Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Master of Product Innovation (MProdInnovation) is designed for graduates from any academic background who want to develop, commercialise and launch new products or services.
• Unlike the Master of Product Design, this programme does not require a previous product-design background.
• Students can develop their own product or business idea during the degree while receiving guidance from academic staff and industry mentors.
• The programme combines product/service innovation, design thinking, business practice, marketing and commercialisation.
• Students have access to specialised facilities including laboratories, engineering workshops, design studios, makerspaces, 3D printers, electronics laboratories, formulation facilities and AR/VR technology.
• UC's Centre for Entrepreneurship provides access to founders, mentors, experts and advisors and supports students interested in starting businesses.
• Christchurch has a growing innovation ecosystem, including technology and gaming industries, which provides a useful environment for innovation-focused study.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The 180-point programme consists of three components.

1. Compulsory courses – 30 points

Current regulations identify:

• PROD601 – Design Critique and Research Methods – 15 points
• PROD614 – Design Ethics – 15 points

PROD601 is scheduled in Semester 1 and PROD614 in Semester 2 in the 2026 regulations. Both are campus-based.

2. Elective courses – 60 points

The elective component can combine Product Design and business/marketing-related courses.

Current listed Product Design options include:

• PROD602 – Systems Thinking for Product Design
• PROD611 – Design and Manufacture
• PROD612 – Bio-Inspired Design
• PROD613 – Development of Interdisciplinary Practice and Self
• PROD621 – Games for Health & Wellbeing
• PROD622 – Immersive Collaborative Play and Design
• PROD623 – Gamification for Enterprises
• PROD631 – Fragrance Design

Students may also take approved higher-level university courses, subject to the regulations and relevant approvals.

Business-oriented options include:

• MBUS673 – Innovation
• MKTG631 – Marketing
• Other approved 600-level UC Business School courses, subject to approval.

Not every listed elective is necessarily offered every year. The current regulations explicitly show some courses as not offered in 2026.

3. INOV680 – Product Innovation Project – 90 points

This is the central practical component of the qualification.

Students independently carry out product or service innovation and development in their chosen area. The project is supported by:

• An industry supervisor/mentor
• An experienced academic supervisor
• Expertise relevant to the student's project

Disciplines/Specialisations

The Master of Product Innovation does not have formal named majors or specialisations.

Instead, students can customise their innovation pathway through their electives and final project.

Possible areas include:

• Product innovation
• Service innovation
• Product development
• Design thinking
• Systems thinking
• Design and manufacturing
• Bio-inspired design
• Immersive technology
• Games and gamification
• Cosmetic/fragrance product development
• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Commercialisation
• Business innovation

Programme Highlights

Key programme highlights include:

• 180-point Level 9 master's qualification
• Open to graduates from any academic background
• B GPA required in final-year courses
• February and July intakes
• 18 months full-time
• Up to 3 years part-time
• Strong practical orientation
• 90-point independent Product Innovation Project
• Industry mentoring
• Academic supervision
• Entrepreneurship and commercialisation opportunities
• Access to specialist Product Design facilities
• Engineering and design workshop access
• 3D printing and electronics facilities
• Makerspaces
• AR/VR facilities
• Business and marketing electives
• Opportunity to develop an original product/service or business concept
• Potential pathway into entrepreneurship and start-up activity.

Career Outcomes

UC states that graduates can pursue a broad range of careers depending on their first-degree discipline and the direction of their innovation studies.

Potential areas include:

• Product innovation
• Research and development
• Concept design
• Product development
• Marketing analysis
• Advertising
• Quality assurance
• Product review and critique
• Innovation management
• Entrepreneurship
• Business development
• Commercialisation
• Start-up development

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The latest UC information confirms:

• The programme remains a 180-point qualification.
• February and July starts are available.
• The standard full-time duration is 18 months.
• The qualification is open to graduates from any study background.
• A B GPA in final-year courses is required.
• The final Product Innovation Project is 90 points.
• INOV680 is a limited-entry course with a maximum enrolment of 30.
• INOV680 requires approval based on identifying an appropriate project mentor/supervisor.
• The current 2026 regulations identify PROD601 and PROD614 as the compulsory coursework.
• Some elective courses are not offered every year, so students should confirm the availability of their preferred electives before finalising their study plan.

International Student Visa Requirements

The normal visa for an international student paying tuition to study the MProdInnovation in New Zealand is the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship
• Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance
• Good health
• Good character
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay
• Compliance with any other visa requirements.