Objectives
The aim of this top-rated course is to produce well trained analysts of science, technology and innovation, familiar with economic, social, political and management theories and approaches, and able to apply their knowledge at both an organisational (firm) level and policy level. There is a strong emphasis on research training, development of personal communication skills, team-working and presentation, which gives graduates an excellent basis to pursue careers in policy, management, consultancy, academic research and teaching.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements: For the MSc, normally a UK bachelor degree with first or upper second class honours, or the overseas equivalent; for the Diploma course applications from exceptional candidates holding a good honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, may be considered. Graduates from science, engineering, social science and management disciplines are all accepted and welcome. When assessing your academic record we take into account your grade average , position in class, references and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification. We particularly welcome applicants from institutions of high ranking and repute.
Course description
The MSc Management of Science, Technology and Innovation is a a taught course which can be taken as a one-year full-time course or part-time over two years.
This internationally-recognised degree looks at how knowledge and technology is generated and transferred for the good of society and the economy. It is a pioneering development of one of the longest-standing science and technology programmes of its kind in the world and offers research-led teaching by world leaders in research in the field of science, technology and innovation management.
The focus is on the formulation and analysis of policy towards science and technology and an exploration of innovation at the firm level in global business. Pathways within the degree allow students to study closely related topics such as the information society and sustainability.
The course uses an outstanding team of world class researchers, drawn the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIIR), where the strengths of three renowned research groups are combined: PREST, with its world class presence in research and innovation policy research, evaluation and foresight; CRIC with its 10 year track record of leading-edge academic research on innovation and competition and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.
Lecturers on the course have wide expertise ranging from technology evaluation and foresight, through to areas of sustainable technologies, construction technologies, food industry technologies, nanotechnologies, the automobile and steel industries, mobile (3G) technologies, human reproductive technology, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), pharmaceuticals, aviation, defence, and service sector innovation.
Module details
The programme comprises core course units followed by a range of optional units offering specialisms in distinct areas of intellectual interest that cover both traditional areas of teaching strength and novel fields of study. The five specialisms are:
-Science, Technology and Governance
-Innovation and Technology Management
-Foresight and Futures
-Sustainability
-Science, Technology and the Information Society
MSc Management of Science, Technology and Innovation - Course
structure
The course comprises core course units followed by a range of optional units, typically assessed by a combination of written work (essay or report) and presentation, or group project, or examination. Students follow one of a number of specialisms that make up the course. The remainder of the course is spent researching and writing a dissertation of up to 15,000 words, the choice of topic reflecting the specialism followed.
The specialisms currently envisaged are:
• Science, Technology and Governance
Concentrates on social, political and regulatory dimensions of science, technology and innovation. Why do governments invest in research, and how do they deal with risks created by science and technology? Also considered is the social analysis of science and technology, including the functioning of scientific institutions and research. International governance of technology and regional issues are also covered in a way that is closely informed by recent policy research.
• Innovation and Technology Management
Concentrates on issues of knowledge, technology and innovation strategy and management. Innovation and technology management is an opportunity to investigate how firms make technological choices, and how they implement them, examining both management issues and associated policy issues. This specialism provides you with an appreciation of business and corporate strategy-making, and a clear picture of how technological innovation is planned and executed in order to contribute to company strategies
• Foresight and Futures
Explores the use (and usefulness) of foresight and futures methodologies as tools in policy-making and business strategy. How can decision makers incorporate a systematic approach to possible futures in their thinking? Who should be involved in such decision-making processes? Can we map the future of technologies?
• Sustainability
Examines key issues which affect the global environment and discusses how choices between competing technologies can be made in the light of their environmental impact. For example, which choices in power generation are likely to alleviate global warming and are new electricity systems viable? Do scenarios shed light on the necessary future direction of technology?
• Science, Technology and the Information Society
Focuses on the impacts of the new technological revolutions in information technology and biotechnology and the transition to a so-called ‘knowledge-based economy’. What is the role of information technology in innovation? Is there innovation beyond the manufacturing sectors? What are the economic, social, political and cultural changes driving and arising from the development of new information and communications technologies?
Summer research period
Research-based dissertation (60 credits)
Students who successfully complete the taught part of the programme go on to produce a research-based dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor. Regular group meetings are held so that students can share experiences during the dissertation phase. Recent dissertations include:
• The music industry, the internet, and intellectual property rights
• The implications of software patents
• The science and policy of ozone depletion
• European co-operation with less developed countries in science and technology
• Communicating major corporate change: a case study of ICI and Unilever
• Impacts of defence R&D on the national economy
• Use of wind farms for sustainable energy
• Singapore’s national innovation systems
• Product design: how user needs are identified and taken into account in the design of technically
• advanced products.
• Resistance to new technology: the significance of age recalcitrance
Postgraduate Diploma
Exceptionally, candidates without the necessary qualifications for the MSc course may apply for the nine month postgraduate diploma, completing the taught portion of the course and a shorter extended essay. Diploma students achieving the desired standard in the course work and examination may be allowed to upgrade to the MSc course.
