Innovation School

The Innovation School is a globally renowned centre for design-led teaching and research, applying a Design Innovation approach to the key issues defining contemporary society. We examine design’s role as a catalyst for social and ecological innovation, the opportunity to apply creative practice to generate positive impact for people and places.

Our students, faculty and researchers adopt a “people and planet” centred, research-driven design approach as they explore the “near future” and “next now” in search of actionable innovations. We challenge traditional disciplinary perceptions of design, and promote new ways of thinking, doing and designing, which we apply in diverse and complex real-world contexts.

Live projects provide opportunities to engage with citizens, businesses, communities and the public sector, while workshop events and exchange programmes with international partners embody the Innovation School’s global outlook and reach.

Our postgraduate programmes focus on several areas within the broader field of Design Innovation, the application of creative practice to complex issues and situations. The courses are structured so all students undertake the same core research and conceptual teaching before diversifying into their chosen specialism. Our student-led approach ensures a rich and individual experience in small, focused teaching cohorts, supported by a network of staff, peers and industry experts. At our campuses in Glasgow and the Highlands, we create unique environments for learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration that help to nurture ground-breaking design projects and research for the good of all.