Design and Innovation

Design and Innovation at the Technical University of Denmark is a forward-thinking educational program dedicated to nurturing creative problem solvers who can address complex challenges across various industries. This interdisciplinary program combines principles of design, engineering, and innovation management to equip students with the skills necessary to develop user-centered solutions, innovative products, and sustainable systems. Throughout the course of study, students engage in hands-on projects, collaborative teamwork, and real-world case studies, fostering a practical understanding of design processes and entrepreneurial thinking. The curriculum emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency, preparing graduates to lead innovation initiatives in both established companies and emerging startups. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and close links to industry partners, students have ample opportunities for internships and collaborative projects that enhance their practical experience and professional networks. The program also stresses the importance of sustainability and societal impact, encouraging students to create designs that are environmentally responsible and socially beneficial. Upon graduation, students are well-equipped to pursue careers as design engineers, innovation consultants, product developers, or entrepreneurs, making significant contributions to society and the economy. The Design and Innovation program at DTU is a vibrant community of creative minds committed to shaping the future through innovative design solutions.

To obtain the MSc degree in Design & Innovation, the student must fulfil the following requirements:

• Have passed General Competence Courses adding up to at least 30 ECTS points
• Have passed Technological Specialization Courses adding up to at least 30 ECTS points
• Have performed a Master Thesis of at least 30 ECTS points within the field of the general program
• Have passed a sufficient number of Elective Courses to bring the total number of ECTS points of the entire study up to 120 

Only applicants holding either a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, a Bachelor in Engineering or a Bachelor of Natural Science degree can be admitted to a Master of Science in Engineering programme. From September 2017 the bachelor degree must be less than 10 years old.

The individual MSc Eng programme states in detail which bachelor programmes qualify and whether applicants have to complete supplementary educational activities.

Requirements for supplementary educational activities can equate to up to 30 ECTS credits and are specified in the form of a list of courses under the individual MSc Eng programmes.

The specific requirements must be met before graduating from the bachelor programme or in connection with conditional admission to a particular MSc Eng programme. The courses must be passed prior to the commencement of studies within one year from the conditional admission.

Supplementary educational activities in connection with conditional admission to an MSc Eng programme do not form part of the MSc Eng programme, and partial tuition fees are charged. If the supplementary courses have not been passed within the deadlines specified, the conditional admission to the programme is withdrawn.

The Master of Science in Engineering programmes are offered in English. Therefore applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (B-level, IELTS, TOEFL- or Pearson test).

Academic requirements for this programme

The following BSc Eng. programme from DTU entitle students to admission to the MSc Eng. programme in Desing and Innovation: 

• Design and Innovation

Other BSc Engs from DTU must have knowledge of design theories and methods in the forms of

• systematic design methods (e.g 41612 Product Design and Documentation or similar)
• industrial design (e.g 41031 Industrial Design 1 or similar)
• accomplishment of a design or product devleopment project  (e.g. 41020 Product Analysis and Redesign, 42042 Participatory Systems Design or similar).

It is recommended to have knowledge of 

• socio-technical analysis and design (e.g.42640 Sociotechnical Design).

Bachelors relevant engineering education from other universities than DTU have access to admission based on an individual evaluation. The academic requirements are one or two projects and some courses that provide the applicant with the knowledge and skills that are achieved during the completion of a BSc Eng. in Design & Innovation. The courses should amount to a minimum of  15 ECTS point within:

• design activities using design methods,
• concept development,
• industrial design,
• socio-technical analysis and design demonstrating interaction with users
• mechanics or materials (a minimum of 5 ECTS)

Funding for the Master of Science in Design and Innovation at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is primarily offered through a combination of government grants, scholarships, and personal financing options. Danish and EU students have access to subsidized tuition fees, with many eligible for student grants provided by the Danish Agency for Science and Higher Education, which support their living costs during the study period. International students from non-EU/EEA countries are required to pay tuition fees, which can be financed through various methods including personal savings, student loans, or sponsorships from their home country.

DTU also participates in several scholarship programs aimed at attracting talented students from around the world. For example, the DTU International Student Scholarship offers partial tuition fee waivers for non-EU/EEA students based on academic excellence. Additionally, many students secure funding through external scholarships provided by governments, foundations, or private organizations in their home countries.

Students are encouraged to explore financial aid options early during the application process, as scholarship applications often have early deadlines. Furthermore, some students may qualify for part-time work or internships in Denmark, which can supplement their income and provide valuable professional experience. The university’s Career Services provide guidance and resources to help students identify such opportunities.

The program’s overall cost includes tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and study materials. Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students are set annually and are subject to change; these fees are typically paid in installments over the course duration. EU students generally pay reduced or no tuition fees, depending on their residence status and the specific program agreements.

Students are also advised to investigate loans available through financial institutions in their home country, which can be used to fund their studies at DTU. International students should plan for additional expenses such as visa applications, health insurance, and travel costs.

Overall, financing your studies in Design and Innovation at DTU involves understanding the various funding sources available and planning accordingly to ensure a smooth educational journey. The university’s dedicated financial aid office provides detailed information and personalized advice to support students in securing funding.

The Bachelor’s degree program in Design and Innovation at the Technical University of Denmark is an interdisciplinary program focused on developing innovative design solutions and fostering creative problem-solving skills. The program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of design processes, user-centered approaches, and technological integration. Students explore various aspects of design, including aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, and usability, preparing them to address complex challenges across multiple industries. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework, practical projects, and collaborative work to enhance students' ability to think critically and act creatively within real-world contexts. Students have opportunities to work on innovative projects, often in partnership with industry stakeholders, enabling them to gain valuable hands-on experience. The program emphasizes sustainable development and responsible design, encouraging students to consider environmental and societal impacts in their work.

Throughout their studies, students are introduced to advanced tools and methods such as digital modeling, prototyping, user experience design, and innovation management. The program also offers internships, workshops, and exchange programs, fostering international perspectives and professional networks. Graduates from the program are prepared for careers in product development, design consultancy, innovation management, and related fields, where they can contribute to the creation of user-friendly, innovative, and sustainable products and services.

The university provides a dynamic learning environment supported by modern laboratories and creative studios. Faculty members are experienced researchers and practitioners committed to guiding students through the innovative design process. The Degree in Design and Innovation at DTU emphasizes collaboration, entrepreneurship, and continuous learning, aligning with the evolving demands of the global innovation ecosystem. Upon completion, graduates earn a Bachelor's degree, which can serve as a foundation for further specialization with a Master's program at DTU or other institutions worldwide. The program is particularly suitable for students passionate about combining creative design skills with technological knowledge to solve real-world problems innovatively.