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University Futures and Foresight Degrees and Programs
The disciplines of futures and foresight are long established in the academic arena, with a wide variety of programs around the world ranging from short courses through to Masters and Ph.D. programs. We have compiled the most significant and relevant courses below. Please let us know if there are other programs you think we should include.
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Masters Programs
Postgraduate Diplomas
Undergraduate Programs
Short Courses
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Ph.D Programs
| Country | University | Department | Program | Description |
| Australia | University of Technology Sydney | Institute for Sustainable Futures | Doctor of Philosophy in futures studies | The Institute for Sustainable Futures takes a futures/ foresight perspective for teaching sustainability. Of the methods taught, integral theory and the long view are key highlights. |
| Colombia | Universidad Externado de Colombia (Externado University of Colombia) | Business Administration | Doctorate in Administration | This is an interdisciplinary doctoral degree with an option to focus on integrating futures and foresight (prospectiva). |
| Denmark | Aarhus University | School of Business and Social Sciences | Doctor of Philosophy in organizational future orientation or corporate foresight | This doctoral program is offered by Professor René Rohrbeck. The program offers scholarships every six months to cover tuition and expenses. Research proposals with a strong empirical core are favored. |
| Finland | Turun yliopisto (University of Turku) | Turku School of Economics: Finland Futures Research Centre | Doctor of Science in economics and business administration or Doctor of Philosophy – futures studies as a major | The stated purpose is to help prepare students to become independent futures researchers. Applicants are required to have no less than 10 ECTS credits of futures/ foresight courses. |
| France | Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (Cnam) (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts) | EPN Innovation | Doctor of Management Sciences (PhD) in foresight (prospective) management, innovation, strategy, organization | Cnam’s EPN Innovation has a history of foresight education that stretches beyond their doctoral and masters degrees. Their Fundamentals of Foresight course is included in 45 of their degrees. |
| Hungary | Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem (Corvinus University of Budapest) | Doctoral School of Economic Informatics: Department of Futures Studies | Doctor of Philosophy in future research | The university has several futures/ foresight related classes which are available to related courses. They also have both bachelor and master degree programs in futures/ foresight. |
| India | University of Kerala | Faculty of Applied Science and Technology: Department of Futures Studies | Doctor of Philosophy in futures studies | There are a total of 20 seats available, and the program has produced 20 PhD graduates in various topics. |
| Iran | University of Isfahan | Department of Futures Studies | Master of Futures Studies | A two-year program with an updated syllabus that focuses on teaching theoretical topics and methods for future studies. Students’ dissertations are chosen based on their interest so that they can apply what they have learned to specialize in a particular field. |
| South Africa | University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) | Institute of Futures Research (IFR) | Doctor of Philosophy in futures studies | The IFR began in 1974. This program provides the only PhD degree in futures/ foresight in Africa. It is primarily focused on those students who have graduated with the USB’s MPhil in futures studies or a related degree with futures studies as a main component. |
| UK | University of Strathclyde | Strathclyde Business School: Department of Strategy & Organisation | Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Business Administration in scenario thinking and scenario planning | The Department of Strategy & Organization offers a PhD and a DBA with three different research areas: strategic management, international business, scenario thinking and scenario planning. Although not explicitly titled strategic foresight or futures studies, the scenario thinking and planning degrees are focused on futures/ foresight and it’s tools & methods. |
| USA | University of Hawaii at Manoa | College of Social Sciences | Doctor of Philosophy in political science with a focus on alternative futures | The Manoa program teaches futures studies as a subset of political science. Started in 1971 by James Dator, the program was the first of its kind in the world. |
| USA | Regent University | School of Business & Leadership | Doctor of Strategic Leadership in strategic foresight | The Regent degree is focused on fostering leadership skills in its doctoral students. Strategic foresight helps these leaders to concentrate on the intricacies of leading organizations. |
| Country |
| Australia |
| University |
| University of Technology Sydney |
| Department |
| Institute for Sustainable Futures |
| Program |
| Doctor of Philosophy in futures studies |
| Description |
| The Institute for Sustainable Futures takes a futures/ foresight perspective for teaching sustainability. Of the methods taught, integral theory and the long view are key highlights. |
| Country |
| Colombia |
| University |
| Universidad Externado de Colombia (Externado University of Colombia) |
| Department |
| Business Administration |
| Program |
| Doctorate in Administration |
| Description |
| This is an interdisciplinary doctoral degree with an option to focus on integrating futures and foresight (prospectiva). |
| Country |
| Denmark |
| University |
| Aarhus University |
| Department |
| School of Business and Social Sciences |
| Program |
| Doctor of Philosophy in organizational future orientation or corporate foresight |
| Description |
| This doctoral program is offered by Professor René Rohrbeck. The program offers scholarships every six months to cover tuition and expenses. Research proposals with a strong empirical core are favored. |
| Country |
| Finland |
| University |
| Turun yliopisto (University of Turku) |
| Department |
