The Advanced Studies Programme in Strategic Design for Transformation prepares you to analyse contexts, identify needs and make strategic decisions in uncertain environments.
Over the course of a semester, you will work within a real-world Innovation Territory to develop your ability to understand complex systems, design honest proposals and lead real processes of change rather than simulated ones.
→ From 8 February to 22 June 2027
→ 180 hours
→ €4,950
→ Applications open
Who is it for?
This programme is designed for designers looking to move from execution towards strategic design; innovation professionals seeking to expand their analytical and decision-making skills; and individuals from disciplines such as engineering, sociology, biology or architecture who are interested in integrating design into transformation processes.
It is also aimed at entrepreneurs seeking new tools to analyse systems, identify opportunities and develop business models, services and experiences from a strategic perspective.
No specific disciplinary background is required, only an interest in strategic innovation, systems thinking and the transformation of organisations and services.
What will you learn?
You will develop the ability to analyse complex systems and identify opportunities with rigour, design viable and honest proposals, communicate them to diverse audiences and lead real processes of change within organisations.
Throughout the programme, you will develop your own critical judgement, enabling you to make decisions and adapt your proposals as working conditions or contexts change.
Methodology
Throughout the semester, you will work within a real-world Innovation Territory — an organisation operating in the healthcare, mobility, retail or finance sector — following a challenge-based learning methodology.
You will tackle a real challenge, engaging with real stakeholders who will also participate in the final assessment panel. Throughout the programme, working conditions — briefs, deadlines and context — will deliberately change, reflecting the realities of professional practice.
This methodology will help you develop the ability to maintain a plan when conditions change and rethink a proposal when the context shifts, rather than simply following a predetermined process.
Study plan of the Strategic Design for Transformation programme
The Advanced Studies Programme in Strategic Design for Transformation comprises 180 hours, is delivered in a hybrid format and runs for one semester.
The programme is structured around four modules of 36 hours each:
- Systemic Innovation and Critical Sensing
- Strategic Ideation and Creative Intelligence
- Service Design for Wellbeing
- Business Design and the Economics of Transformation
In addition, a 36-hour Core Innovation Project runs throughout the programme, supported by continuous individual tutoring. The project is documented through four progressive submissions, one at the end of each module, and is developed within a real-world Innovation Territory, replacing a predefined case study with an authentic challenge.
The programme concludes with a final public presentation before a diverse assessment panel comprising academic representatives from Eina/UAB, practising professionals and representatives of the communities affected by the project.
Career opportunities
The programme prepares participants for professional roles such as Innovation Strategist, Service & Experience Designer, Transformation Lead, Business Designer, Impact Strategist or Systemic Innovation Consultant.
The Advanced Studies Programme has a professional focus and is designed to support specialisation and the development of new perspectives through strategic design, building on each participant's previous experience.
Teaching Staff
Each module is coordinated by professionals specialising in their respective fields:
- Laura Laguna and Maite Otano — Systemic Innovation and Critical Sensing
- Marc Segarra — Strategic Ideation and Creative Intelligence
- Clara Subirats — Service Design for Wellbeing
- Carlos Jiménez — Business Design and the Economics of Transformation
The teaching team is complemented by 8 to 10 guest lecturers and practising professionals who contribute perspectives and experience drawn from professional practice.
Entry requirements and admissions
Admission to the Advanced Studies Programme in Strategic Design for Transformation is assessed on the basis of applicants' CVs and portfolios, which provide insight into each candidate's background, experience and interests.
No specific academic or disciplinary background is required. The programme's interdisciplinary approach welcomes professionals from design, engineering, sociology, biology, architecture, innovation and entrepreneurship who are interested in strategic design and transformation processes.
Although not a requirement, previous professional experience is considered an advantage, as it enables participants to connect the programme's content with real professional situations and challenges.