How is Product Development and Innovation structured?
The Master in Product Development and Innovation spans over 2 years, and each academic year is divided into 2 semesters. Students work in groups on project-based assignments in different subjects. The problem statement is often derived directly from industry.
Students may also do an exchange stay in the 3rd semester or an in-company course.
Graduates can identify, analyse and solve complex engineering and innovation challenges related to products, technologies and product-service systems. They do so by combining engineering knowledge with design, innovation and management competencies.
A typical week
Your weekly schedule will vary, but the example below gives a realistic picture of 1st semester. In a typical week, you will spend around 20 to 30 hours on lectures and classes, including group work and exercises, plus another 10 to 20 hours on self-study, preparation and group work outside class.
In addition to the below, you will have an elective worth 5 ECTS credits.
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8 am-12 pmSystem Analysis - Life Cycle AssessmentTeaching |
8 am-12 pmExperience Based DesignTeaching |
8 am-12 pmNew Business EstablishmentTeaching |
||
12 pm-16 pmConsumer Product Testing and OptimizationTeaching |
|
12 pm-16 pmSystem Analysis - Life Cycle AssessmentTeaching |
Choices and options
The third semester has very few mandatory courses, which makes it well suited for an exchange stay abroad or elective courses at SDU. If you study abroad, you must find an equivalent alternative to the mandatory course Management of Technology.
Popular electives at SDU include Intellectual Property Rights, Prototyping as a Tool in the Entrepreneurial Process and Sustainable Development.
Academic culture in Denmark
Danish academic culture is characterised by active participation in class, group work and critical thinking. Rather than simply accumulating and reproducing knowledge, you will be expected to analyse, question and discuss the course topics.
The relationship between lecturers and students is often rather informal; students and lecturers may find themselves joking together and engaging in vigorous debates during classes and lectures.
