Normally a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in any subject relevant to themes within design informatics.
You may be asked to provide a video or participate in an interview via Skype.
You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. Your portfolio should include:
a high degree of contemporary thinking, creativity and originality
evidence of high quality and original research using recognisable methods (qualitative and/or quantitative)
If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, we may still consider your application on the basis of your portfolio and/or relevant professional experience.
examples of sketchbook work or design process development
examples of prototyping processes, including ability in manipulating materials or graphics
evidence of ability to use design thinking in the development of ideas
For 2020 entry we accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:
IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 20 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements
PTE Academic: total 67 (at least 56 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)
CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components
For 2021 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:
IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 20 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements
CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components
*(Revised 21 February 2020 to remove PTE Academic from 2021 entry requirements. Revised 21 April 2020 to include TOEFL-iBT Special Home Edition in 2020 and 2021 entry requirements.)
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Design informatics combines data science with design thinking in a context of critical enquiry and speculation. We build a value-aware, reflective practice at the interface between data and society by combining theory and research with an open-ended process of making and hacking.
Human activity is being constantly shaped by the flow of data and the intelligences that process it, moving towards an algorithmically mediated society. Design informatics asks how we can create products and services within this world, that learn and evolve, that are contextualised and humane. It asks questions about what we should create, speculating about the different futures we might be building and the values behind them.
The central premise is that data is a medium for design: by shaping data, we shape the world around us. Data science provides the groundwork for this, with design thinking underpinning reflective research through design. You will use this in working with the internet of things and physical computing, machine learning, speech and language technology, usable privacy and security, data ethics, and block chain technologies. You will connect technology with society, health, architecture, fashion, bio-design, craft, finance, tourism, and other real world contexts, through case studies, and individual and collaborative projects. You will understand user experience in the wider sociocultural context, through an agile programme of hacking, making and materialising new products and services.
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Please be aware that the structure of this programme may change.
You will work both individually and in teams of designers and computer scientists. Everyone will have to write code and make physical objects during the programme. Several courses, including your dissertation, will involve presenting the artefact, product, service, or interactive experience you have created to the general public.
What you will study
Design Informatics: Histories and Futures; Data Science for Design; Case Studies in Design Informatics 1; Design with Data and a Design Informatics Project (both likely to include work with an external partner such as the Royal Bank of Scotland, Amazon, Edinburgh City Council, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh or the National Museum of Scotland); and 20 credits of optional courses..
MA students then complete their dissertation. MFA students take a summer placement with a digital organisation then study Case Studies in Design Informatics 2, 40 credits of optional courses, and a dissertation.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
This programme will put you at the cutting edge of the intersection between data science, design, and information technology, opening a host of opportunities in working with companies, charities, and the public sector. We encourage entrepreneurship. For those who wish to stay in academia, the course provides a solid foundation for a PhD in related areas
