MSc in Professional Studies: Future Foresight and Planning

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Professional Studies: Future Foresight and Planning at Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai equips you to become a forward-thinking strategist who helps organisations anticipate change, make informed decisions, and craft resilient long-term plans. Suited for professionals and emerging leaders who want to influence policy, innovation, and organisational strategy, this degree blends theory with practical tools to understand trends, scenarios, and complex systems that shape tomorrow’s world.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll build a foundational understanding of future foresight and interdisciplinary thinking. The gateway course Context and Trends (PROF-705) helps you explore core concepts, research methods, and professional ethics that set the stage for strategic thinking, while Introduction to Future Foresight (PROF-730) introduces essential foresight tools and techniques for analysing trends, decisions, and emerging issues. You’ll also gain a powerful analytical mindset in Systems Thinking (PROF-731), learning to model complex systems and visualise how different factors interact across business, society, and the environment.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll deepen your ability to apply foresight tools to real challenges and organisational contexts. Scenario Development and Analysis (PROF-732) trains you to build, analyse, and use future scenarios that support resilient strategic choices, and Special Topics: Future Foresight and Planning (PROF-799) gives you domain-specific insight into technology, sustainability, and innovation as they affect future planning. You’ll cap your degree with a two-part Thesis (PROF-776) where you design and execute an original research project that synthesises what you’ve learned to address complex foresight problems.

Focus Areas

Future foresight methodologies, systems thinking and modelling, scenario planning and analysis, strategic planning, leadership for change, research design and interpretation.

Learning Outcomes

Develop deep strategic foresight frameworks, apply scenario planning for organisational resilience, evaluate complex decision systems, design innovative future-oriented strategies, and interpret research related to long-term planning.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This master’s degree is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and awarded by Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, offering an internationally recognized qualification that meets professional standards for strategic foresight and planning practitioners.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

RIT Dubai is part of the globally respected Rochester Institute of Technology network, known for strong industry connections, a high employability rate across graduate programs (often cited over 80%) and a focus on practical, applied education — placing graduates in roles where strategic thinking and future readiness are increasingly in demand.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At RIT Dubai, the Master of Science in Professional Studies: Future Foresight and Planning goes beyond classroom lectures — you apply strategic foresight concepts to real problems using industry tools, research resources, and collaborative projects. With access to state-of-the-art facilities on the Dubai Silicon Oasis campus and strong support services, you’ll build practical skills in systems thinking, scenario modelling, and strategic planning that are valued by employers across sectors. You also benefit from interactive learning environments that connect you with faculty expertise and peers while preparing you for real-world decision-making and planning challenges:

Collaborative Projects & Scenario Workshops: Throughout the curriculum you’ll work in teams on scenario planning and strategic analysis projects that simulate actual organisational foresight challenges, especially in courses like Scenario Development and Analysis and Scenarios for Future Planning.
Research Tools & Resources: You’ll have access to RIT’s academic library resources including electronic books, journals, and specialized foresight literature, which support your thesis research and coursework.
Thesis Research Experience: The structured thesis sequence (Proposal Seminar and Thesis Part 1 & 2) gives you hands-on experience designing and executing a substantial research project tied to foresight and planning practice.
Interactive Campus Facilities: RIT Dubai’s modern campus offers collaborative learning spaces, technology-enabled classrooms, and proximity to industry in Dubai Silicon Oasis, promoting engagement with innovation and strategic thinking environments.
Career Services & Co-Curricular Support: While there’s no mandatory internship listed for this program, RIT Dubai’s broader career support helps you explore professional opportunities and events that complement your foresight and planning skill set.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Science in Professional Studies: Future Foresight and Planning from Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai will step into careers where they can shape strategic decisions and help organisations navigate uncertainty and change. Roles such as Strategic Foresight Consultant, Innovation Planner, Policy Analyst, and Change Leadership Specialist are typical paths for alumni who can translate complex trends into actionable future plans. The program’s strong blend of foresight methods, systems thinking and strategic planning equips you to contribute to organisational success in both the public and private sectors.

Here’s how RIT Dubai supports your progression and future career success:

Career Support & Employment Services: Through RIT Dubai’s dedicated career services, you’ll access personalised guidance, employer networking opportunities, industry insights and events connecting you with organisations that value strategic foresight expertise.
Industry Alignment & Global Network: Studying in Dubai Silicon Oasis, a hub for innovation and technology, gives you exposure to industry partners and potential collaborators in sectors like strategy consulting, policy development, and innovation leadership.
Accreditation and International Value: The degree is fully accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and offered by RIT, a respected global institution, enhancing your credibility and long-term prospects in both local and international markets.
Professional Outcomes: Learners develop sought-after skills — including scenario planning, systems thinking, analytics and strategic planning — that employers increasingly value in leadership and decision-making positions.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this master’s, you can pursue further advanced study such as a PhD in strategic foresight, organisational leadership, innovation or related interdisciplinary fields, or choose to specialise through professional certificates and executive education offered by RIT.