MA Design for Social Innovation

Applicants must have a University degree of a relevant background (such as Design, Architecture, Social Sciences, Management or other), awarded by an accredited institution in the country where it operates, or a degree evaluated as equivalent to a University degree by the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KY.S.A.T.S). Individuals who will be awarded a University degree or Graduation certificate fulfilling the necessary criteria by the end of the week that precedes registration week, are also eligible to submit an application.

Applications should include the following:

• Application through the Online Application System of the University of Cyprus
• Two signed letters of recommendation.
• Copies of university degrees or a statement of expected graduation in the month preceding enrolment in the postgraduate programme.
• Transcripts as appropriate.
• Curriculum vitae
• A short statement (maximum two pages) of the student’s research goals and interests.

Criteria for assessment of applicants

• Academic background in the appropriate discipline and grades in other related degrees.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Personal interview.
• Required Levels of English language proficiency for studies in postgraduate programs

In accordance with the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA), candidate students should provide a certificate of their knowledge of English.

Are you passionate about using design to create positive social change? Our new MA in Design for Social Innovation is a unique program that combines design thinking with social entrepreneurship to empower you to develop innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. Join us and learn how to use design to drive positive impact in your community and beyond.

The MA in Design for Social Innovation brings together experts from design, social innovation, and entrepreneurship and a global cohort of learners.

Jointly offered by two universities
The MA in Design for Social Innovation is offered by two Universities and academics from three departments providing students with the opportunity to benefit from the expertise and resources of both institutions, leading to a more diverse and well-rounded education.

Designed to run online
Distance learning allows students to access educational opportunities from anywhere in the world, providing them with the flexibility to balance their studies with other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities.

Available full & part-time
Flexible full-time or part-time study modes provide students with the ability to tailor their education to their individual needs and schedules. This allows them to balance their studies with other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities, and to pursue their education at a pace that is comfortable for them.

Emphasis on practice-based teaching
All course modules are provided with an emphasis on practice-based learning allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings, providing them with valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop professional competencies that are essential for success in their chosen fields.

Programme Aims
The MA Design for Social Innovation aims to:

• Provide academic and practice-based knowledge in design, social innovation, and entrepreneurship bridging together theoretical and practical knowledge and experience;
• Develop creativity and innovation skills in the domain of Design and Social Innovation;
• Produce graduates ready to effectively enact real social change, lead multi-disciplinary teams and collaborate in the design and development of successful social innovation enterprises and activities.
• Support the development of new kinds of social innovation practitioners, the producers of social innovations as championed by the UN, through providing key design and leadership skills.

MA Design for Social Innovation graduates will be able to:

• Frame design and social innovation in the broad picture of the networked societies and the European Digital Agenda, making the social, cultural and ethical implications of social innovation tangible, and therefore debatable;
• Build conscious reflective and reflexive practices that frame individual worldviews and approaches to research and design;
• Apply high quality criteria for academic social innovation design research and consider their practical applications within the society;
• Develop research questions, approaches and methods for understanding, analysing and communicating design and design outcomes as socially innovative activity;
• Critically evaluate the difference between models, theories, and practices of design while engaging with practice-based social innovation projects;
• Develop digital artefacts and know how to explore the aesthetic and functional potential of design as social innovation through research and experimentation;