| Turku School of Economics: Finland Futures Research Centre |
| Program |
| Doctor of Science in economics and business administration or Doctor of Philosophy – futures studies as a major |
| Description |
| The stated purpose is to help prepare students to become independent futures researchers. Applicants are required to have no less than 10 ECTS credits of futures/ foresight courses. |
| Country |
| France |
| University |
| Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (Cnam) (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts) |
| Department |
| EPN Innovation |
| Program |
| Doctor of Management Sciences (PhD) in foresight (prospective) management, innovation, strategy, organization |
| Description |
| Cnam’s EPN Innovation has a history of foresight education that stretches beyond their doctoral and masters degrees. Their Fundamentals of Foresight course is included in 45 of their degrees. |
| Country |
| Hungary |
| University |
| Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem (Corvinus University of Budapest) |
| Department |
| Doctoral School of Economic Informatics: Department of Futures Studies |
| Program |
| Doctor of Philosophy in future research |
| Description |
| The university has several futures/ foresight related classes which are availaable to related courses. They also have both bachelor and master degree programs in futures/ foresight. |
| Country |
| India |
| University |
| University of Kerala |
| Department |
| Faculty of Applied Science and Technology: Department of Futures Studies |
| Program |
| Doctor of Philosophy in futures studies |
| Description |
| There are a total of 20 seats available, and the program has produced 20 PhD graduates in various topics. |
| Country |
| Iran |
| University |
| University of Isfahan |
| Department |
| Department of Futures Studies |
| Program |
| Master of Futures Studies |
| Description |
| A two-year program with an updated syllabus that focuses on teaching theoretical topics and methods for future studies. Students’ dissertations are chosen based on their interest so that they can apply what they have learned to specialize in a particular field. |
| Country |
| South Africa |
| University |
| University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) |
| Department |
| Institute of Futures Research (IFR) |
| Program |
| Doctor of Philosophy in futures studies |
| Description |
| The IFR began in 1974. This program provides the only PhD degree in futures/ foresight in Africa. It is primarily focused on those students who have graduated with the USB’s MPhil in futures studies or a related degree with futures studies as a main component. |
| Country |
| UK |
| University |
| University of Strathclyde |
| Department |
| Strathclyde Business School: Department of Strategy & Organisation |
| Program |
| Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Business Administration in scenario thinking and scenario planning |
| Description |
| The Department of Strategy & Organization offers a PhD and a DBA with three different research areas: strategic management, international business, scenario thinking and scenario planning. Although not explicitly titled strategic foresight or futures studies, the scenario thinking and planning degrees are focused on futures/ foresight and it’s tools & methods. |
| Country |
| USA |
| University |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa |
| Department |
| College of Social Sciences |
| Program |
| Doctor of Philosophy in political science with a focus on alternative futures |
| Description |
| The Manoa program teaches futures studies as a subset of political science. Started in 1971 by James Dator, the program was the first of its kind in the world. |
| Country |
| USA |
| University |
| Regent University |
| Department |
| School of Business & Leadership |
| Program |
| Doctor of Strategic Leadership in strategic foresight |
| Description |
| The Regent degree is focused on fostering leadership skills in its doctoral students. Strategic foresight helps these leaders to concentrate on the intricacies of leading organizations. |
Masters Programs
| Country | University | Department | Program | Description |
| Argentina | Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales y Sociales (UCES) (University of Business and Social Sciences) | Postgraduate Department | Specialization in strategic foresight | As a specialization, the degree is intended for those already in the workforce as managers or in strategic roles.The program is available virtually on a distance learning platform in Spanish. |
| Canada | Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) | n/a | Master of Design in strategic foresight and innovation | The stated purpose of the program is to develop designers who think strategically to develop innovations that could build a better world. |
| Colombia | Institución Universitaria de Envigado (University Institution of Envigado) | Faculty of Social Sciences | Master of Psychology with a specialization in Technological Foresight (Prospectiva Tecnológica) | The stated purpose of the program is to train students to develop multiple scenarios within a technolgical context according to best practices. |
| Colombia | Universidad Externado de Colombia (Externado University of Colombia) | Business Administration | Master’s in strategic thinking and foresight (prospectiva) | This degree has been tailored to train students how to prepare the future of organizations and territories in Latin America. Two certifications are also offered during the program: Economic Commission for Latin America’s ”Diploma in Territorial Prospecting and Sustainable Development“ and Futuribles Internacional’s ”Certificate in Prospective“. |
| Colombia | Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (Pontifical Bolivarian University) | n/a | Specialization in management strategy and foresight (prospectiva) | The program is for professionals and entrepreneurs needing to increase their strategic skills. |
| Colombia | Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar (Technological University of Bolivar) | n/a | Specialization in strategic planning and foresight (prospectiva) | The program focuses on integrating foresight into the traditional strategic planning process. |
