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The focus of the MSc Programme in Strategic Product Design is on the `fuzzy´ strategic stage that precedes the actual development of a new product or service. The programme puts emphasis on translating corporate strategy in coherence with market developments and market opportunities into a sound product development portfolio.
Mastering the front end in product development
Great products don´t just happen. Behind the best products is a process which begins with careful consideration of market needs, the competitive environment, consumer preferences, corporate strategy, the existing product and brand portfolio, and of course, form and function. The Master´s Programme in Strategic Product Design gives you the tools to successfully explore and exploit market opportunities - and create great products - by thinking strategically about product design and development.
With the help of techniques such as market and trend analyses and consumer research, and by giving consideration to future scenarios, government policies, environmental requirements and new technologies, you gain insight into the processes that drive strategic product design and the informed selection of suitable market opportunities to pursue. The programme covers product launch, analysis of economic rationales, project leadership and the international dimension of product development. You will learn how to transform intangibles such as the corporate mission and brand identity into successful product concepts.
What you will learn
Ultimately, you will acquire the skills to help companies to conceptualise, develop and introduce strategically sound, sustainable and commercially successful products and services for clients and customers who live and act in the real world.
Career prospects
Graduates of the programme are prepared to move into all aspects of product development; usually in a commercial environment. They have strong practical design skills, extensive knowledge of the innovation process, and a deep understanding of the strategic underpinnings for commercial success.
Graduates are ready to move into positions as strategic designers, product or brand managers, new product development project leaders, innovation consultants, design and brand consultants, and innovation managers. Some graduates choose to go into research, either in the commercial world or in academia.
The heart of the SPD programme consists of basic courses aimed at design and research methodology and professional design practice (a total study load of 72 EC). In addition there are elective specialisation courses (totalling 18 EC) which may be taken throughout the two years of the programme. Each semester begins with an introductory week. Students complete the programme with an individual Graduation Project (33 EC) undertaken either in the private sector or in one of the Facultys research groups.
First year
The first year focuses on the role that strategy, brands and marketing play in product development, as well the importance of academic and applied research for the strategic phases of product development.
Fall semester: you will learn about brand-driven innovation, investigating and understanding user contexts, and learn to apply these theories while working on a project in a commercial environment.
Spring semester: it focuses on some specific forms of SPD-related research and on theories around commercialisation and creative processes.
Second year
The second year is dominated by two large projects:
The multidisciplinary design project
In the Joint Master Project you will work together with students from other MSc programmes. The design assignment, in collaboration with a real company, covers the entire development process from a strategic product plan and concept development to building a prototype. The project ends by devising a plan for implementation and market introduction.
The Graduation Project
The final semester is devoted to your individual Graduation Project, carried out under the supervision of a faculty adviser, a mentor from the faculty, and a mentor representing the hosting company or research group.
Sample graduation projects
For an international company in the field of navigation devices, a student developed a future product portfolio. Based on explicit, implicit and tacit brand values, scenarios were developed that examined the future of navigation devices and user support requirements.
For Philips Design, a student studied the sleeping behaviour of toddlers. Based on the results, new product concepts were developed for the purpose of helping toddlers to fall asleep.
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
Numerous scholarships are awarded to admitted students with exceptional promise and outstanding academic achievement by the university, its faculties, departments and industry partners. Consideration for these scholarships requires students to have been admitted to their MSc Programme. Make sure you submit your application as early as possible to be in time for all the scholarship deadlines. More information: