• Postgraduate taught
  • MA/MSc

Innovation Design Engineering

Go beyond boundaries to create impact. A programme for fiercely curious changemakers.

Go beyond boundaries to create impact. A programme for fiercely curious changemakers

Be part of a vibrant community of creative brilliance and pioneering technology at the Royal College of Art and Imperial

Develop world class innovation skills in opportunity finding, building and testing ideas, and value creation

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

In partnership with the Royal College of Art for over 40 years, this unique double Master’s programme continually evolves to equip you with the skills to integrate design and engineering with science and enterprise.

Renowned for shaping world class innovation design engineers who have gone on to thrive at companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung, as well as disruptors such as Nothing and Notpla, and numerous start-ups.  

The programme aims to create a new type of innovator capable of tackling the complex challenges faced by society and the planet. By the time you graduate, you’ll not only have the necessary technical skills but also be fiercely curious, open-minded, empathic, and analytical. 
 

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

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.

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Integrate Imperial's science, technology and engineering expertise with Royal College of Art's creative design skills.

We have been offering this degree programme for over 40 years.

Graduates of Innovation Design Engineering are thought leaders on an international scale.

Many end up in creative, design, or engineering directorships.

On leaving the programme, many graduates start their own 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