Do you have what it takes to shape the future? 🚀 Register your interest now for our October 2025 Pilot Course 🎓
One programme, two routes to begin your journey.
Embark on our innovation course ahead of launch through the non-accredited Pilot, and seize the opportunity to join the founding cohort. Or alternatively, join the waitlist for our upcoming master’s degree (pending accreditation).
Join the founding cohort
Pilot Course
Join the course waitlist
Master's of Innovation (MI)
Non-accredited
Qualification
Level 7 qualification
Qualification
£0 / Year (Fully funded)
Fees
£13,000 / year
Fees
October 2025
Start Date
October 2026
Start Date
Manchester / Online
Location
Manchester / Online
Location
1 year
Length
2 years
Length
Part-time / Blended (Remote-First)
Study Mode
Part-time / Blended (Remote-First)
Study Mode
June 2025
Applications Open
Announced in June 2025
Applications Open
A master's focused solely on innovation
Dare to innovate.
Discover and harness the transformative power of innovation in our 2-year, part-time master’s programme. This first-of-its-kind course places innovation at the centre of its curriculum, using an interdisciplinary approach to explore the underlying principles, theories, drivers, and ethics of innovation. Gain a comprehensive toolkit of frameworks and cultivate an innovation mindset applicable across various disciplines, sectors, and industries. You will begin by studying Core Innovation, consisting of three modules, before choosing a specialised pathway tailored to your interests.
Course Structure
History of Innovation
Examine the narratives of history’s greatest innovators and uncover the evolution of innovation. Gain insights into the foundational theories, practices, and mindsets that drive innovation, and apply these principles to your current context.
Innovation Frameworks
Build your innovation toolkit by studying and applying established frameworks. Learn structured approaches to foster creativity and drive projects from concept to completion, while gaining expertise in leading teams and organisations through the innovation process.
Innovation in Practice
Translate theory into action by applying innovation frameworks in real-world situations by engaging in hands-on projects that challenge you to implement and refine your skills in practical settings. This module connects with the introduction to your chosen pathway.
Introduction to Pathway
Upon completing the initial innovation modules, you will be ready to make a choice between three distinct pathways (business, technology, social), each comprising of two associated modules: Introduction and Practice. The Introduction module will focus on the fundamental knowledge and skills required to innovate in your chosen pathway, acting as a prerequisite for the Practice module.
Practice of Pathway
Following on from the Introduction module, a focus will be placed on directly applying innovation to your chosen pathway subject. This will include regular collaboration with academic and industry partners, an emphasis on real-world context and application, and an opportunity to truly observe the value of the skills that you have learned thus far.
End of Course Capstone
Working within the parameters of the chosen pathway, identify and tackle a specific problem, opportunity, or research area, developing it into an “innovation in practice.” Receive regular support and guidance from both an academic and professional mentor, benefit from unique networking opportunities, and enjoy the creative freedom to explore your subject of interest.
Business | Technology | Social
Choose your path.
After completing the fundamental innovation modules, you will choose between three subject pathways, giving you the opportunity to explore how innovation is applied in a real-world scenario. These pathways are taught in collaboration with esteemed academic and industry partners, and actively encourage the use of innovation within a tangible context.
Business Innovation
Transform your career with a challenger to the MBA. Master the art of driving innovation within established organisations by refining processes and nurturing a culture of creativity— or boldly embark on your journey to launch your own venture.
Technology Innovation
Discover the profound societal, ethical, and legislative impacts of AI and emerging technologies. Gain invaluable insights into how these cutting-edge advancements can reshape our world, and seize the opportunity to become a visionary thinker ready to influence the future of technology.
Social Innovation
Gain essential skills to drive transformative social change by mastering bureaucracy, launching impactful social enterprises, and navigating the ethics, politics, and challenges of social innovation. This skill set is perfect for careers in NGOs, charities, corporate social responsibility, or social entrepreneurship.
We are seeking students who are ready to answer
The call to adventure.
Are you an ambitious individual with a deep passion for creating meaningful change?
The TSOI innovation course is right for you if:
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you want to explore and discover the frontiers of human progress
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you are comfortable with uncertainty and pioneering in uncharted territories
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you are eager to uncover your true potential and pursue what you find most fulfilling
500 Students | 200 Employers
Results from our research
80%
of the students that we surveyed, stated that The School of Innovation's approach towards delivering skills-focussed degrees, an integrated life curriculum, and evidence-based teaching, would be an improvement on what is currently offered by existing universities.
87%
of the employers that we surveyed, believed that The School of Innovation’s graduates would have an advantage, or a greater chance of success, when applying for jobs with their company, in comparison to graduates from a typical traditional university.
