• Postgraduate taught
  • MA/MSc

Innovation Design Engineering

Go beyond boundaries. Build better futures. A programme for fiercely curious changemakers.

Course key facts

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 (or equivalent) in any subject. Applicants must show creative and technical aptitude, and motivation to drive change through design and engineering innovation.

View full entry requirements

Course overview

For over 45 years, the Royal College of Art and Imperial have partnered to deliver this unique double Master’s programme bringing together world-leading creativity and engineering to educate a new generation of innovation leaders.

Through hands on, project-based learning, you’ll learn to integrate design, engineering, science and enterprise, understand complex systems, identify opportunities for change, and build, test and refine ideas through rapid experimentation.

Working on real world challenges with industry, researchers and communities, you’ll gain the confidence to turn ambitious ideas into products, services and systems that create lasting value. By the time you graduate, you’ll have developed the technical capabilities of a design engineer, together with the curiosity, empathy, analytical thinking and collaborative mindset to create meaningful change in an increasingly complex world. 

Our graduates shape innovation across global organisations including Apple, Google and Samsung, cotribute to pioneering companies such as Notpla and Nothing Technology, and found ambitious ventures of their own.

Around one in six students launch a venture during or soon after the programme, while others lead innovation within established organisations. Wherever their careers take them, they are recognised for combining technical excellence, creative thinking and entrepreneurial ambition to build better futures. 

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

In the first year, you’ll embark on a range of taught modules, workshops and masterclasses to develop skills and experience.

Year 1

The second year programme of work sees you working independently, developing your individual and professional agency.

Year 2

Optional modules

Testimonials

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning methods

  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Personal and group tutorials
  • Seminars
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Workshops
  • Person giving feedback
    Formal reviews

Balance of assessment

This is an example of how assessments are usually divided, based on a typical pathway through the course. The actual breakdown may vary depending on the modules you choose.

Key

  • Group project
  • Solo project

  • 33% Title 1 goes here
  • 67% Title 2 goes here

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Individual and group coursework
  • Papers from a written report
    Written reports and portfolios
  • Movies
  • Person making a presentation
    Practicals and demonstrations
  • Oral presentation
  • Oral exam

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

Fees and funding

Home fee

2026 entry

Set by RCA

The tuition fees for this course are set and charged by the RCA.

Overseas fee

2026 entry

Set by RCA

The tuition fees for this course are set and charged by the RCA.

Imperial Inspires Scholarships (Postgraduate taught)

Value per award

  • £15,000

Who it's for

    Overseas students
Find out more

Royal College of Art Scholarships

As this programme is joint with the Royal College of Art, they also offer a range of scholarships to students. More information can be found on the RCA website.

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Graduates of MA/MSc Innovation Design Engineering go on to succeed in a wide range of sectors, launch their own start-ups, or go on to further study.

Two world-class institutions

Combine Imperial’s world-leading expertise in science, engineering and technology with the Royal College of Art’s internationally renowned creative design practice. 

Join a unique double Master’s programme delivered in partnership by the Royal College of Art and Imperial for over 45 years. 

What skills will I graduate with?

Graduate with the skills to tackle complex challenges by integrating design, engineering, science and enterprise. 

You will also join a global community of graduates who lead innovation across established organisations, pioneering ventures and the public sector.

Build the confidence to create your own products, services and ventures, and join a growing community of graduates who have launched successful businesses. 

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications