Strategic Design and Technology
Study programme title in Est.
Strateegiline disain ja tehnoloogia
Study programme title in Engl.
Strategic Design and Technology
TalTech study programme code
EADM26
MER study programme code
261008
Study programme version code
EADM26/26
Faculty / college
E - School of Engineering
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Martin Pärn
Language of instruction
Estonian
Study level
Master study
ECTS credits
90
Self-paid study programme
no
Nominal study period
3 semesters
Study programme group
Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology
Broad area of study
Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction
Study field
Engineering and engineering trades
Curriculum group
Engineering and engineering trades not elsewhere classified
Access conditions
Higher education degree comprising at least 180 ECTS credits and a minimum of 4 years of work experience as a manager or specialist in development activities.
Or a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification, or a higher education degree comprising at least 240 ECTS credits, and a minimum of 1 year of work experience as a manager or specialist in development activities. In accordance with TalTech's admission requirements. Show more...
Study programme aims and objectives
The programme aims to provide students with the knowledge and
skills to strategically apply design in the development of companies’ product and service systems and to enhance innovation capabilities. The effective and systematic application of design supports the transformation of technological opportunities into user-friendly products and services and the creation of impactful future scenarios by integrating design, engineering, and business disciplines.

During their studies, students acquire the ability to connect technological development potential with social and sustainable values, as well as trends in digital and green transitions, in order to generate new opportunities for both existing and emerging companies and to strengthen their competitiveness in a rapidly changing economic environment.

The programme seeks to train professionals with a transdisciplinary background in innovation, design, and engineering, capable of leading or participating in design processes both as team members in product development and more broadly within organizational operations. Core programme courses are delivered through challenge-based project learning, fostering students’ critical and creative thinking, analytical skills, and the development of practical solutions in the context of real-world challenges. Show more...
Learning outcomes of the study programme
A graduate of the programme:
- applies design thinking to address complex problems systematically,
analyzing trends and future directions, societal processes, and technological and business opportunities, interests, and constraints within the economic, social, and cultural context;
- analyses the interconnection between contemporary design, technology and the economy (including the circular economy) based on theoretical knowledge and practical skills;
- analyzes the potential of technological developments, including opportunities offered by Industry 5.0 and artificial intelligence, in the development of product and service systems;
- initiates and conducts design-driven transdisciplinary research and development processes, supporting and evaluating activities through personal and team development;
- plans and solves complex and ill-defined challenges creatively, sustainably, and strategically, working both individually and as part of a team; critically assesses and justifies the impact and evidence base of proposed solutions;
- leads the strategic application of design at the organizational level in production and development processes, business planning, and communication, creating user-centered and environmentally sustainable product and service concepts and business models grounded in principles of sustainable development. Show more...
Graduation requirements
Completion of the curriculum in the required amount, and taking the final exam in conformity with the requirements set by the TalTech Senate.
In order to obtain Cum Laude diploma the final exam must be taken for the grade "5" and the weighted average grade must be at least 4,60, where all grades from diploma supplement are taken into account. Show more...
Degrees conferred
Master of Science in Engineering
Study programme version structure :
Module type
total ECTS credits
General studies
18.0
Core studies
6.0
Special studies
48.0
Graduation exam
18.0
Total
90.0
  • +
       MAIN SPECIALITY 1: Strategic Design and Technology
    • +
         MODULE: Design in Cultural Context 6.0 ECTS credits (General studies)
      Aims
      The primary objective of the module is to broaden students’ horizons and develop an understanding of the role and impact of innovation and technology on the development of society,
      culture, and the economy. Additionally, it aims to provide an understanding of cultural theory and visual culture, their influence, and their potential in guiding technological development. Selected topics help bring theoretical concepts from various fields closer to the students and connect them to both everyday life and their own professional practice.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Upon successful completion of the module, the student:
      - recognizes general trends in cultural,
      innovation, and social theories and is able to draw upon different theoretical currents when developing their own ideas;
      - connects theoretical models from different fields, draws comparisons, and applies theoretical constructs to make sense of both everyday life and their professional practice;
      - identifies ongoing processes in contemporary culture, technology, innovation, and society, and is able to form their own informed perspective;
      - evaluates technological development based on ethical, social, and cultural criteria.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Problems of Contemporary Design - 1
      DT7237
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Total: 3.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Problems of Contemporary Design - 2
      DT7238
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Academic Writing
      ÜT7002
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Teaching and Mediating
      ÜT7008
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Estonian culture at the crossroads 2
      ÜT700K
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Estonian culture at the crossroads 1
      ÜT700S
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Visual Literacy
      ÜT7010
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K2
      Problems in 20th and 21st Century Philosophy
      ÜT7012
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Focal Points in Contemporary Culture 1
      ÜT7013
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Focal Points in Contemporary Culture 2
      ÜT7014
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Introductions to Non-Western Visual Cultures
      ÜT7015
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      History of Ideas
      ÜT7016
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Creative Research Methods
      ÜT7017
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Self-Organized Initiatives – How to do Differently
      ÜT7018
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Mental Health and Self-Management
      ÜT7019
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Philosophy and Critical Thinking
      ÜT7020
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Cultural Theory
      ÜT7021
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Academic Writting
      ÜT7203
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Creative Industries
      ÜT7205
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Creative Industries
      ÜT7206
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      S
      Total: at least 3.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Engineering Processes 12.0 ECTS credits (General studies)
      Aims
      The objective of the Technology module is to provide systematic
      knowledge of contemporary product development principles and processes; to introduce various manufacturing technologies and the impact of production system digitalization and emerging additive manufacturing methods on both mass and small-series production; to understand the operating principles of the Internet of Things and to learn to apply the opportunities of emerging technological platforms in the development of new products and services.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Upon successful completion of the module, the student:
      - recognizes the integrated nature of the product development process, its stages and guiding logics;

