Academic Programmes

Programme Overview

In a world defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), organisations need leaders who can anticipate change, reimagine possibilities, and respond with agility and innovation.

 The PG Diploma in Strategic Foresight and Future Readiness equips professionals with advanced foresight capabilities, creative problem-solving tools, and innovation strategies, grounded in real-world complexity and future design.

This unique postgraduate qualification explores diverse approaches to innovation (including Jugaad, frugal innovation, open innovation, and systems innovation), while engaging learners with global trend mapping, scenario planning, and policy labs.

Delivered by the Stirling Centre for Strategic Learning and Innovation, this programme will be offered in collaboration with expert partners such as NESTA UK, think tanks, and innovation hubs.

Who Should Enrol?

This programme is ideal for:

• • Strategic planners, analysts, and futurists
  • Innovation and transformation professionals
  • Public policy leaders and NGO strategists
  • Entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs operating in high-change environments
  • Consultants and educators shaping tomorrow’s solutions

If you are designing the future of health, education, government, technology, or business, this programme gives you the toolkit and frameworks to lead meaningfully.

Programme Structure

Stage 1: PG Certificate (60 Credits)

(Each module is 10 credits)

1. Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight
   Develop foundational knowledge in trends analysis, scenario planning, and horizon scanning using tools from NESTA and OECD.
2. Innovation Typologies: From Jugaad to Systems Innovation
   Explore a range of innovation models—from grassroots improvisation (Jugaad) to systemic and mission-oriented innovation.
3. Navigating the VUCA World
   Examine global case studies of disruption and resilience. Learn how organisations respond to uncertainty with adaptive strategies.
4. Foresight Tools and Frameworks
   Hands-on experience with tools like STEEP, Three Horizons, Delphi, and the Futures Wheel.
5. Global Trends and Emerging Technologies
   Analyse macro-level shifts across society, environment, technology, economy, and geopolitics—and their implications for your sector.
6. Policy Lab / Industry Challenge
   A team-based, real-time policy or strategy challenge set by a partner organisation (government, NGO or innovation hub).

Stage 2: PG Diploma (Additional 60 Credits)

(Each module is 20 credits)

1. Designing Future-Ready Organisations
   Apply foresight and innovation tools to reshape structures, cultures, and systems that can thrive in uncertain futures.
2. Social and Public Innovation
   Learn how to design inclusive and equitable innovation systems using human-centred design, behavioural science, and mission-led frameworks.
3. Capstone: Foresight in Action
   Lead a bespoke futures project—develop a foresight-led strategy, policy paper, or transformation roadmap for a sector or organisation of your choice.

 Learning Experience

• Blended Format: A combination of intensive face-to-face workshops and virtual engagement
• Partnerships: Includes guest sessions from NESTA, global foresight networks, innovation labs
• Experiential Learning: All modules include live scenario workshops, trend immersions, and field insights
• Applied Focus: Assignments are grounded in professional contexts, enabling learners to address future challenges now

Why Choose This Programme?

• One of the UK’s only foresight-focused PG Diplomas with embedded innovation, systems thinking, and policy relevance
• Builds practical and transferable capabilities in foresight facilitation, innovation design, and change leadership
• Combines Western foresight methods with global innovation approaches such as Jugaad, reverse innovation, and inclusive design
• Delivered by a centre dedicated to strategic learning, with access to national and international thought leaders

Key Features at a Glance