Master of Science in Integrative Design
About This Programme
The MS in Integrative Design centres on the theory, methods and processes of design and how they are used to solve problems. Through a participatory process, students use creative design thinking techniques such as systems thinking, brainstorming, immersion, contextual relevance and empathy to understand the design process, the product and service life cycle, feasibility, sustainability and social responsibility. It welcomes students from artistic, technical, engineering, management and other backgrounds, and prepares graduates for career growth, a career change or starting new creative businesses. Students choose three electives from other RIT Dubai master's programmes, and the 30-credit degree culminates in a final capstone project. Classes are face to face on the RIT Dubai campus, in the evenings, across five academic terms within two years.
Course Highlights
- First intake in Spring 2027 (January 2027); applications open in October 2026
- 30 credit hours over five academic terms within two years, taught in the evenings
- Designed so that working professionals can join
- Three electives from RIT Dubai's master's programmes in organisational leadership, future foresight, data analytics and smart cities
- Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
What You'll Study
The MSID is awarded after 30 credits and is taught face to face on campus in the evenings, across five academic terms within a two-year period.
Typical course sequence
- INGD-726 Visualization I3 credits
- SERQ-747 Design Thinking and Creativity3 credits
- INGD-721 Elements and Methods3 credits
- SERQ-720 Strategic Foresight and Innovation3 credits
- MGMT-730 Technology Entrepreneurship3 credits
- INGD-731 Design Studio I3 credits
- INGD-732 Design Studio II3 credits
- Three Electives9 credits
Electives from the MS in Organizational Leadership and Innovation
Choose three electives in total across these lists
- MGMT-740 Leading Teams in Organizations
- HRDE-742 Leading Change
- SERQ-740 Leading Innovation
- MGMT-775 Ethical Decision Making and Corporate Social Performance
Electives from the MS in Professional Studies: Future Foresight and Planning
Choose three electives in total across these lists
- PROF-731 Systems Thinking
- PROF-734 Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
Electives from the MS in Professional Studies: Data Analytics
Choose three electives in total across these lists
- PROF-740 Fundamentals of Data Analytics
- ISTE-600 Foundations of Data Mining
- ISTE-780 Data Driven Knowledge Discovery
Electives from the MS in Professional Studies: Smart Cities
Choose three electives in total across these lists
- PROF-750 Structures of City Systems
- ARCH-652 Urban and Regional Planning
- PUBL-702 Decision Analysis for Smart Cities
What You'll Learn
Programme learning outcomes
- Use artistic, technical and design skills to create solutions to a defined problem
- Apply design processes and methods to multidisciplinary projects
- Develop solutions that bring together form, function and user experience
- Document design research and process in writing
- Design for a diversity of users and cultures
- Evaluate the feasibility of design and innovation in current and future global markets
- Visualise and communicate ideas and solutions effectively through suitable media
- Evaluate, select and use suitable technologies for design and innovation projects
Programme goals
- Integrate design processes and methods
- Use user-centred design thinking and research skills
- Understand design in culture and business
- Gain technical and aesthetic competence
Entry Requirements
Applicants submit a CV showing professional work experience in the area of study, two letters of recommendation and a personal statement of about 500 words. Final admission decisions are made by RIT's Graduate Department in Rochester, New York.
Careers
Typical job titles: Design Strategist, Design Director, Design Researcher, Creative Director, Project Manager, Innovation Manager, Chief Design Officer, Co-founder, Entrepreneur. Industries: Government; Creative Industries; Art, Design and Media; Entrepreneurship; Manufacture; Entertainment; Healthcare; Technology.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and listed as Active on the Commission for Academic Accreditation's register. The degree is issued by RIT's main campus in Rochester, New York.
Programme Details
Award
Master of Science (MS)
Start Date
January 2027 (first intake)
Typical Offer
Bachelor's degree with about a 3.0 GPA
Duration
2 years (5 academic terms)
Qualification
MS
Subject Area
Design
Campus
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Study Pattern
Evening classes
Delivery Format
On campus (face to face)
Tuition Fee
AED 117,000 total
Applications open in October 2026 for the first intake, which begins in Spring 2027 (January 2027).