Master of Science in Innovation Sciences

Academic careers

Innovation Sciences is also a strong basis for those who wish to pursue an academic career as PhD students, which will ultimately lead to professions in scientific research and/or teaching. About half of the PhD students in the Innovation Studies group in Utrecht come from the Innovation Sciences Master's. Moreover, many students publish the results of their Master’s thesis in international peer-reviewed scientific journals

Non-academic careers

Experience shows that employers are in great need of people who are able to analyse complex innovation processes and systems and develop strategies, consults, and action plans to further improve these systems and processes. Given the increasing importance of innovation for societal well-being and welfare caused by major societal problems in, for instance, sustainability, transport, health, and the growing economic competition from BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), this need will even grow further in the future. What employers value most in Innovation Sciences graduates is their ability to understand and analyse new problems very rapidly and in an academic and multidisciplinary way.

Innovation Sciences alumni can end up in a wide variety of positions; it is common to become a consultant or analyst. Many alumni are also directly involved in the management of innovation processes within large and small firms for instance the energy or health sector or become policy-makers or innovation managers at governmental organisations such as ministries. Graduates also work at public research institutes.

Jobs after graduation

The great majority of graduates find a relevant job within three months after graduating. Some example positions:

• strategic innovation consultant
• R&D manager
• high-level policymaker
• investment analyst
• sector specialist
• PhD student

You will be taking courses throughout the whole first year and the beginning of your second year. In the first year, you will be trained in innovation theories and research methods to teach you how to analyse complex innovation processes and develop innovation strategies. Most of your second year will be spent on your Master's thesis for which you will work on your individual thesis/internship project, specialising in your field of interest.

Courses

Year 1

• Period 1: Innovation Management
• Period 2: Innovation Systems and Processes
• Period 3: Societal Challenges & Innovation Theory
• Period 4:Consultancy Project IS and SBI (15 EC)

Year 2

• Period 1-4: Electives* (15 EC) and Master's thesis (45 EC)

Studying Innovation Sciences at Utrecht University has several advantages and benefits.

• Research topics are part of larger research efforts to help find innovative, sustainable solutions to threats and opportunities arising from climate change. This results in relevant research and career opportunities.
• If admitted, you get to gain practical experience by taking part in consultancy projects, case studies and internships. As such, you will acquire hands-on skills that will be useful in your future career.
• During the Innovation Sciences programme, you will be able to (if admitted) participate in several academic programmes such as the Young Innovators Honours programme and the Climate-KIC Summer School.
• As an Innovation Sciences student, you form a network for life by becoming a member of our community of innovation students, staff members and alumni.

October 2024

As an Innovation Sciences student, you will analyze the various stages of the innovation process with a view to developing effective strategies for promoting innovation. The aim of this program is to give you an insight into the nature of technological change and the conditions affecting innovation and knowledge production. It also aims to give you an understanding of the societal uptake of innovations and the role of companies and other stakeholders such as research institutes, governments, and citizen initiatives in the wider innovation system.

As part of the Innovation Sciences Program you will:

• explore innovation processes by combining technology, natural sciences, life sciences, and social sciences;
• expand your knowledge on technology and innovation by studying and applying theories and methods;
• acquire hands-on skills;
• understand the innovation process by analyzing the societal dynamics of emerging technologies and innovation;
• (if admitted) gain practical experience by taking part in consultancy projects, case studies, and internships;
• (if admitted) take part in the Climate-KIC Summer School or the Young Innovators League;
• form a network for life by becoming a member of our community of innovation students, staff members, and alumni.

Who are we looking for?

Utrecht University offers you a challenging setting in which to make a significant contribution to tomorrow's society. This program will be of particular interest to students with a background in technology, health, life sciences, natural sciences, or industrial engineering that wish to extend their technical background with knowledge about innovation management and social processes. Moreover, the program is also of interest to talented students with a background in the social sciences (for example economics, economic geography, entrepreneurship, or business) that have demonstrated an affinity with science and technology. Innovation Sciences students typically pursue a career in high-level consultancy, strategic research, and development (R&D) management, policymaking, entrepreneurship, or academic research.