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The MSc in Disability, Design and Innovation is the flagship programme for the Global Disability Innovation Hub. It is led and awarded by UCL with teaching across Loughborough University London and the UAL, London College of Fashion. A multidisciplinary course; where design engineering meets global policy and the societal context of disability. Join the GDI Hub Research and teaching centre at UCL, harnessing academic excellence and innovative practice.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2020
Modes and duration
Application dates
Tuition fees (2020/21)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website.
Entry requirements
Either a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Social Sciences from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, or, five years' experience of working in international development, design or assistive technology development. Students entering via the experience route will be required to attend an interview before being offered a place. For students without an engineering background, successful completion of an online preparatory course is compulsory. This will be delivered over the summer and will fully prepare students for the technical components for the course.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Good
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
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.
Select your country:
About this degree
The first term will equip you with core Research Methods, combined with a solid base in Future Global Technologies for Disability and Development. In the second term, you will take part in a group project and choose an option module. You will also develop your ability to build both marketing and business strategies to ensure your products, services or programmes are capable of delivering a sustainable, positive difference to disabled peoples’ lives.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MSc in Disability, Design and Innovation.
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 is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
The programme consists of five core taught modules , one option module and a dissertation in term three.
- London College of Fashion: Applied Business and Marketing Strategy for Disability Developments (30 credits)
- Loughborough University: Collaborative Unit (15 credits)
- Loughborough University: Design Thinking (15 credits)
- Future Global Technologies for Disability and Development (30 credits)
- Research Methods and Making Skills (15 credits)
- MSc in Disability, Design and Innovation Dissertation (60 credits)
Optional modules
Students must choose an option module (15 credits)
- Accessibility and Assistive Technologies (PSYC0100, 15 credits)
- Inclusive Design and Environment (COMP0153, 15 credits)
All choices are subject to timetabling and resource constraints.
- Further information about these modules is available on the department website.
Dissertation/report
All students will undertake a dissertation (60 credits). Supervision will be provided by staff from UCL, London College of Fashion or Loughborough University.
Fieldwork
There will be fieldtrips as part of the Inclusive Design and Environments module.
Teaching and learning
The programme aims to be inclusive from the outset. You will learn from through a mixture of group projects, individual making, lectures and seminars. You will have access to experts and practitioner communities to support their learning and we also expect our student cohort to learn from each other's life experiences.
Additional costs
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
Snowdon Trust scholarships are available to disabled students with a passion for learning.
- 1 x Gold Award - £30,000 scholarships available (up to £15,000 towards fees and a £15,000 allowance while studying)
- 2 x Silver Award - up to £15,000 towards fees only
To find out more and apply click here: https://www.disabilityinnovation.com/education/msc-ddi
For more information about funding opportunities specifically for Department of Computer Science postgraduate programmes, please see the departmental Scholarships and Funding pages: www.ucl.ac.uk/computer-science/scholarships-and-funding
Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.
Brown Family Bursary
- Note:
- This scheme is now closed for 2020/21
- Value:
- £15,000 (1 year)
- Eligibility:
- UK
- Criteria:
- Based on both academic merit and financial need
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
Employability
Upon graduation, you will be equipped to explore job roles in international development, create start-ups or work within larger corporations in the field of computing, accessibility and assistive technologies. You will understand how technology can be harnessed to improve the lives of the worlds 1 billion disabled people.
Why study this degree at UCL?
By 2050 it is estimated that only 10% of the two billion people requiring Assistive Technology (AT) will have access to the life changing products they need, due to systematic global failures in provision for wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics and other essential disability products. The GDI Hub aims to disrupt how we see disability and the technologies used to assist disabled people globally.
The global potential for disability innovation is huge. New technologies provide opportunities for scalability and access, but to accelerate this movement, we need a new generation of pioneers. The Disability, Design and Innovation MSc is the world’s first course in this rapidly growing area of expertise. Students will be taught in a uniquely multidisciplinary environment, learning from global experts, live research projects and high profile global collaborations. We’re looking for exceptional students with the drive and determination to push the boundaries of this new area of study.
Department: Computer Science
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Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
Who can apply?
Students must have one of the following:
1) A bachelors degree with a 2:1 (hons) in Engineering, Social Sciences or a related subject.
2) Five years’ experience of working in international development, design or assistive technology development.
Students entering via route 2 will be required to attend an interview before being offered a place.
For students without an engineering background, successful completion of an online preparatory course is compulsory. This will be delivered over the summer and will fully prepare students for the technical components for the course.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 28 August 2020
For more information see our Applications page.
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Page last modified on 31 July 2020