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Disability, Design and Innovation MSc

London, Stratford (UCL East)

UK students International students

Study mode

Full-time

UK tuition fees (2026/27)

£21,500

Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)

£42,700

Duration

1 calendar year

Programme starts

September 2026

Applications accepted

Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 27 Mar 2026

Applications closed

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026

Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree (or international qualification of an equivalent standard) in engineering, social sciences, or other relevant subject areas, or over three years' experience of working in international development, UX/ product design or assistive technology development, or clinical settings. For applicants without an engineering background, completion of an online preparatory short course is compulsory. This will be delivered over the summer preceding enrolment and will help prepare applicants for the technical components for the programme.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The Disability, Design, and Innovation MSc is designed for those passionate about creating accessible and assistive technologies and inclusive designs. Whether you aim to work in the computing, design, or policy sectors, this programme equips you with the skills to make a significant impact in disability innovation.

This cutting-edge programme combines interdisciplinary expertise to help you develop meaningful solutions to the needs of the world’s one billion disabled people. You'll engage with diverse subjects, from computer science to policymaking, and learn to place stakeholders at the centre of your research.

Taught at UCL East, you'll experience a modern learning environment where innovation and community are paramount. With input from world-renowned academics and industry experts, including some of those behind the accessibility of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, you will gain practical, real-world experience.

As the flagship programme of the UCL Computer Science’s Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) – the official WHO Collaborating Centre for Research on Assistive Technology – you will also become part of one of the largest networks for disability innovation, which is responsible for working on disability innovation projects in 35 countries with more than 70 partners.

This MSc prepares you to lead in the disability space with a practical, solutions-focused approach.

Who this course is for

This programme is ideal for you if you want to contribute to a fairer world through disability innovation. One of the programme's strengths is its diversity, which values students from computer science, occupational therapy, user experience design, international development, human computer interaction, product design, neuroscience, diplomatic service, medicine, disability activism, and many other disciplines.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities.

Recognition from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2026), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide.

An interdisciplinary ethos: The Disability, Design and Innovation MSc is run by UCL Computer Science, Loughborough University (London), and London College of Fashion at the ground-breaking UCL East campus, which brings together an interdisciplinary ethos, connections to the community and cutting-edge facilities.

High-quality education from leading experts: Learn from world-renowned academics who are at the forefront of computer science innovation. UCL Computer Science is recognised for its research excellence, ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

Become part of the Global Disability Innovation Hub community: As a graduate of this programme, you will benefit from being part of the GDI Hub community, with its experience, ethos, and the combined knowledge necessary to identify barriers and improve design in the disability context.

Develop the ability to research and design disability innovations: You will gain the ability to research and design disability innovations and apply your skills in both low fidelity and high-fidelity prototyping for building your innovative assistive technology and accessible products. You will understand the challenges of developing technologies in different contexts and gain in-depth knowledge about accessible and assistive technology, interaction, design thinking, international development, and marketing and business strategies.

Real-world experience through project work: Apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings with a substantial research project. Some of these projects are conducted in collaboration with industry partners (e.g., GDI partners, the IXN Industry Exchange Network), giving you valuable hands-on experience and industry insights.

Strong employability with high employment rates and starting salaries: the Graduate Outcomes survey data shows that UCL Computer Science graduates are highly sought after in the job market, thanks to UCL's strong reputation and the practical, industry-focused skills gained during the programme. You'll be well-prepared to enter a variety of roles in disability innovation, assistive technology, and research-driven design.

Access to state-of-the-art facilities: Study at UCL’s new and innovative campus, UCL East — home to the Global Disability Innovation lab space, featuring rapid prototyping facilities and a variety of sensor equipment (e.g., Physiological sensors including EEG, fNIRs).

Problem-solving techniques: As a graduate, you will be able to apply technology, engineering design and systems thinking to difficult problems and apply theories of appropriate technology production to disability-focused projects.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Graduates from this MSc have pursued careers at organisations including JP Morgan, the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance, and local government (Graduate Outcomes Survey).

Some of our alumni also continue their journey in academia, pursuing a PhD, a professional career in academia or working with us at the Global Disability Innovation Hub.

If you're interested in learning more about the academic and professional journeys of UCL Computer Science students and graduates, please visit our Student Experiences page. While some of these testimonials feature alumni working in industry or research, we also interview students during their studies.

I was drawn to this MSc because I believe it will give me the tools to fix big problems. Having a broad skillset with disability, research methods, statistics and design thinking will help me approach things much better than any individual specialisation could.

Richard Amm

MSc Disability, Design and Innovation

Read more about Richard

Employability

As a graduate of the Disability, Design and Innovation MSc, you will bring a variety of in-demand skills to future employers.

Not only will you be able to innovate with technology to create solutions through research and practical engagement, but you will also learn about innovating in fields such as policymaking to address specific aspects of disability inclusion. You'll work with disability innovation experts, individuals with disabilities, and innovators from different countries, helping people with specific research problems through your assessed work.