| Finland | Turun yliopisto (University of Turku) | Turku School of Economics: Finland Futures Research Centre | Master of Arts in futures studies | The Finland Futures Research Centre leads the Finland Futures Academy to offer futures studies courses to other students in other universities across Finland. |
| France | Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (Cnam) (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts) | EPN Innovation | Master of Law, Economics and Management in foresight (prospective), innovation and public management (Master of Public Innovation) | The degree is aimed primarily at students who are or desire to be public servants. |
| France | Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (Cnam) (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts) | EPN Innovation | Master of Law, Economics and Management in foresight (prospective), innovation and transformation of organizations | The degree is a little more broad than the Master of Public Innovation. It is targeted at students who will support organizations to manage their futures. |
| France | University of Angers | n/a | Master of Science in foresight and innovation | The program is taught entirely in English. The two years of the degree are split according to their focus. The first year is focused on understanding change and the second is focused on creating and/ or managing change. |
| Germany | Freie Universität Berlin (Free University of Berlin) | Department of Education and Psychology: Institut Futur | Master of Arts in futures studies | The program offers a two year degreee primarily taught in German. The focus is on concepts and methods, areas of application, and practical exercises. |
| Germany | Fachhochschule Potsdam University of Applied Sciences | Institute for Applied Research Urban Future | Masters in Urban Futures | The master’s degree in Urban Future is a four-semester, consecutive study program that offers students of different professional backgrounds the opportunity to study interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary processes of urban transformation. |
| Hungary | Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem (Corvinus University of Budapest) | School of Information Economics: Economic Geography, Geoeconomics and Sustainable Development Institute: Department of Futures Studies | Master of Science in economics, regional, and environmental economics | The university has several futures related classes which are available to related courses. They also have bachelor and doctoral degree programs in futures/ foresight. |
| India | University of Kerala | Faculty of Applied Science and Technology: Department of Futures Studies | Master of Philosophy in futures studies | The program requires two semesters of six months each. The second semester is devoted to dissertation work. |
| Italy | Università di Trento (University of Trento) | Department of Sociology and Social Research | Master of Social Foresight | The program is aimed at students who are already employed for their professional development. It is conducted entirely in Italian. |
| Mexico | CENTRO | n/a | Specialization in design of tomorrow: scenarios and solutions | The program was developed with support from the Club of Rome, WFSF, WSF, Millenium Project, and Institute for the Future. The program trains students to analyze large sets of data, design scenarios, communicate complex ideas, and generally apply the principles of futures/ foresight to complex problems. |
| Mexico | Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education) | School of Government and Public Transformation | Masters in strategic foresight (prospectiva) | Established in 2000, the program has taught students how to study the future for public, private and civil society organizations. The program seeks to benefit all of Latin America with students from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. |
| Peru | Center for Higher National Studies | n/a | Masters in strategic foresight (prospectiva) | After students have finished their studies, they can travel to a regional Peruvian government office to practice what they have learned. They may also travel to Bogota for a week to study at the Externado de Colombia University. |
| South Africa | University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) | Institute of Futures Research | Master of Philosophy in futures studies | The IFR began in 1974. This program provides the only MPhil degree in futures/ foresight in Africa. It is primarily focused on those students who have graduated with the USB’s Graduate Diploma in futures studies. The main point of the program’s vision is to foster futurists who want to engineer a preferred future. |
| Taiwan | Tamkang University | College of Education: Graduate Institute of Futures Studies | Master of Education in futures studies | Primarily taught in Chinese, the program is focused on teaching futures studies as a method to keep education moving forward. Undergraduate courses and courses taught in English are also available. Graduate Institute of Futures Studies also publishes the Journal of Futures Studies. |
| UK | University of Strathclyde | Strathclyde Business School: Department of Strategy & Organisation | Master of Philosophy in Scenario thinking and scenario planning | The Department of Strategy & Organization offers an MPhil with three different research areas: strategic management, international business, and scenario thinking & scenario planning. Although not explicitly titled strategic foresight or futures studies, the scenario thinking and planning degree is focused on futures/ foresight and its tools & methods. |
| USA | University of Hawaii at Manoa | College of Social Sciences | Master of Arts in alternative futures | The Manoa program teaches futures studies as a subset of political science. Started in 1971, the program was the first of its kind in the world. |
| USA | University of Houston | College of Technology | Master of Science in foresight | Originally begun at University of Houston-Clear Lake in 1974, the UH MS of foresight program is the longest continuously running futures/ foresight program in the world. They started enrolling online learners in 2002. |
| Country |
| Argentina |
| University |
| Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales y Sociales (UCES) (University of Business and Social Sciences) |
| Department |
| Postgraduate Department |
| Program |
| Specialization in strategic foresight |
| Description |
| As a specialization, the degree is intended for those already in the workforce as managers or in strategic roles.The program is available virtually on a distance learning platform in Spanish. |
| Country |
| Canada |
| University |
| Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) |
| Program |
| Master of Design in strategic foresight and innovation |
| Description |
| The stated purpose of the program is to develop designers who think strategically to develop innovations that could build a better world. |
| Country |
| Colombia |
| University |
| Institución Universitaria de Envigado (University Institution of Envigado) |
| Faculty of Social Sciences |
| Program |
| Master of Psychology with a specialization in Technological Foresight (Prospectiva Tecnológica) |
| Description |
| The stated purpose of the program is to train students to develop multiple scenarios within a technolgical context according to best practices. |
| Country |
| Colombia |
| University |
| Universidad Externado de Colombia (Externado University of Colombia) |
| Business Administration |
| Program |
| Masters in strategic thinking and foresight (prospectiva) |
| Description |
| This degree has been tailored to train students how to prepare the future of organizations and territories in Latin America. Two certifications are also offered during the program: Economic Commission for Latin America’s “Diploma in Territorial Prospecting and Sustainable Development” and Futuribles Internacional’s “Certificate in Prospective”. |
| Country |
| Colombia |
| University |
| Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (Pontifical Bolivarian University) |
| Program |
| Specialization in management strategy and foresight (prospectiva) |
| Description |
| The program is for professionals and entrepreneurs needing to increase their strategic skills. |
| Country |
| Colombia |
| University |
| Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar (Technological University of Bolivar) |
| Program |
| Specialization in strategic planning and foresight (prospectiva) |
| Description |
| The program focuses on integrating foresight into the traditional strategic planning process. |
| Country |
| Finland |
| University |
| Turun yliopisto (University of Turku) |
| Department |
| Turku School of Economics: Finland Futures Research Centre |
| Program |
| Master of Arts in futures studies |
| Description |
| The Finland Futures Research Centre leads the Finland Futures Academy to offer futures studies courses to other students in other universities across Finland. |
| Country |
| France |
| University |
| Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (Cnam) (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts) |
| Department |
| EPN Innovation |
| Program |
| Master of Law, Economics and Management in foresight (prospective), innovation and public management (Master of Public Innovation) |
| Description |
| The degree is aimed primarily at students who are or desire to be public servants. |
| Country |
| France |
| University |
| Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (Cnam) (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts) |
| Department |
| EPN Innovation |
| Program |
| Master of Law, Economics and Management in foresight (prospective), innovation and transformation of organizations |
| Description |
| The degree is a little more broad than the Master of Public Innovation. It is targeted at students who will support organizations to manage their futures. |
| Country |
| France |
| University |
| University of Angers |
| Program |
| Master of Science in foresight and innovation |
| Description |
| The program is taught entirely in English. The two years of the degree are split according to their focus. The first year is focused on understanding change and the second is focused on creating and/ or managing change. |
| Country |
| Germany |
| University |
| Freie Universität Berlin (Free University of Berlin) |
| Department |
| Department of Education and Psychology: Institut Futur |
| Program |
| Master of Arts in futures studies |
| Description |
| The program offers a two year degreee primarily taught in German. The focus is on concepts and methods, areas of application, and practical exercises. |
| Country |
| Hungary |
| University |
| Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem (Corvinus University of Budapest) |
| Department |
| School of Information Economics: Economic Geography, Geoeconomics and Sustainable Development Institute: Department of Futures Studies |
| Program |
| Master of Science in economics, regional, and environmental economics |
| Description |
| The university has several futures related classes which are availaable to related courses. They aslo have bachelor and doctoral degree programs in futures/ foresight. |
| Country |
| India |
| University |
| University of Kerala |
| Department |
| Faculty of Applied Science and Technology: Department of Futures Studies |
| Program |
| Master of Philosophy in futures studies |
| Description |
| The program requires two semesters of six months each. The second semester is devoted to dissertation work. |
| Country |
| Italy |
| University |
| Università di Trento (University of Trento) |
| Department |
| Department of Sociology and Social Research |
| Program |
| Master of Social Foresight |
| Description |
| The program is aimed at students who are already employed for their professional development. It is conducted entirely in Italian. |
| Country |
| Mexico |
| University |
| CENTRO |
| Program |
| Specialization in design of tomorrow: scenarios and solutions |
| Description |
| The program was developed with support from the Club of Rome, WFSF, WSF, Millenium Project, and Institute for the Future. The program trains students to analyze large sets of data, design scenarios, communicate complex ideas, and generally apply the principles of futures/ foresight to complex problems. |
| Country |
| Mexico |
| University |
| Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education) |
| Department |
| School of Government and Public Transformation |
| Program |
| Masters in strategic foresight (prospectiva) |
| Description |
| Established in 2000, the program has taught students how to study the future for public, private and civil society organizations. The program seeks to benefit all of Latin America with students from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. |
| Country |
| Peru |
| University |
| Center for Higher National Studies |
| Program |
| Masters in strategic foresight (prospectiva) |
| Description |
| After students have finished their studies, they can travel to a regional Peruvian government office to practice what they have learned. They may also travel to Bogota for a week to study at the Externado de Colombia University. |
| Country |
| South Africa |
| University |
| University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) |
| Department |
| Institute of Futures Research |
| Program |
| Master of Philosophy in futures studies |
| Description |
| The IFR began in 1974. This program provides the only MPhil degree in futures/ foresight in Africa. It is primarily focused on those students who have graduated with the USB’s Graduate Diploma in futures studies. The main point of the program’s vision is to foster futurists who want to engineer a preferred future. |
| Country |
| Taiwan |
| University |
| Tamkang University |
| Department |
| College of Education: Graduate Institute of Futures Studies |
| Program |
| Master of Education in futures studies |
| Description |
| Primarily taught in Chinese, the program is focused on teaching futures studies as a method to keep education moving forward. Undergraduate courses and courses taught in English are also available. Graduate Institute of Futures Studies also publishes the Journal of Futures Studies. |
| Country |
| UK |
| University |
| University of Strathclyde |
| Department |
| Strathclyde Business School: Department of Strategy & Organisation |
| Program |
| Master of Philosophy in Scenario thinking and scenario planning |
| Description |
| The Department of Strategy & Organization offers an MPhil with three different research areas: strategic management, international business, and scenario thinking & scenario planning. Although not explicitly titled strategic foresight or futures studies, the scenario thinking and planning degree is focused on futures/ foresight and its tools & methods. |
| Country |
| USA |
| University |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa |
| Department |
| College of Social Sciences |
| Program |
| Master of Arts in alternative futures |
| Description |
| The Manoa program teaches futures studies as a subset of political science. Started in 1971, the program was the first of its kind in the world. |
| Country |
| USA |
| University |
| University of Houston |
| Department |
| College of Technology |
| Program |
| Master of Science in foresight |
| Description |
| Originally begun at University of Houston-Clear Lake in 1974, the UH MS of foresight program is the longest continuously running futures/ foresight program in the world. They started enrolling online learners in 2002. |
Postgraduate Diplomas
| Country | University | Department | Program | Description |
| Colombia | Universidad EAFIT (EAFIT University) | Continuing Education | Diploma in strategic foresight (prospectiva) | This 32-hour course is focused on using futures/ foresight as an advanced manangement tool. |
| Costa Rica | Instituto Centroamericano de Administración Pública (Central American Institute of Public Administration) | n/a | Diploma in foresight (prospectiva) | The program is intended for mid-level professionals in the public and private sectors for their professional development in using strategic foresight within strateic planning. |
| Portugal | Instituto para o Desenvolvimento e Estudos Económicos, Financeiros e Empresariais (IDEFE) (Institute for Development and Economical, Financial, and Entrepreneurial Studies) | n/a | Post-Graduate in foresight (prospetiva), strategy, and innovation | The university perceived a need from both public and private sectors to increase the skills of staff in anticipation, innovation, and value creation. So the program integrates foresight, strategy, leadership and innovation. 3-month internships are available in the Consulting arms of Deloitte and OgilvyRED. After receivng the diploma, students will be able to easily segue to the Master in Industrial Management and Strategy. |
| South Africa | University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) | Institute of Futures Research | Postgraduate Diploma in futures studies | The IFR began in 1974. This program provides the only postgraduate diploma in futures/ foresight in Africa. The main point of the program’s vision is to foster futurists who want to engineer a preferred future. |
| Country |
| Colombia |
| University |
| Universidad EAFIT (EAFIT University) |
| Department |
| Continuing Education |
| Program |
| Diploma in strategic foresight (prospectiva) |
| Description |
| This 32-hour course is focused on using futures/ foresight as an advanced manangement tool. |
| Country |
| Costa Rica |
| University |
| Instituto Centroamericano de Administración Pública (Central American Institute of Public Administration) |
| Program |
| Diploma in foresight (prospectiva) |
| Description |
| The program is intended for mid-level professionals in the public and private sectors for their professional development in using strategic foresight within strateic planning. |
| Country |
| Portugal |
| University |
| Instituto para o Desenvolvimento e Estudos Económicos, Financeiros e Empresariais (IDEFE) (Institute for Development and Economical, Financial, and Entrepreneurial Studies) |
| Program |
| Post-Graduate in foresight (prospetiva), strategy, and innovation |
| Description |
| The university perceived a need from both public and private sectors to increase the skills of staff in anticipation, innovation, and value creation. So the program integrates foresight, strategy, leadership and innovation. 3-month internships are available in the Consulting arms of Deloitte and OgilvyRED. After receivng the diploma, students will be able to easily segue to the Master in Industrial Management and Strategy. |
| Country |
| South Africa |
| University |
| University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) |
| Department |
| Institute of Futures Research |
| Program |
| Postgraduate Diploma in futures studies |
| Description |
| The IFR began in 1974. This program provides the only postgraduate diploma in futures/ foresight in Africa. The main point of the program’s vision is to foster futurists who want to engineer a preferred future. |
Undergraduate Programs
| Country | University | Department | Program | Description |
| Hungary | Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem (Corvinus University of Budapest) | School of Information Economics: Economic Geography, Geoeconomics and Sustainable Development Institute: Department of Futures Studies | Bachelor of Arts in future research | The university has several futures/ foresight related classes which are available to related courses. They also have master and doctoral degree programs in futures/ foresight. |
| USA | San Diego City College | n/a | Associates in futures studies | It is only a two year degree, but it provides all the basic learning necessary to engage the futures/ foresight community. |
| USA | University of Hawaii at Manoa | College of Social Sciences | Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies | The Manoa program teaches futures studies as a subset of political science. Started in 1971, the program was the first of its kind in the world. Although UHM does not offer a BA in futures studies, such a degree can be custom built for students under the BA in Interdisciplary Studies program. Undergraduate classes are also available for students in other degree programs. |
| Country |
| Hungary |
| University |
| Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem (Corvinus University of Budapest) |
| Department |
| School of Information Economics: Economic Geography, Geoeconomics and Sustainable Development Institute: Department of Futures Studies |
| Program |
| Bachelor of Arts in future research |
| Description |
| The university has several futures/ foresight related classes which are available to related courses. They also have master and doctoral degree programs in futures/ foresight. |
| Country |
| USA |
| University |
| San Diego City College |
| Program |
| Associates in futures studies |
| Description |
| It is only a two year degree, but it provides all the basic learning necessary to engage the futures/ foresight community. |
| Country |
| USA |
| University |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa |
| Department |
| College of Social Sciences |
| Program |
| Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies |
| Description |
| The Manoa program teaches futures studies as a subset of political science. Started in 1971, the program was the first of its kind in the world. Although UHM does not offer a BA in futures studies, such a degree can be custom built for students under the BA in Interdisciplary Studies program. Undergraduate classes are also available for students in other degree programs. |
Short Courses
| Country | University | Department | Program | Description |
| Australia | Swinburne University of Technology | n/a | Graduate Certificate of Design Strategy and Innovation | This is a 6-month, single semester program that integrates futures thinking with design thinking. Students are taught design within a strategic and operational context which includes strategic foresight as a key skill. |
| Australia | University of Melbourne | Melbourne Business School | Futures Thinking and Strategy Development Program | A four day course, the workshop focuses on executives and high ranking decision makers who want to broaden their understanding of strategy and the future. Key themes are anticipating the future, deepening the future, beyond scenario planning, and transforming the future. |
| Denmark | Aarhus University | School of Business and Social Sciences | Strategic Foresight | This is a four day course attended from 9 am – 4 pm. It is a leadership course that introduces students to the principles of foresight and shows them best practices for practical application. |
| France | Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (Cnam) (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts) | EPN Innovation | Certificate of Competence in foresight (prospective) and strategic management | The purpose is to give students a deep understanding of the four key aspects of an organization: foresight, strategy, management and marketing |
| France | Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (Cnam) (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts) | EPN Innovation | Certificate of Competence in organization strategy and applied foresight | The certificate will give students a deep understanding of foresight and how it applies to strategy with tools for implementation in one of the specialities: human resources, organization, technology, business, sustainable development and territories. |
| Germany | European Business School (EBS) | n/a | Module on Strategy, Corporate Foresight & Business Model Innovation in the Mobility Sector | This is a module that can be included or is compulsory in Master in Automotive Management and Master in Business Administration (MBA). |
| Germany | European Business School (EBS) | n/a | Module on Strategic Foresight | This is a module that can be included or is compulsory in Master in Management and Master in Business Administration (MBA). |
| Portugal | Instituto para o Desenvolvimento e Estudos Económicos, Financeiros e Empresariais (IDEFE) (Institute for Development and Economical, Financial, and Entrepreneurial Studies) | n/a | Executive Education Program: Futures, Strategic Design & Innovation | The program promises to be an immersive experience with illustrious keynote speakers and a Scanning, Sensing, and Acting framework specifically designed for this course. |
| Sweden | International Certified Future Strategist (ICFS) | n/a | Certified Future Strategists | The program is administered by foresight professionals in five different consultancies from five different countries across Europe. There are four modules within the course that are held over four 3-day weekends. So, the program is perfect for professionals needing an extra qualification for professional development. The certification process is overseen by the Executive Management Institute, https://www.exmi.se/en-us/. |
| UK | Oxford University | Department of Continuing Education | Certificate of Attendance for strategic planning and foresight: Learning from and managing for the future | A one-day course, the workshop gives attendees a toolbox of methods intended to be applied in their work. |
