Master of Arts in Design Innovation Management

Course Details

• Full Time
• Duration: 1+ year
• Intake Date: 25 August 2025, 15 December 2025
• Awarding Body: APU, Malaysia

Why choose APU?

• Malaysia’s Premier Digital Tech University
• 5-Star Excellence Rating (SETARA)
• 100% Employability Rate
• Ranked No.16 for International Students in the World
• More than 80,000 Graduates & Alumni

Dual Degree

• APU-DMU Dual Degree Programme
• Students who are under Masters Degree Programme will have the option to opt-in for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme.
• Under this Scheme, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts upon graduation: 1 from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia and 1 from De Montfort University (DMU), UK.

Latest Technologies

• More Than Just An Arts In Design Innovation Management Master Programme
• You have the exciting opportunity of enrolling for the APU-CMI Dual Accreditation by registering for a qualification through APU.
• Students under Master of Arts in Design Innovation Management will have the option to also opt-in for a CMI L7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice which will be awarded subject to moderation by CMI.

Programme Outline

• This programme is specifically designed to:
  • Extend design innovation management programme to different organisations that consider design to be a strategic competitive force.
  • Meet the growing demand for advanced skills in design management and leadership in the various services and business.
  • Prepare graduates to meet the growing needs for management of advanced design technology and implementation of new management approaches.

The Benefits of the Programme

• Innovation and management from a creative perspective, within a world-leading art and design institution with strong link to the creative industries.
• Apply Design Thinking to real-world challenges, design collaboratively, engage critically and creatively with others and learn from shared experiences.
• An interdisciplinary programme informed by theories drawn from a range of design, business and humanities areas and delivered through projects and collaborations.
• Gain insight into creative briefs, target audiences and markets, through Design Management and Innovation.
• Benefit from diverse potential employment routes including setting up your own business, in-house and external design leadership roles, cultural positions and agency management jobs.

Who Should Attend

• This programme is geared towards graduates who have graduated from design backgrounds who wish to master managerial skills that are relevant to their previous experience.
• This programme also appeals to non-design field managers and executives who require design management skills as part of their managerial responsibility.

Modules & Project

• This programme comprises 9 coursework modules and a Creative Futures Project.
• There are 8 compulsory Core Modules (including Research Methodology module) and you will have to choose 1 elective module from those listed).

Pre-Requisite Modules (for non-related students)

• Duration: 1 month (Full-Time)
• Managing People
• Understanding Customers
• Managerial Finance
• Business Environment & Strategic Planning

Core Modules

• Design and Creative Industries
• Business Planning for Creative Entrepreneur
• Research Methodology
• Design Thinking
• Integrated Brand Management
• Future Media Innovation
• Service Design
• Project Feasibility Study
• Creative Futures Project

Elective Modules (Choose 1)

• Intellectual Property
• Creative Sustainability
• Technology Management
• Design for Retail
• Managing Business Web Presence

Project

• For the final project module named Creative Futures Project, you will need to complete an industry-based major projects along with evidence and output related to the Design Innovation Management field.
• There will be a final exhibition and presentation towards the end of the course.

Facilities

• The APU Centre Point & Atrium serves as a melting pot of cultures from all over the world.
• Here, cultural activities are organised regularly at the campus, fostering long-lasting intercultural relationships among APU students, who come from over 130 countries.

Career Path

• Project Manager
• Design Producer
• Brand Manager/ Strategist
• Marketing Manager
• Product Manager
• Account Manager
• Client Manager
• Chief Design Officer
• Design Researcher
• Design Strategist
• Service Designer/ Design Experience Strategist
• Venture Architect

Fees & Certification

• Malaysian: RM34,800
• International: RM38,800 (USD9,025)
• MQA Cert: Programme code : (N/0288/7/0001)(05/26)(MQA/FA14558)

Entry Requirements

• General Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, or its equivalent qualification as accepted by the Senate.
  • Bachelor’s degree with a CGPA of less than 2.50 can be accepted, subject to a minimum of 5 years working experience in the related fields.
  • Any others Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 as accepted by the Senate, subject to passing the interview/ portfolio stage along with all the required documentations and the pre-requisite courses.
• English Requirements:
  • IELTS : 6.0
  • Students from English speaking countries and those with qualifications taught in English (previous Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree taught in English) are exempted from English requirements. Applications for exemption must be accompanied by supporting documents.

Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU)

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Overview:

Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) is a private university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is known for its diverse student body, with over half of its students coming from over 130 countries. APU focuses on technology-driven education, aiming to nurture innovation and produce graduates who can adapt and think differently.

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Services Offered:

APU offers a range of services to its students, including:

Visa Processing:

APU assists international students with their visa applications, including pre-arrival processing fees, airport assistance, and accommodation upon arrival.

Student Welcome Team:

A dedicated team welcomes and assists new students during their first few days in Malaysia and at APU.

Orientation Briefings:

Comprehensive orientation programs are provided to help students settle into the university environment, covering academic regulations, facilities, and other essential information.

Student Life Activities:

APU encourages student involvement through clubs, societies, and leadership opportunities like the Students' Representative Council and Student Ambassador program.

Part-time Working Opportunities:

On-campus part-time jobs are available for students, including library assistant, IT labs technical assistant, programmer, multimedia developer, and Student Ambassador roles.

Professional and Personal Development Workshops:

Free workshops are offered to equip students with the skills and attributes needed for successful careers.

Health Insurance:

Compulsory health insurance is provided to all international students through EMGS's insurance panel partners.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

APU fosters a vibrant and unique student life with over 60 clubs and societies. Students are encouraged to participate in social, sporting, and cultural activities on campus, building lifelong friendships and exploring new experiences.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Cosmopolitan Learning Environment:

APU's diverse student community from over 130 nations provides a truly international learning experience.

Technology-Focused Education:

APU's programs emphasize technology and innovation, preparing students for the demands of the digital age.

Affordable Living Costs:

Malaysia offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other countries, making it an attractive destination for international students.

Career-Oriented Approach:

APU focuses on developing students' professional skills and attributes, equipping them for successful careers.

Strong International Recognition:

APU's engineering degrees are internationally recognized, providing graduates with global career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

APU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Pre-University Studies:

Foundation programs, diploma programs, and certificate programs.

Undergraduate Studies:

Bachelor's degrees in Computing, Technology & Games Development, Design, Advertising, Animation & VFX, Business, Management, Marketing & Tourism, Accounting, Banking, Finance & Actuarial, Engineering, Media, International Relations & Psychology.

Postgraduate Studies:

Master's degrees and Doctor of Philosophy programs in various fields.

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Other: