Study innovation abroad

Innovation, sometimes called innovation and entrepreneurship or innovation management, is a program that prepares students with the knowledge and skills they need to design, develop, and deliver innovative products and services. It encompasses elements of business, engineering, economics, and marketing.

As an innovation student, you’ll explore what it means to be a successful entrepreneur in today’s world. You’ll develop a detailed understanding of every stage of the entrepreneurial pathway, from initial idea conception, through to manufacturing and sales. You’ll be equipped to create original products or services, start up your own business, or use your expertise to drive the success of an existing company.

Studying abroad is a fantastic way to see what it takes to build and grow a business from a global perspective. You’ll see how different cultures, countries, and companies use various business development practices, techniques, and models to uncover gaps in the market and respond to consumer trends. These experiences will help to spark your creativity and improve your employability.

Innovation is mostly studied as a master’s program after you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree in another subject. This means that your innovation course is tailored to reflect your academic specialism and interests. Full-time students usually study an MSc over one year, but it can take part-time students two years to complete.

Some universities do offer a bachelor’s course in innovation over three or four years, but this is less common.

If you want to gain a further postgraduate qualification after completing your master’s, you can go on to study a master of philosophy degree (MPhil) or a PhD. An MPhil is an advanced research degree that typically takes two years to complete. A PhD takes the average student around five years of study.

You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops. Most universities will invite local entrepreneurs and business leaders to deliver guest presentations; these are a great source of insight and encouragement. You’ll also be expected to keep perfecting your ideas and business plans during independent study time.

You’ll probably be assessed through critical essays, presentations, group projects, and client briefs. There’s likely to be a strong emphasis on reflection, learning from failure, and self-improvement.

The exact content and structure of your program will differ depending on your university and country of choice. However, most programs will cover these core areas, as well as offering a range of elective modules:

• Innovation management
• Entrepreneurship
• Strategy and market analysis
• Understanding organizational failure
• Business models for success
• Managerial economics

As an innovation graduate, you’ll be well prepared to set up your own venture or carve out a lucrative career in an existing local or global business. Your ability to design, create, manage teams, communicate, present, and sell are ingredients for success in any of the following roles:

• Product developer
• Product manager
• Strategy consultant
• Business analyst
• Market researcher
• Operations manager
• Business advisor
• Project manager

With so many career pathways open to you, it can be difficult to find exactly what you’re looking for. Discuss your interests, passions, and strengths with your university’s career service. They’ll be able to provide expert advice and can help you find some work experience.