| UK | Oxford University | Saïd Business School | Oxford Scenarios Program | This is a 5-day program teaching scenario planning. Alumni of the course will be able to attend the 3-yearly Oxford Futures Forum. |
| UK | University of Manchester | Manchester Institute of Innovation Research | The ART of Foresight & Sustainable Futures: Anticipating, Recommending and Transforming Research and Innovation Futures | With Course Director Rafael Popper and Co-director Ian Miles, this short course provides an overview of foresight techniques and their practical application for decision-makers and researchers. University of Manchester has run a Foresight and Horizon Scanning program every year since 1999. |
| USA | University of Houston | College of Technology | Professional Certificate in foresight | This is a 5-day, project based workshop that must be attended face to face. Those who complete the post-workshop project will gain a pre-requisite for joining the Association of Professional Futurists (APF). |
| Country |
| Australia |
| University |
| Swinburne University of Technology |
| Program |
| Graduate Certificate of Design Strategy and Innovation |
| Description |
| This is a 6-month, single semester program that integrates futures thinking with design thinking. Students are taught design within a strategic and operational context which includes strategic foresight as a key skill. |
| Country |
| Australia |
| University |
| University of Melbourne |
| Department |
| Melbourne Business School |
| Program |
| Futures Thinking and Strategy Development Program |
| Description |
| A four day course, the workshop focuses on executives and high ranking decision makers who want to broaden their understanding of strategy and the future. Key themes are anticipating the future, deepening the future, beyond scenario planning, and transforming the future. |
| Country |
| Denmark |
| University |
| Aarhus University |
| Department |
| School of Business and Social Sciences |
| Program |
| Strategic Foresight |
| Description |
| This is a four day course attended from 9 am – 4 pm. It is a leadership course that introduces students to the principles of foresight and shows them best practices for practical application. |
| Country |
| France |
| University |
| Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (Cnam) (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts) |
| Department |
| EPN Innovation |
| Program |
| Certificate of Competence in foresight (prospective) and strategic management |
| Description |
| The purpose is to give students a deep understanding of the four key aspects of an organization: foresight, strategy, management and marketing |
| Country |
| France |
| University |
| Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (Cnam) (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts) |
| Department |
| EPN Innovation |
| Program |
| Certificate of Competence in organization strategy and applied foresight |
| Description |
| The certificate will give students a deep understanding of foresight and how it applies to strategy with tools for implementation in one of the specialities: human resources, organization, technology, business, sustainable development and territories. |
| Country |
| Germany |
| University |
| European Business School (EBS) |
| Program |
| Module on Strategy, Corporate Foresight & Business Model Innovation in the Mobility Sector |
| Description |
| This is a module that can be included or is compulsory in Master in Automotive Management and Master in Business Administration (MBA). |
| Country |
| Germany |
| University |
| European Business School (EBS) |
| Program |
| Module on Strategic Foresight |
| Description |
| This is a module that can be included or is compulsory in Master in Management and Master in Business Administration (MBA). |
| Country |
| Portugal |
| University |
| Instituto para o Desenvolvimento e Estudos Económicos, Financeiros e Empresariais (IDEFE) (Institute for Development and Economical, Financial, and Entrepreneurial Studies) |
| Program |
| Executive Education Program: Futures, Strategic Design & Innovation |
| Description |
| The program promises to be an immersive experience with illustrious keynote speakers and a Scanning, Sensing, and Acting framework specifically designed for this course. |
| Country |
| Sweden |
| University |
| International Certified Future Strategist (ICFS) |
| Program |
| Certified Future Strategists |
| Description |
| The program is administered by foresight professionals in five different consultancies from five different countries across Europe. There are four modules within the course that are held over four 3-day weekends. So, the program is perfect for professionals needing an extra qualification for professional development. The certification process is overseen by the Executive Management Institute, https://www.exmi.se/en-us/. |
| Country |
| UK |
| University |
| Oxford University |
| Department |
| Department of Continuing Education |
| Program |
| Certificate of Attendance for strategic planning and foresight: Learning from and managing for the future |
| Description |
| A one-day course, the workshop gives attendees a toolbox of methods intended to be applied in their work. |
| Country |
| UK |
| University |
| Oxford University |
| Department |
| Saïd Business School |
| Program |
| Oxford Scenarios Program |
| Description |
| This is a 5-day program teaching scenario planning. Alumni of the course will be able to attend the 3-yearly Oxford Futures Forum. |
| Country |
| UK |
| University |
| University of Manchester |
| Department |
| Manchester Institute of Innovation Research |
| Program |
| The ART of Foresight & Sustainable Futures: Anticipating, Recommending and Transforming Research and Innovation Futures |
| Description |
| With Course Director Rafael Popper and Co-director Ian Miles, this short course provides an overview of foresight techniques and their practical application for decision-makers and researchers. University of Manchester has run a Foresight and Horizon Scanning program every year since 1999. |
| Country |
| USA |
| University |
| University of Houston |
| Department |
| College of Technology |
| Program |
| Professional Certificate in foresight |
| Description |
| This is a 5-day, project based workshop that must be attended face to face. Those who complete the post-workshop project will gain a pre-requisite for joining the Association of Professional Futurists (APF). |
