jan-May).
• Additional Sessions: One Thursday of each month.
This includes lectures and self-directed activities.

Progression to MA:

• Graduates of the PG Dip in Innovation through Design Thinking who have passed all modules and achieved an aggregate mark of 50% are eligible to progress to the MA Innovation through Design Thinking.
• The MA is not funded under the HCI Pillar 1 initiative and requires self-funding.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, peer support learning sessions, and input from artists in residence.
• Faculty: The program is jointly led by the School of Education and Cork University Business School.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates are expected to become future change makers, leading innovation within organizations and driving change.
Graduates are well-positioned to fill roles requiring these skills and become agents of change in various sectors.
• Outcomes: The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to inspire, lead, and facilitate diverse teams to innovate through design thinking.

Other:

• Industry Engagement: The program emphasizes industry engagement, ensuring continuous applied learning and addressing live issues encountered within a business context.
• Action Design Research: The program utilizes an Action Design Research approach, fostering critical thinking skills through real-world application and reflection.

EU Fees: Free or 90% funded 90% Subsidised Fee: €825 payable by the applicant 100% Subsidised Fee: No course fees payable by the applicant