The practical experience this degree offers allows you to become a pioneer in the disability innovation and assistive technology fields. With employers across all sectors currently expanding their disability inclusion and accessibility teams, as a graduate you can expect to thrive in roles in governments, international development organisations, multinational corporations, academia, and start-ups.

Networking

You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate and network with peers and members of academia and industry as part of your Master’s, particularly through collaborative project work and research seminars.

As a student and later as a graduate, you will have access to the UCL Careers events programme, connecting you with employers and alumni. This programme provides invaluable insight into the reality of different roles, sectors, and current application processes.
UCL also has a large number of student clubs and societies, which can be an effective way to connect with peers who share similar interests and career goals.
Be part of a university where entrepreneurial minds thrive. Our academic and industrial networks provide a safe and supportive environment if you want to grow your own company.
London’s Tech scene is vibrant and has regular networking events.

Teaching and learning

This programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, lab sessions, and self-directed learning supported by online resources.

You will be assessed through various methods, including coursework, projects, and a final research project/dissertation.

For full-time students, typical contact hours are approximately 12-16 contact hours per teaching week, depending on module selections and timetabling. These contact hours include lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, office hours and other events.

Outside these sessions, students are expected to engage in significant self directed study and complete assessments of around 20-25 hours per week. Formal teaching and self-directed study together amount to a workload comparable to a full-time job, roughly 35-40 hours per week in total.

Modules

: The Disability, Design and Innovation MSc is a one-year programme.

In Term 1, you will study topics in research methods, making and computing skills, design thinking, and future global technologies for disability and development.

In Term 2, you will study topics in applied business and marketing strategy for disability developments, undertake group project work, and choose from specialist optional topics, which include inclusive design and environments and disability interaction, accessibility and assistive technologies. You will also begin preparation for your final research project/dissertation.

In Term 3, you will focus on your final research project/dissertation.

Compulsory modules

Future Global Technologies for Disability and Development

Research Methods and Making Skills

MSc Disability, Design and Innovation Dissertation

Loughborough University: Design Thinking

Loughborough University: Collaborative Unit

London College of Fashion: Applied Strategy for Disability Developments

Optional modules

Inclusive Design and Environments

Innovation for a Fairer World

Disability Interaction

Humanitarian Technologies

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Disability, Design and Innovation.

Fieldwork

There may be a fieldtrip organised as part of Inclusive Design and Environments (COMP0153), within walking distance of campus. Please note this is an optional module, so will not affect all students, and is subject to UCL safety regulations.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Two small wheeled remote control vehicles on floor with group of students in background

UCL Computer Science boasts state-of-the-art facilities that are designed to enhance your learning experience. Our recently renovated labs, with 55 high-performance PCs, ample laptop space, and versatile power options, create an optimal study environment. UCL East is home to our Intelligent Robotics Lab, a hub of innovation and cutting-edge technology. Facilities include the new Innovation Lab, which combines a computer cluster, advanced manufacturing equipment (such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and power tools), and an electronics manufacturing and testing area, all within a single space. The lab also features a motion capture system for conducting experiments on robot and human movement. Additionally, UCL boasts an award-winning Student Centre and 18 specialist libraries, ensuring you have access to top-tier resources and study spaces.

Find out more

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: UCL Computer Science Master's Courses

Join us for an exciting online session led by staff and students from UCL Computer Science. We'll explore our 17 MSc programmes in areas such as AI, Machine Learning, Fintech, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, and Disability Innovation. We'll cover key information about admissions, scholarships, careers, and student life, followed by a live Q&A with staff and students. We want you to leave this session with a feel for what life is like as a UCL Computer Science student.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students

Fee description	Full-time
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£21,500
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£42,700

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students will require a modern computer (PC or Mac) with minimum specifications of 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD storage with a camera and microphone. While it is not a requirement, we recommend at least 16GB RAM and 1 TB SSD storage. Approximate costs may range from £800-£1500. If you are considering undertaking a machine learning project, there will be computational capability available to you from within the Computer Science department. Nevertheless, you may find it helpful to have a capable GPU in addition to the above.

Students will also require low-fidelity prototyping materials (e.g., sketchbook, pencils, foam board, Lego) and optionally, Arduino kit and basic electronic components depending on the topic of each student's final research project/dissertation. It is anticipated that this will cost no more than £300.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

For more information about funding opportunities for UCL Computer Science taught postgraduate programmes, please see the department's scholarships webpage.

The Snowdon Trust provides financial awards to disabled students to access further and higher education in the UK. For information about how and where to apply, please visit their website directly.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

: UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 25 June 2026

Value: Tuition fees plus £17,096 stipend ()

Criteria Based on financial need

Eligibility: UK

Next steps

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we wish to learn:

why you want to study Disability, Design and Innovation at taught postgraduate level.
why you want to study Disability, Design and Innovation at UCL.
what particularly attracts you to this programme.
how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme.
where you would like to go professionally with your degree.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver. Your application will be judged entirely on the evidence you provide.

Due to competition for places on this programme, no late applications will be considered. Students with visa requirements or applying for scholarships are advised to apply early.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

This course requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found on this Selecting your references page.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.