COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Design Management program at Heriot-Watt University combines creative expertise with business and management skills to prepare students for leadership roles in the design and creative industries. In the September semester, students engage with mandatory courses in Design Thinking and Innovation, Strategic Design, and Sustainable Design and Management, providing a strong foundation in creative problem-solving, strategic planning, and sustainable practices. The January semester includes mandatory modules in Change Management and Research Methodologies, equipping students with essential skills to lead organisational transformation and conduct professional research. Optional modules such as Design Technologies and User Experience Design allow students to tailor their learning to their specific interests and career goals, further enhancing their technical and practical capabilities. The program culminates in a Masters Project, completed in May, where students apply their acquired knowledge and skills to a substantial academic paper, demonstrating their ability to integrate design management theory with practical applications. Throughout the program, students develop competencies in strategic decision-making, innovation, and sustainable design practices, while learning to manage projects, teams, and creative processes effectively. Graduates of the MSc Design Management program are well-prepared to communicate ideas across professional, visual, and written channels and to drive impactful outcomes within creative and business environments.