Related Programs
| Country | University | Department | Program | Description |
| Australia | University of Technology Sydney | Institute for Sustainable Futures | Various | The Institute for Sustainable Futures takes a futures/ foresight perspective for teaching sustainability. They offer degrees in topics such as resource futures, water futures, food futures, etc. which appear to teach sustainability through the lens of futures/ foresight. |
| Canada | Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) | n/a | Master of Arts, Master of Design, or Master of Fine Arts in digital futures | Many universities have a course in digital futures, but this program, that is connected to OCAD’s strategic foresight and innovation program, has a course called Possible Futures that focuses on teaching scenario thinking. |
| India | University of Kerala | Faculty of Applied Science and Technology: Department of Futures Studies | Master of Technology in technology management | The degree is an interdisciplinary program administered by the Department of Futures Studies and focuses on integrated planning, design, optimization, operation, and control of technological products, processes, and services. |
| Malta | University of Malta | Edward de Bono Institute for the Design and Development of Thinking | Master in creativity and innovation | Although the degree program is not specifically futures/ foresight in subject, the Edward de Bono Institute uses futures/ foresight as a key principle for the program. |
| UK | Birmingham City University | School of Engineering and the Built Environment | Master of Science in building surveying with facilities management | It is not a foresight program at all. However, the program exists in response to a futures/ foresight study that was performed: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Strategic Foresight 2030: https://www.rics.org/uk/about-rics/responsible-business/rics-futures/discussions/rics-strategic-foresight-2030/ |
| UK | Brunel University | n/a | Master of Science in integrated product design | Although not a futures/ foresight course, the program contains a Design Futures module that teaches the integration of futures thinking and design thinking. |
| UK | University of Glasgow | n/a | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | The program has a class called Strategic Foresight, but it does not necessarily teach the principles of futures/ foresight. The class is primarily conducted by visiting speakers–business heads, who discuss the issues of mainatining a strategic edge. The content of the class therefore depends on the content of the presentations from these guest speakers. |
| USA | University of Arizona | School for the Future of Innovation in Society | Doctor of Philosophy in human and social dimensions of science and technology | Although not focused on the future, the degree is an interdisciplinary study of how technology is affecting society and vice versa. |
| Country |
| Australia |
| University |
| University of Technology Sydney |
| Department |
| Institute for Sustainable Futures |
| Program |
| Various |
| Description |
| The Institute for Sustainable Futures takes a futures/ foresight perspective for teaching sustainability. They offer degrees in topics such as resource futures, water futures, food futures, etc. which appear to teach sustainability through the lens of futures/ foresight. |
| Country |
| Canada |
| University |
| Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) |
| Program |
| Master of Arts, Master of Design, or Master of Fine Arts in digital futures |
| Description |
| Many universities have a course in digital futures, but this program, that is connected to OCAD’s strategic foresight and innovation program, has a course called Possible Futures that focuses on teaching scenario thinking. |
| Country |
| India |
| University |
| University of Kerala |
| Department |
| Faculty of Applied Science and Technology: Department of Futures Studies |
| Program |
| Master of Technology in technology management |
| Description |
| The degree is an interdisciplinary program administered by the Department of Futures Studies and focuses on integrated planning, design, optimization, operation, and control of technological products, processes, and services. |
| Country |
| Malta |
| University |
| University of Malta |
| Department |
| Edward de Bono Institute for the Design and Development of Thinking |
| Program |
| Master in creativity and innovation |
| Description |
| Although the degree program is not specifically futures/ foresight in subject, the Edward de Bono Institute uses futures/ foresight as a key principle for the program. |
| Country |
| UK |
| University |
| Birmingham City University |
| Department |
| School of Engineering and the Built Environment |
| Program |
| Master of Science in building surveying with facilities management |
| Description |
| It is not a foresight program at all. However, the program exists in response to a futures/ foresight study that was performed: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Strategic Foresight 2030: https://www.rics.org/uk/about-rics/responsible-business/rics-futures/discussions/rics-strategic-foresight-2030/ |
| Country |
| UK |
| University |
| Brunel University |
| Program |
| Master of Science in integrated product design |
| Description |
| Although not a futures/ foresight course, the program contains a Design Futures module that teaches the integration of futures thinking and design thinking. |
| Country |
| UK |
| University |
| University of Glasgow |
| Program |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
| Description |
| The program has a class called Strategic Foresight, but it does not necessarily teach the principles of futures/ foresight. The class is primarily conducted by visiting speakers–business heads, who discuss the issues of mainatining a strategic edge. The content of the class therefore depends on the content of the presentations from these guest speakers. |
| Country |
| USA |
| University |
| University of Arizona |
| Department |
| School for the Future of Innovation in Society |
| Program |
| Doctor of Philosophy in human and social dimensions of science and technology |
| Description |
| Although not focused on the future, the degree is an interdisciplinary study of how technology is affecting society and vice versa. |
