Study Programme in Innovation and Design Engineering

More about field-specific eligibility

Employment Market

Depending on your interests, you may find yourself designing together with industrial designers, e.g. as an employee or consultant in development projects at industrial production companies. In minor manufacturing companies, you can contribute with modern methods for quick and effective product development, thereby enhancing competitiveness. With your own innovations, and the tools to assess factors related to economy, marketing, production, and society, you will even be equipped to start your own businesses.

Degree

This programme leads to a university degree in Innovation and Design Engineering corresponding to 180 ECTS credits. For examination and assessment regulations, see under the heading "Learning outcomes" in the programme study plan.

Further Studies

The education is part of the new flexible education structure in Europe. With your degree you can, provided that you have the necessary mandatory courses, continue your studies aiming for a masters degree in computer science, either at Karlstad University or at other universities in Europe. Studies at the advanced level make you eligible for doctoral studies.

Alumni

Name: Daniel Ebeling
Year of graduation: 2022
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Innovation and Design Engineering
Email: danne_ebeling@hotmail.com

What do you do now?
I work as a design engineer/junior project manager.
These are quite broad titles, but it means that I take a real and carefully specified problem statement from the exploratory concept stage to the finished detailed construction (using computer-aided design, CAD). I work in close teams as well as with the customer. I?ve really had an exciting start to my career! You are as much a designer as a communications officer. It?s essential to keep an open mind and make sure that everyone understands each other.

What did you think of the degree programme?
Innovation and design engineering was truly a perfect match for me! With a sound foundation in drawing techniques, manufacturing and design in combination with courses in mechanical engineering, you really get the right ?scope? for product development. You learn to apply creative tools and methods to challenging tasks. You also get to take part in real projects together with different companies, which creates a completely different preparedness and understanding of the purpose of product development. The whole of the programme with all of the professional teachers was really great! If you are interested in aesthetics and want to learn how to use your creativity, this is a fantastic choice.

What made you choose this degree programme?
I chose the programme since I was looking for something design-based. Since the programme also includes the technical aspects, the choice was easy.

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Year of graduation: 2021
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Innovation and Design Engineering
Works as: Mechanical design engineer - consultant
Email: emmyhskogman@gmail.com

What made you choose this education?
I was uncertain at first about applying to an engineering programme. I didn?t have top grades from upper secondary school, and I wondered whether I would pass all the courses. What exactly was I going to with the degree? The only thing I knew was that I wanted to work with something that offers variety, creativity and the opportunity to be presented with a challenge and work hands-on.

What are you doing now?
The programme was perfect for me since I wanted to combine my creative side with my interest in problem solving. It covers a broad spectrum and provides an opportunity to try different industries and services. After graduation, I?ve worked as a product developer, designer and consultant. As a consultant, I?ve had assignments as both project manager and machine designer.

What were the most meaningful or inspiring parts of the programme?
An advantage with the programme is our way of looking at the design process, which I?ve discovered can differ from other engineers that I?ve come across. We become particularly good at working in projects and we manage the different phases of the project with a deep understanding. We dare to be curious, influence others with new ways of thinking and be open to creativity in a sometimes conservative environment.

Are there any specific courses, projects or teachers who made a special impression on you? What was it like studying in Karlstad?
In courses such as Visual thinking and design and Sustainable product development, you are introduced to what it?s like to work with the design process and in projects. For example, you learn that thorough preparations at the beginning of a project often saves time. I continued to be surprised by how many ideas can be produced with the help of different idea generating methods. It was rarely the case that the first idea you had ended up being the final solution. Thanks to several of our programme specific courses, we were very well prepared for the degree project, as well as working life.
KAU offers a lot of support, not least via our programme co-ordinator who was always there to help.

Do you have any good advice for other students?
Despite a feeling of uncertainty at first, I decided to give it a go and apply. I didn?t know exactly what I wanted to do following graduation, and I still don?t know for sure. Right now, I?m getting experience and try to find my way going forward. My advice is to apply! Especially if you feel a bit uncertain about what to choose, just like I did, but know that you have a creative side and enjoy problem solving. If you are passionate about the development of products, services and people. And if you are looking for a career that offers variation.

What are your plans for the future?
I?m excited about the future, I have lots of options. What will I be doing in five years? No idea! Perhaps I?m still a consultant, I really enjoy my job. Perhaps another new exciting opportunity has turned up? Time will tell.