9 out of 10
employers, on average, believed that their company would benefit from having more people with a strong innovation skill set, as defined by The School of Innovation.
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What People Say
"It sounds like it’s actually taking into account the needs of the students."
Prospective Student
Primary Research
"This is much more appropriate than current university offerings; students will be much better equipped for the future."
Employer
Primary Research
"It is a revolutionary way of teaching at university."
Prospective Student
Primary Research
"Life skills are so important alongside academic qualifications."
Employer
Primary Research
"I think it's an excellent idea. There is a distinct lack of preparation for the job market and post-university life in the current university system, and The School of Innovation sounds like it could address these issues."
Prospective Student
Primary Research
"Real-world skills, preparing students with essential life skills, and giving them an innovation skill set would help students gain entry into the workplace."
Employer
Primary Research
"It sounds like a valuable opportunity to gain real-world life skills, particularly in preparing you for the job market by getting you directly involved in projects with actual companies."
Prospective Student
Primary Research
"I feel that students with experience in these areas would be able to effectively transition into workplace life and would be efficient in transforming work culture."
Employer
Primary Research
"Right now, there is a difference between what is taught in the universities and what is used in the real world. There needs to be a change to the curriculums so that the students are taught what is required in industry."
Employer
Primary Research
The School of Innovation is designed from first principles to address the needs of modern students. This approach ensures that you receive an education specifically tailored to your requirements. In practice, this includes a skills-focused curriculum, evidence-based teaching methods, an integrated life skills programme, and flexible learning options. According to our research, 80% of students reported that these features offer a significantly better experience compared to traditional universities.
The TSOI Innovation Programme is one of the first globally to focus exclusively on innovation, treating it as a distinct subject and discipline. You will gain the specific skill sets and frameworks needed to drive efficient and effective innovation. Additional benefits include learning from world-leading universities, organisations, and experts, while having the flexibility to choose a pathway tailored to your career goals and personal passions.
This course is remote-first, meaning most of the content is delivered online. It includes both synchronous and asynchronous learning, offering a balance between interactive collaboration and independent study for maximum flexibility. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to meet your cohort and faculty in person during several residential experiences, each lasting 3 to 5 days.
From a philosophical perspective, we believe in radical innovation. The term "radical" originates from the Latin word radix, meaning "root." At the "root" of education lies academia, which derives from the Ancient Greek Ἀκαδημία (Akadēmía), a grove near Athens where Plato taught. Plato encouraged his students to pursue eudaimonia, the modern equivalent of leading a good and meaningful life. Therefore, the epistemology or "root" of higher education is grounded in this pursuit of meaning. We believe meaning can be found in answering the call to adventure - discovering one’s vocation. Embarking on this journey is a profoundly human endeavour that requires introspection and careful thought. Thus, we focus on equipping students with the tools to explore life’s big questions.
From a practical perspective, soft skills play a crucial role in shaping our careers and lives. While having the technical skills necessary to complete tasks is a fundamental prerequisite, it is our ability to inspire a team, manage conflict, negotiate successfully, navigate stress, or even effectively invest for the future that truly determines our success in achieving our goals. The concept of moral instruction in universities is often neglected or expected to be learned indirectly by students. In contrast, we adopt a different approach, explicitly equipping our students with the skills necessary to achieve fulfilment in the various aspects of life.
The School of Innovation is currently in the process of developing our admissions process. We assure you that it will be innovative and inclusive, providing every student with the opportunity to showcase their potential and discover their brilliance. To receive updates, please subscribe to our mailing list or submit your information to express your interest in our pilot or master’s course.McKinsey & Company found that 94% of executives are dissatisfied with their company's innovation performance. Our research revealed that 9 out of 10 companies would benefit from having more team members equipped with the TSOI innovation skill set. This course positions you to be part of the solution. In our survey of 200 employers, 87% indicated that TSOI graduates would possess a competitive advantage in the job market compared to their peers from traditional universities.
Whether you want to build on your undergraduate studies, explore a specific new area through one of our pathways, or showcase your innovation competencies, this course is designed to equip you to either initiate new projects or solve challenges within an existing organisation.
The School of Innovation is working towards becoming a registered higher education institution with the Office for Students and obtaining degree-awarding powers. However, we have not yet achieved accreditation, and it is important for prospective students to consider this when making their decision. While we continue this process, you can pre-register your interest in the proposed Master's Degree course or apply for our non-accredited pilot programme, launching in October 2025 as part of our founding cohort.
Applications for our pilot course open in June 2025. Details on applications for our Master’s course will be announced in June 2025.
Frequently asked questions
The School of Innovation
Discover Your
Brilliance.
A home for those who dare to challenge the status quo.