      - plans product development processes, assembles and leads a project team, integrating different internal stakeholders of the enterprise;
      - designs product quality across the entire product life cycle;
      - plans and controls manufacturing processes;
      - selects and designs manufacturing systems according to product specifications;
      - analyzes Internet of Things technologies and designs, assembles and tests basic systems;
      - creates digital simulation environments that utilize virtual reality and machine vision capabilities.       Show more...
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Internet of Things for Industry
      EMT0140
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      2.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      AI in Industry
      EMT0250
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Concurrent Product Development
      EMT8600
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Business Development 6.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to develop students' customer-centered mindset and entrepreneurial skills,
      and to provide the knowledge and abilities to develop sustainable business models.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Student who has completed the module:
      - masters customer-centered innovation methods;

      - is able to independently design an organizational transformation toward customer-centered innovation practice;
      - develops a sustainable business model concept that balances company profit with sustainability goals.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Sustainable Business Model Development
      MMJ5340
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.0
      1.5
      H
      SK
      Customer-driven Innovation
      MMM5550
      3.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      K2
      Total: 6.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Design in Corporate Entrepreneurship 27.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      The aim of the module is to provide the knowledge and skills to assume the role of a design leader and design manager within a company or organization.


      The courses provide practical skills for applying design strategically and holistically: how to create a functioning design culture, support an innovation-oriented organization, manage design processes in development and communication, conduct futures analysis, and develop and test scenarios for development. They also cover assessing the impact of products and services across their life cycles.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      A student who has completed the module:
      - recognizes design’s role in creating competitive advantage and persuasively presents the value design generates;

      - leads the organization as a design leader in establishing and developing a coherent and distinctive design culture (and identity);
      - connects various design outputs to the organization’s strategic decisions;
      - applies a range of futures-research methods to analyze possible future scenarios relevant to the company;
      - applies the principles and methodology of life cycle analysis (LCA) and the stages of environmental impact assessment, and is able to carry out environmental impact assessments across the entire life cycle.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Life Cycle Assessment
      EAV8300
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      E
      K
      Design in Corporate Entrepreneurship
      EMD1020
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      H
      S
      Design in Strategic Foresight
      EMD1030
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      H
      K
      Master's Project Seminar
      EMD1040
      12.0
      8.0
      0.0
      0.0
      8.0
      A
      S
      Total: 27.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Development Processes in Design and Technology 21.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      The objective of the module is to provide in-depth knowledge
      of contemporary design approaches in order to systematically integrate design and technology into business development processes. The module establishes a foundation for applying design-based management and development principles, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and enabling sustainable and innovative solutions in organizations and enterprises. During the module, students work through a complete design process, from research and concept development to presentation.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      A student who has completed this module:
      - analyzes and applies contemporary design approaches in technology and business development processes;

      - plans and integrates design-based management and development principles across different levels of an organization or enterprise, from identifying development opportunities to addressing customer experience touchpoints;
      - evaluates and considers the role and responsibility of design in creating sustainable and globally impactful solutions, integrating social, economic, and environmental dimensions into development processes;
      - critically analyzes and assesses holistic systems and solutions, linking business, technology, and design-thinking principles;
      - applies a systematic and interdisciplinary approach in combining design, technology, and business, designing innovative and sustainable solution concepts.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Contemporary Design Basics
      EADM01
      3.0
      2.0
      1.5
      0.0
      0.5
      A
      S1
      Design Studio I - Systems Design and Research
      EADM02
      12.0
      8.0
      2.0
      0.0
      6.0
      H
      S
      Design Studio II - Synthesis of Design and Technology
      EMD1010
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      0.0
      3.0
      H
      K
      Total: 21.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Master's Exam 18.0 ECTS credits (Graduation exam)
      Aims
      The Master’s Exam aims to assess and consolidate the knowledge
      and skills acquired during the program regarding strategic design management and its application within organizations. The exam allows students to connect the core principles learned during their studies with their professional field or organization and to develop a comprehensive understanding of the impact of design in business. The exam consists of two components: in the first, students relate the knowledge gained during their studies to their professional domain; in the second, the knowledge acquired in the curriculum is evaluated through a written assignment.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Upon successful completion of the Master’s Examination, the student:

      - demonstrated the essential knowledge and skills required to manage strategic design and technology within an organization;
      - analyzes and applies strategic design opportunities and assesses their impact within their organization and professional field;
      - articulates the value of design at both the organizational level and within a broader societal context.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Master's Exam (final examination)
      EMD1050
      18.0
      0.5
      0.0
      0.0
      0.5
      H
      S2
      Total: 18.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn session-based study
      • +
           1st Semester
      • +
           2nd Semester
      • +
           3rd Semester