The Innovation Sciences master's degree program lasts two years, with each year comprising 60 ECTS credits. The first year features mandatory courses, a specialization elective plus engineering and free electives. The second year is taken up with an international semester and your thesis project.
Core courses
In your first year, you are required to take five core courses for 5 ECTS credits each. These courses are:
- Evolutionary foundations
- Research methodology
- Governing innovations
- Modern societies
- Responsible innovation and sustainability
Elective courses
All students must also take at least 10 ECTS credits worth of engineering courses. You can choose courses from across TU/e’s faculties, but they must be of a sufficiently high level – typically master’s level. A BSc level 3 course may also be included in your program where there is a clear need (e.g. where it provides essential prior knowledge that you are missing). These electives are usually followed during Q2, 3 and / or 4 of your first year, but could also be completed during your international semester.
Track Global Sustainability
Specialization elective
Within the track Global Sustainability you will learn how to understand and influence innovation processes to improve sustainable development regionally, nationally, or worldwide. Graduates will typically find jobs in (1) sustainable energy companies, consulting engineering firms, policy organizations, development organizations, and other employers strategically involved in building a more innovative and sustainable economy and society, or (2) in organizations and firms that seek to become more innovative and sustainable themselves.
Track Innovation Strategy and Policy
Specialization elective
Within the track Innovation Strategy and Policy you will learn how to understand, manage and influence innovation processes in the knowledge economy. Graduates will find jobs as policymaker, consultant or as strategic innovation manager in a large firm.
Special/ Free track
The Special / Free track is reserved for excellent students. Students who want to opt for this track, should be able to show prior excellence (top 10% regarding mean bachelor grades)
International semester
The department maintains an active exchange program with a number of international universities. This includes links with universities in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Norway, Singapore, Spain, the UK, the USA, South Africa and Sweden.
The first semester of your second year will be spent at a university abroad that has strong research and teaching programs in technology and innovation. You will follow courses that complement your study program in Eindhoven, either deepening your knowledge in subjects studied here or introducing new topics not available in Eindhoven.