Program Overview
Introduction to the Structured Elective: Innovation for Change
The overall purpose of this Structured Elective is to develop students' creative confidence and entrepreneurial mindsets as future social innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers within their own academic or personal environment. Social entrepreneurship and social innovation are increasingly gaining traction as a viable alternative to traditional ways of addressing societal and environmental problems.
Why Take This Structured Elective?
Over the past 10 years, social entrepreneurship and innovation have grown from a niche activity to now entering mainstream policy, business, and education nationally and around the world. Its increasing appeal is underlined by a growth of social enterprise-related programs and funding sources. Successful social ventures have significantly contributed to rethinking established business models and existing corporate and public sector structures.
Benefits of the Structured Elective
By taking this Structured Elective, students will:
- Explore and critically evaluate tools and practices relevant for entrepreneurship and the specific context in which social enterprises operate.
- Reflect on general key trends and their implications for ensuring a global, inclusive, equitable society.
- Learn to apply creative skills to the social enterprise, social innovation, or community venturing space.
- Learn, apply, and reflect on the Design-Thinking process to develop and prototype an innovative solution to a real-world societal or environmental problem.
How to Take the Modules in This Structured Elective
- Structured Electives are available to undergraduate students only.
- Students must take the specified modules in or after the 2018/19 academic year.
- To be awarded this Structured Elective, students must take 15 credits from the list of modules outlined below.
- Note that these modules can be taken in any order and at any stage of the program. It is recommended that IA20010 Introduction to Creative Thinking is taken first.
List of Modules
- IA20010 | Creativity & Innovation | 5 credits
- IA20020 | Essentials of Entrepreneurship: Action and Mindset | 5 credits
- IA20060 | Social Entrepreneurship | 5 credits
- IA20080 | Design Thinking for Innovation | 5 credits
- IA20090 | Design your life | 5 credits
- IA20100 | Innovation for Sustainability | 5 credits
- IA20110 | Global Innovation Challenges | 5 credits
- IA20120 | Digital Innovation | 5 credits
- IA20130 | Designing the Future | 5 credits
- IA20140 | Design a Sustainable Future | 5 credits
- IA20150 | Design a Digital Future | 5 credits
- IA20160 | Creative Thinking & Innovation (OL) | 5 credits
- IA20170 | Essentials of Entrepreneur (OL) | 5 credits
- IA20180 | Social Entrepreneurship (OL) | 5 credits
- IA20190 | Design Thinking (OL) | 5 credits
- IA20200 | Design Your Life (OL) | 5 credits
- IA20210 | Innovation Sustainability (OL) | 5 credits
- IA20220 | Virtual Reality for Future Skills | 5 credits
- IA20230 | Digital Prototyping | 5 credits
Conclusion
The Structured Elective: Innovation for Change offers students a unique opportunity to develop their creative confidence, entrepreneurial mindset, and skills in social innovation and entrepreneurship. By completing this elective, students will be well-equipped to address societal and environmental problems and contribute to creating a more sustainable and equitable future.