MSc
Management of Innovation
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Why study MSc Management of Innovation at Goldsmiths
This programme will equip you with the fundamental business and social enterprise knowledge and skills needed to manage innovative product and brand or policy development, service delivery, and integration of emerging technologies in fast-paced industries.
- This programme focuses on the means of generating economic impact through gains in revenue, competitiveness, productivity, project management, and profitability alongside the means of generating social impact through inclusivity, diversity, social mobility and equality. These practical skills will equip you to lead and deliver the twin ambitions of transformation and sustainability driving the global economy.
- The management of innovation is a critical element in ensuring countries, organisations, and individuals encourage speed to impact decision-making, enhanced digital skills and strategies for future-readiness. The focus has shifted from serving and valuing shareholders to serving and valuing stakeholders – customers, workforces, investors, regulators, anyone else impacted by your product, service, or brand.
- Goldsmiths has a long history of demonstrating innovation, and our students have the unique opportunity to develop interdisciplinary practical and theoretical management skills in a bustling creative and entrepreneurial environment.
- We have a lively guest lecturing schedule. Recent speakers in our Innovation Case Studies series have also included fashion designer Sir Paul Smith, 'city superwoman' Nicola Horlick, Xynteo CEO Osvald Bjelland, Microsoft UK CEO Clare Barclay, and Edelman EMEA CEO Ed Williams.
- In past years, senior leadership from the following organisations have come to discuss innovation challenges and opportunities with students on this programme:
- Technologists: Microsoft, Tesla, Apple
- Consultancies and think tanks: PwC, Ogilvy, Accenture
- Media organisations: Monocle, the Financial Times, The Economist
- Movements: Bitcoin, Black Lives Matter
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Chris Brauer.
Length
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least 2:1 standard in a relevant/related subject. You might also be considered if you have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.
Fees
Home - full-time: £17350
Home - part-time: £8675
International - full-time: £25450
Department
What you'll study
You'll take the following compulsory modules, including a 60-credit in-depth research project in your particular area of research interest.
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Innovation Theory | 15 credits |
| Design Thinking | 15 Credits |
| Project Management | 30 credits |
| Digital Research Methods | 15 credits |
| Innovation Case Studies | 15 credits |
| Research Project | 60 credits |
Note about optional modules (if available): The above is indicative of the typical modules offered, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. The module content and availability is subject to change.
Overview
You'll learn core leadership skills, and how to apply them to manage the near continuous need for innovations and changes in organisational products, structures, strategies, and processes. You can choose to study the latest techniques and strategies for consumer behaviour and marketing or seek to develop a fully formed business model for entreprenurial ventures.
The programme mixes theory and practice and allows you to obtain a professional qualification in project management and development, which will enhance your employment prospects.
The Institute of Management Studies (IMS) at Goldsmiths benefits from excellent links with industry. Graduates of this programme will be capable of leadership and adaptive management styles, and will be able to direct and manage innovation in a variety of organisations.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class (2:1) standard in a relevant/related subject.
You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level. We consider all aspects of your application when making a decision and may still be able to offer a place even if your qualifications or grades do not meet the published requirements.
International qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and with no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. You will also be interviewed in person or via Skype video conference. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.
How to apply
Apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system
To complete your application, you will need to have:
- Details of your academic qualifications
- The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference
- Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates
- A personal statement
When to apply
We accept applications from October for students wanting to start the following September.
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you haven't finished your current programme of study. It's very common to be offered a place conditional on you achieving a particular qualification.
If you're applying for external funding from one of the Research Councils, make sure you submit your application by the deadline they've specified.
Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available.
Selection process
Admission to many programmes is by interview, unless you live outside the UK. Occasionally, we'll make candidates an offer of a place on the basis of their application and qualifications alone.
Read our guide to applying for a postgraduate degree at Goldsmiths.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the PG fees for students starting their programme in the 2025/2026 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £17350
- Home - part-time: £8675
- International - full-time: £25450
If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Funding opportunities
If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan.
Meanwhile our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies.
Paying your fees
Find out about paying your tuition fees.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
Careers
Graduates of the programme will be capable of managing projects full of change, transformation, and innovation in any size of organisation – from start-ups to non-profits and Fortune 500 companies. Senior level industry guest speakers and analysts feature on several of the modules on the programme.
Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.
Skills
The programme will help you develop strong project management, problem-solving, decision-making and critical evaluation skills. You'll develop an understanding of theories of leadership, and the characteristics of the organisational and social structures within which leaders and talented individuals work. You'll learn about project management and how it can be applied to a range of project environments. You'll also learn about innovation approaches and challenges, and how to translate conceptual and theoretical implications of innovation to practical applications.
Staff
The following staff members all teach on this programme and are complemented by visiting tutors and industry professionals in the delivery of the programme curriculum.
Dr Chris Brauer BA MA GradDipProjMgmt PhD PMP (Programme Director)
Courses: Innovation Case Studies, Project Management, Dissertation
Chris is the Director of the MSc Management of Innovation programme and teaches the Innovation Case Studies and Project Management courses. His research interests are in the intersections of emerging technologies and management. He consults extensively in the public and private sectors and regularly appears in the media discussing and analysing the intersections of innovation and markets, society, and culture. He supervises MSc Management of Innovation dissertations focused on practical projects, project management, digital and offline ethnographies, social network analysis, and qualitative methods.
Dr Nigel Guenole BA (Hons), MA, GradDipApplStat, PhD
Course: Leadership and Talent Management, Dissertation
Nigel is the Director of the MSc Global Leadership programme and teaches the Leadership and Talent Management course on the MSc Management of Innovation. His research focuses on the measurement of high performance for leadership and talent management using advanced psychometric methods. His consulting work focuses on the design and validation of psychological assessment instruments for employee selection and development purposes. He supervises MSc Management of Innovation dissertations focused on quantitative methods and advanced statistics.
Ms Siân Prime BA (Hons) FRSA
Courses: Entrepreneurial Modeling
Siân is the Director of the MA Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship and teaches the Entrepreneurial Modeling course on the MSc Management of Innovation. She is a trainer, facilitator, coach, and consultant in the creative industries, cultural policy, and management.
