10 April 2026
The MSc in Service Management and Design (SMD)is a forward looking and innovative programme based in the University of Edinburgh’s Futures Institute (EFI). It integrates service management and design together, with input from staff in the University’s Business School and College of Art. One of the few postgraduate programmes offering management education to the service field, it is intended either for applicants who currently work in the service sector but want to improve their knowledge and skills or for applicants who want to transfer into the sector, as a new or experienced graduate.
The programmes combines four elements. The first element is a basic understanding of the nature of service and services and of the role of value creation within them. The second element is a range of electives to allow the student to customise their course to their own needs. Inter alia, these electives include ones in public service management, strategy and culture, inter-organisational collaboration, and data-led innovation.
The third element is a cluster of courses that run across the EFI’s postgraduate programme. These cover research and theoretical approaches to explore the future of work and society. The final element is a Masters project and dissertation. This applies the knowledge and skills learned on the programme to a real-life situation. Students have an Academic Advisor to guide them through the project process.
The programme is delivered by a range of academic staff from across the Business School and College of Art, who all have expertise in service delivery and the service sector. An emphasis is placed upon seeking to integrate management and design together, rather than seeing them as separate processes and professions.
Further information on the programme
For a discussion about how the programme could meet your needs, contact the programme director: Katharine Aulton – Katharine.aulton@ed.ac.uk