University College London (UCL)

Disability, Design and Innovation MSc

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 of these sessions, students are expected to engage in significant self-directed study and complete assessments. 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

Full-time

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

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.

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 field trip 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.

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 2025), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide. UCL was named The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024.
• 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: Our 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.

The foundation of your career

Graduates from this MSc have pursued careers at organisations including the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance, HumanLearning, and local government.

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

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 and individuals with disabilities and innovators from different countries, helping people with specific research problems through your assessed work.

The hands-on experience this degree offers gives you an opportunity 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 corporates, academia, and the start-up world.

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.