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Become a pioneer in disability innovation and join a community of people who care about disability inclusion in this one-of-a-kind MSc programme.
About this programme
Hosted by UCL and delivered in collaboration with Loughborough University London (LUL) and the London College of Fashion (LCF - part of University of the Arts London), this degree blends research, engineering, and design skills with the societal context of disability.
You will learn how to tackle complex problems faced by people with a range of disabilities and develop relevant skills to work in this rapidly expanding field. Sitting at the leading edge of disability innovation, this degree will enable you to become a specialist in accessible and assistive technology and inclusive design.
You will join other students from incredibly diverse backgrounds to consider the interaction of everything from computer science to policy making, to understand and respond to real issues.
As well as learning from our world-renowned academics – some of whom are responsible for making the London 2012 Paralympic Games the most accessible games ever – you will hear from guest speakers from international organisations with which the leading academics collaborate closely.
As the flagship programme of the UCL 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.
Compulsory modules
- Research Methods and Making Skills
- Future Global Technologies for Disability and Development
- MSc Disability, Design and Innovation Dissertation
- Loughborough University: Design Thinking
- Loughborough University: Collaborative Unit
- London College of Fashion: Applied Business and Marketing Strategy for Disability Developments
Optional modules may include:
- Inclusive Design and Environments
- Innovation for a Fairer World
- Disability Interaction
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.
Who is the programme for?
Entry requirements
This programme is for you if:
- you have 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.
- you want to contribute to a fairer world through disability innovation.
If you don't have an engineering background, you will need to complete a mandatory online preparatory short course delivered over the summer before enrolment. This will help prepare you for the technical components of the programme.
Employability
As a graduate of the Disability, Design and Innovation MSc programme, you will bring a variety of in-demand skills to future employers.
You will understand the great complexities of disability inclusion. This ranges from the theory of disability to access issues related to assistive technologies and the intrinsic links between disability and poverty. Not only will you be able to innovate with technology to create solutions through research and in-depth practical engagement, but you will also learn about innovating in fields such as policymaking to address specific aspects of disability inclusion.
The hands-on experience this degree offers gives you an opportunity to become a pioneer in the disability innovation and assistive technology fields.
Career destinations
Alumni work in a diverse range of sectors, including health, accessibility, finance, IT and international development. This includes product and UX designers, innovators, policymakers and health professionals (e.g., NHS, JP Morgan, Huawei, and start-ups to name a few.)
Some of our alumni also continue their journey in academia - to pursue PhD study or a professional career in academia - or work with us at the Global Disability Innovation Hub.
Register below to receive further information about this programme.