Design for Health and Wellbeing - MSc

The MSc in Design for Health and Wellbeing is based on working and co-designing with stakeholders right across health care, from hospitals, to mental health services, public health and the wellbeing of consumers in society.

The Masters is delivered predominantly in a design studio environment, cultivating a culture of creativity, peer learning and transdisciplinary exploration. The core design modules are based on project work, problem solving and creativity, that centres on collaboration, human centred design and contemporary design processes. Students work across domains and at the borders of design and other disciplines.

The approach is based on real-world challenges linked with industry and community partners. Through this real-world approach students learn to identify opportunities and innovate solutions that have a positive impact on individuals, as well as public, health and wellbeing.

Foundation knowledge in design processes will build to specific expertise, as applied to the areas health and wellbeing. The curriculum focuses on experimentation, exploration to develop critical thinking, independent learning and an ability to bring new processes and thinking to this emergent global area.

The Masters will be delivered in a design studio environment, cultivating a culture of creativity, peer learning and transdisciplinary exploration. The core design modules will be based on project work that centres on collaboration, human centred design and contemporary design processes.

There are also alternative exit routes/awards for students to avail of :

1. Full-Time – Graduate Diploma in Design for Health and Wellbeing after Spring semester on completion of 60 credits.
2. Part-Time – Graduate Diploma in Design for Health and Wellbeing after Spring semester of year 2 on completion of 60 credits.
3. Full-Time – MSc in Design for Health and Wellbeing after Summer semester of Year 1 on completion of 90 credits.
4. Part-Time – MSc in Design for Health and Wellbeing after Summer semester of Year 2 on completion of 90 credits.

Students will work across domains and at the borders of design and other disciplines. The approach will be based on real-world challenges linked with industry and community partners. Through this real-world approach students will learn to identify opportunities and innovate solutions that have a positive impact on individual, as well as public, health and wellbeing. Foundation knowledge in design processes build to specific expertise as applied to the are as health and wellbeing. The curriculum focuses on experimentation, exploration to develop critical thinking, independent learning and an ability to bring new processes and thinking to this emergent global area.
 

The minimum entry requirement to the programme is a 2:2, (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant or appropriate subject as outlined below, or equivalent prior learning that is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement.

Applications are welcome from students of non-design backgrounds who are interested in innovating solutions for tomorrow’s health and wellbeing challenges and opportunities. Examples include, but are not limited to, technical disciplines (science & engineering), business, medicine and allied health professions, and social sciences.

Where applicants are non-native English language speakers, certified achievement in TOEFL or IELTS Standard English Language Competency Test will be required.  An interview may be part of the admission process

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION

• Qualification transcripts and/or certificates (including certified English translations if applicable)
• English language qualification(s) (if English is not your first language)
• A copy of your birth certificate/passport
• A curriculum vitae.
• Statement of Interest: Applicants should describe their key areas of interest in the area of design and health and wellbeing. (500 max words). You may also include the following in your application (optional).Examples of previous work: Applicants can submit a digital portfolio showing samples of relevant student or professional work produced in the last five years. Visual work, analytic reports, proposal documents etc. may be included. 

Applicants may be called for an interview. The interview normally takes 20-30 minutes and includes a review of the applicant’s application documentation.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):
Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in any one component
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English - Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.

fees

Graduates of this programme will have advanced design skills setting them up for innovation roles to lead the development of new health solutions across diverse applications and industries. 
Example careers include:

• Medical device innovation
• Consumer products to improve health and wellbeing
• Health technologies to monitor and treat diseases
• Innovative solutions to address psychology and sociological aspects in health