What happens when a university truly listens to its students? At the School of Innovation, this question has recently shaped the way we design our courses.
Over the past months, we have engaged with our community through interviews, focus groups, and informal conversations. The goal was simple yet crucial: to understand how students’ lives have changed after the disruptive experiences of Covid-19 and recent global uncertainties, and how our educational offer could adapt accordingly.
The answer we received was clear. Students did not ask for a revolution in contents—they asked for flexibility. More than anything else, logistical adjustments were needed to align academic life with new rhythms, commitments, and expectations.
From Micromodules to Clusters
This dialogue gave birth to Clusters, a new format designed with and for students. Unlike SOI’s traditional 2-ECTS Micromodules, each Cluster is a 6-ECTS course offered on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Clusters combine several Micromodules, each led by a different instructor, and are offered online for one third of their duration.
In line with SOI’s interdisciplinary approach, Clusters blend classes taught by internal professors with contributions from entrepreneurs, professionals, startuppers, and innovation enthusiasts. This mix ensures that academic rigor is constantly enriched by real-world perspectives and hands-on experiences.
Designed for Today’s Students
Clusters are not just about what you learn, but also about how you learn. Conflicts with regular classes They are scheduled on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, reducing and allowing students to engage without overload. To further enhance flexibility, one third of the sessions are online, combining the strengths of in-person interaction with the convenience of digital learning.
A Work in Progress
As with everything at SOI, this format is not a finished product but an evolving one. Students’ feedback will continue to be the compass guiding adjustments and improvements. By sharing their experiences, students help ensure that education at SOI remains not only relevant but also in tune with their lives.
Clusters are more than courses. They are the outcome of a dialogue, a concrete example of how listening can turn into innovation.