Students choose this programme because it offers:

• An interdisciplinary curriculum combining design, innovation, creativity, and management.
• Strong emphasis on Design Thinking as a strategic business tool.
• Industry-based projects addressing real-world design and innovation challenges.
• Opportunities to collaborate across creative, business, and technology disciplines.
• Exposure to branding, service design, entrepreneurship, and future media innovation.
• Development of leadership and managerial capabilities for creative industries.
• Access to experienced academics and industry professionals.
• International classroom with students from over 130 countries.
• Option to receive an APU–De Montfort University (UK) Dual Degree, subject to eligibility and programme participation.

Programme Structure / Subjects Offered

Pre-Requisite Modules (if required)

• Managing People
• Understanding Customers
• Managerial Finance
• Business Environment & Strategic Planning

Core Modules

• Design and Creative Industries
• Business Planning for Creative Entrepreneurs
• Design Thinking
• Integrated Brand Management
• Research Methodology
• Future Media Innovation
• Service Design
• Project Feasibility Study

Elective Modules (Choose One)

• Intellectual Property
• Creative Sustainability
• Managing Design for Web

Major Project

Creative Futures Project

Students undertake an industry-based design innovation project that demonstrates their ability to solve real-world organisational and creative challenges. The project concludes with a professional exhibition and presentation

Disciplines / Areas of Specialisation

The programme develops expertise in:

• Design Innovation
• Design Thinking
• Innovation Management
• Creative Industries
• Strategic Brand Management
• Service Design
• Entrepreneurship
• Future Media Innovation
• Creative Leadership
• Creative Business Development
• Intellectual Property Management
• Sustainable Design Practices

Programme Highlights

• Ranked university in the Top 2% worldwide.
• Industry-focused curriculum integrating creativity, business, and innovation.
• Strong emphasis on Design Thinking and strategic innovation.
• Industry-based Creative Futures Project.
• Opportunity for APU–De Montfort University (UK) Dual Degree.
• No traditional written examinations for the ODL version—assessment is coursework-based.
• Modern digital learning environment supported by Microsoft Teams and Moodle.
• International faculty and multicultural learning experience.
• Excellent graduate employability through industry partnerships.

Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for leadership and creative management roles including:

• Design Innovation Manager
• Creative Director
• Brand Manager
• Innovation Consultant
• Design Strategist
• Service Design Manager
• Product Innovation Manager
• User Experience (UX) Strategist
• Creative Project Manager
• Business Development Manager
• Creative Entrepreneur
• Innovation Officer
• Marketing & Brand Consultant
• Creative Industry Consultant
• Design Researcher

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students studying on campus must obtain a Malaysia Student Pass before commencing their studies.

Typical requirements include:

• Valid passport
• APU Offer Letter
• Acceptance of offer
• Tuition fee payment (as required)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• English language qualification
• Passport-sized photographs
• Medical examination
• Student Pass application processed through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• APU remains ranked among the Top 2% of universities worldwide.
• The programme offers an optional APU–De Montfort University (UK) Dual Degree pathway.
• A fully online ODL version is available for part-time learners, featuring live online classes and asynchronous study materials.
• The curriculum includes an industry-based Creative Futures Project with a final exhibition and presentation.
• Applicants from non-design backgrounds may need to attend an interview, submit a portfolio, and/or complete pre-requisite modules before progressing to the core curriculum.