The Master of Science in Design Innovation for Circular Economy (MScDICE) equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead sustainability transitions through design-driven strategies. Rooted in systems thinking, policy innovation, and circular economy principles, the program empowers graduates to tackle complex environmental and social challenges by developing regenerative solutions across products, services, buildings, and urban systems. Through interdisciplinary coursework and project-based learning, students explore the intersections of design, business, technology, and governance—preparing for impactful careers in sustainability consulting, innovation strategy, policy development, and circular design leadership.
Programme-specific requirements may apply. Source: cud.ac.ae admission pages, retrieved 2026-08-18.
Graduates of this program will have a wealth of industries to choose from and often go on to become: Lead Designer – Sustainability Specialist in Architecture, Interior, and Design Firms: Playing a pivotal role in guiding architectural, interior, and multidisciplinary design practices toward regenerative, low-impact, and circular solutions. Circular Economy Consultant: Advising businesses, governments, and organizations on strategies to implement circular models, reduce waste, and optimize resource flows. Sustainability Innovation Manager: Leading sustainable product and service innovation within corporations, NGOs, or start-ups. Design Strategist: Integrating circular principles into product/service design and business development processes. Urban Sustainability Advisor: Supporting municipalities and urban developers in circular urban planning, infrastructure retrofitting, and climate-responsive design. Policy Analyst / Advisor (Sustainability & Circular Economy): Working with public institutions or international organizations to shape policy frameworks that support circular and regenerative systems. Environmental Impact Analyst / Lifecycle Analyst: Specializing in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), material flow analysis, and metrics for circularity to evaluate environmental impacts. Innovation Lab Coordinator / Research Fellow: Collaborating with research centers, universities, or think tanks on advancing circular economy knowledge and applications. Sustainable Product Manager: Overseeing the development and lifecycle of sustainable and circular products, from concept to end-of-life strategies. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Lead: Driving CSR initiatives focused on circular economy and sustainable innovation. Green Entrepreneurship / Start-up Founder: Launching and scaling circular economy-driven businesses, especially in fields like fashion, food, packaging, or built environment. Design Researcher / Systems Designer: Conducting research and creating interventions at the intersection of design, ecology, and economics. Materials Innovation Specialist: Working with bio-based, recycled, or circular materials in industries like fashion, construction, or packaging. Sustainable Supply Chain Analyst: Mapping and redesigning supply chains to embed transparency, circularity, and resilience. Graduates can also pursue advanced studies, such as a PhD in Design Innovation or related fields, to specialize further and enhance career prospects, including academic and high-level research roles.
The program has been awarded the accreditation by Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE on March 25, 2025.
Award
MSc
Duration
2 years
Qualification
MSc
Subject Area
Design