Master of Arts in Design Innovation Management
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation · Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Design Innovation Management at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation develops managerial skills and interdisciplinary knowledge through theoretical and practical modules, including design innovation management projects and collaborations. The programme is designed to help you apply design thinking and innovation approaches to real-world challenges across organisations and services.
You will study innovation and management from a creative perspective, learn to engage critically and creatively, and gain insight into creative briefs, target audiences, and markets through Design Management and Innovation. The programme includes 9 coursework modules and a Creative Futures Project, with a final exhibition and presentation near the end of the programme.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Design and Creative Industries
- Business Planning for Creative Entrepreneur
- Research Methodology
- Design Thinking
- Integrated Brand Management
- Future Media Innovation
- Service Design
- Project Feasibility Study
- Creative Futures Project
- Elective modules (choose 1): Intellectual Property or Creative Sustainability or Technology Management or Design for Retail or Managing Business Web Presence
Curriculum
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Compulsory core modules and elective module selection | Design and Creative Industries | ||
| Business Planning for Creative Entrepreneur | ||||
| Research Methodology | ||||
| Design Thinking | ||||
| Integrated Brand Management | ||||
| Elective module (choose 1): Intellectual Property | ||||
| Semester 2 | Compulsory core modules and Creative Futures Project | Future Media Innovation | ||
| Service Design | ||||
| Project Feasibility Study | ||||
| Elective module (choose 1): Creative Sustainability | ||||
| Elective module (choose 1): Technology Management | ||||
| Creative Futures Project | ||||
| Total | 1 credit hours | |||
Career outcomes
- You graduate with design innovation management capabilities that APU links to leadership and managerial roles across creative and business functions, including in-house and external design leadership positions.
- You build practical, project-led competence through modules like Project Feasibility Study and the Creative Futures Project, which helps you move into roles such as Project Manager and Design Producer.
- You gain strategy and market-facing skills through modules including Integrated Brand Management and Business Planning for Creative Entrepreneur, supporting career paths into Brand Manager/Strategist and Marketing Manager roles.
- You strengthen innovation and product/service capability relevant to roles like Product Manager, Service Designer/Design Experience Strategist, and Venture Architect.
- You develop interdisciplinary knowledge across design, business and innovation, supporting broader employment opportunities in both private and public sectors that value design-led decision-making.
- You are prepared for culturally engaged and agency-style work, including agency management and cultural positions, by combining design thinking with management and innovation-focused learning.
Employability rate
APU presents a 100% employability rate on its course page, with strong employer demand reflected in the breadth of career paths the programme describes.
Together, this supports a stable career outlook for graduates seeking design innovation management roles in Malaysia and beyond.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | International applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 (or its equivalent as accepted by the Senate). If CGPA is below 2.50, applicants may be considered subject to a minimum of 5 years of working experience in related fields. Other bachelor’s degree qualifications may be considered with at least a 2.50 minimum CGPA as accepted by the Senate, subject to passing an interview/portfolio stage and completing any pre-requisite courses if required. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Architecture | Direct match | The programme is geared towards graduates from design backgrounds and focuses on design thinking and design innovation management. |
| Business & Management | Relevant match | The programme also appeals to non-design field managers and executives who need design management skills as part of managerial responsibility. |
Language requirements
This Master’s programme is delivered in English. International applicants must meet the university’s minimum English proficiency requirement (or be eligible for an approved exemption) before being allowed to continue in the main programme.
IELTS Academic
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 42000 / total program | Official total programme fee for international students: RM42,000. This figure excludes deposits and other miscellaneous fees and excludes the 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST). |
Proof of financial resources
International applicants should prepare evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs as required for student visa processing and enrolment. The exact amount and acceptable evidence type is assessed by the visa process and the university based on your submission.
- Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs as required for student visa processing
- Any additional financial documents requested by the university for your student visa application
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | August - Winter intake | November - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application portal opens | March 01, 2026 | March 01, 2026 |
| Application deadline (final submit) | July 15, 2026 | October 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A | N/A |
| Semester begins | August 03, 2026 | November 30, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | August - Winter intake | November - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | August - Winter intake | November - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Initiate your application (online)
Submit an online application on the university’s official application process for international students and upload the required certified academic documents. Provide your supporting documents together with your application so the university can assess eligibility. Ensure your documents are prepared in the required certified format, including English translations if your documents are not in English.
Confirm admission and submit pre-arrival processing payment
If you meet the eligibility criteria, the university will issue a Letter of Offer and you must confirm your enrolment. To enable the university to submit your student pass application, pay the required pre-arrival application processing fee immediately along with the documents stated by the university. You will also be asked to provide additional items needed for student pass processing.
Student pass visa processing (via EMGS)
After the university receives your complete documents and application fees, they will submit your application to EMGS for student pass processing. Processing may take about 2 to 3 weeks when documents and payment are complete. The university advises that you should avoid entering Malaysia during visa processing to prevent delays.