Module Catalogue 2026/27

EIN3027 : Creativity and Innovation

EIN3027 : Creativity and Innovation

  • Offered for Year: 2026/27
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Fiona Whitehurst
  • Co-Module Leader: Dr Paul Richter
  • Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To introduce students to concepts and theories of creativity and its role in the innovation process. To provide students with an awareness and understanding of the role of management in fostering creativity and (particularly radical) innovation in the workplace. To introduce theoretical perspectives on the wider process of innovation that go beyond a simplistic managerial approach, including social shaping, evolutionary economics and actor networks. To provide students with the basis for critical judgement with regard to the strategies and processes of innovation and creativity management in an organizational context and the role of innovation and creativity in contemporary economic and organizational activity.

Outline Of Syllabus

Creativity
What is Creativity?
Creative Person(alities)
Creative Teams
The Creative Process
Creative Climate in Organisations
Creative Places

Innovation
Design - Consumer Culture, Competition, Sustainability
Design Thinking
Disruptive and Radical Innovation
Rational Perspective and Social Shaping

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of creativity theories through their application to a specific context (product, person or place).

2. Students are expected to be able to elaborate contrasting approaches to the promotion and management of creativity, design and innovation in organizations.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. Students are expected to be able to synthesise and evaluate the academic literature on innovation and creativity.
2. Students are expected to be able to produce reasoned arguments supported by theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence.
3. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to work effectively in creative teams

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture102:0020:00Conventional whole class lectures, but may be supported by pre-recorded material. (PiP)
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials202:0040:00Reviewing Lecture Materials
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion220:0040:00Assessment Preparation Semester 1: Group Project (20 hours) Semester 2: Exam Preparation (20 hours)
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading201:0020:00Directed preparatory reading
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching41:004:00Seminars
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops42:008:00Workshops - Larger Group Active Learning
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study162:0062:00Reading around the subject and examining case studies
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesModule talk11:001:00Assessment Clinic
Guided Independent StudyOnline Discussion100:305:00Contributing to online discussion boards
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures introduce students to the main theoretical ideas and processes of creativity management and innovation in different contexts. Students will be introduced to some of the key debates and controversies in the subject area. Critical approaches to the literature will be demonstrated through the lectures. Workshops enable more hands-on activities and engage students in practical exercises to experience creative practice and design thinking.

The small group teaching and module talk sessions permit more detailed discussion of specific issues and case examples.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination1802A70Examination requiring essay type answers
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Oral Presentation2M25Group Presentation
Reflective log2M5Based on contribution to the discussion boards
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Written exercise2MAn exam preparation session is provided at which previous exam papers/questions are discussed and feed forward given.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Formative Feedback

Feed forward is provided for the group project is provided through the workshops which will cover techniques which can be used to develop the group creative output. A Q&A session is provided 2-3 weeks before submission.
An exam preparation session is provided at which previous exam papers/questions are discussed and feed forward given.
Feedback is also provided on group discussions within seminars on specific topics with prior reading.


Summative Assessment

The exam tests students’ knowledge of the subject and their ability critically to assess competing theories and perspectives. Questions will invite critical analysis of key issues in innovation and creativity and their management.

The group oral presentation presents the output of the group creative project and offers an opportunity for students to demonstrate that they have worked effectively in a creative team.

The Discussion Boards are assessed primarily in terms of number of contributions made with the remaining marks available for entries that make a useful contribution to the module and the collective discussion of creativity topics.

RESIT INFORMATION: If students are eligible to a second attempt resit will be an exam and the resit calculation will be based 100% on the completed exam.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2026 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2027/28 entry will be published here in early-April 2027. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.