Design Innovation and Technology

Entry requirements

To apply for our MSc Design Innovation and Technology course, you'll need:

• a 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in any subject
• to submit a personal statement and PDF portfolio to support your application

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including international applicants with an interest in design innovation and technology within their sector.

Non-standard entry will be considered and encouraged, with the academic team weighing applications on their merit (in relation to things such as work and life experience, and mitigating factors).

Months of entry

September

Course content

About this course

Our MSc Design Innovation and Technology course at the University of Southampton's Winchester School of Art (WSA) is focused on teaching you to shape how we interact with emerging technologies and design human-centred solutions for the future.

The course develops expert knowledge of computational design and emerging digital and physical production processes. Your learning will be informed by the research and practices of two world-leading research labs: the Global SMART Lab and the Social Practices Lab. You'll work directly with businesses, communities, and the public sector to deliver capstone projects. The program emphasizes creating innovative and ethically responsible solutions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through co-design and collaboration.

Your future career

There is a growing demand for professionals who can combine creative insight with technical skills. As an MSc graduate, you'll be prepared for the design and technology innovation sector, equipped with the confidence to create impactful and sustainable solutions.

With experience in CreaTech (Creative Technology), you'll be in a strong position to lead digital transformation and shape meaningful products and experiences in roles across the public and private sectors, or in advanced research.

Key features of this course

At Southampton (WSA) you'll:

• Explore key emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), digital twins, and robotics.
• Gain in-depth expertise in applying smart and emerging technologies through modules like Design Futures and Emerging Technologies.
• Have access to a maker lab and workshop facilities for the latest technologies in digital modelling, fabrication, and electronics, allowing you to hone your technical skills in rapid prototyping and testing.
• Work on capstone projects with businesses, communities, and the public sector to deliver meaningful impact.
• Benefit from international research partnerships that offer unique collaborative opportunities and global insights.
• Study core modules such as Design Thinking for Complex Systems, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the Final Project (Design Innovation and Technology).

Further information

The MSc (Master of Science) version of this course differs from the MA in its stronger emphasis on technology, computation, and scientific research methodologies. It is ideal for students who want to develop deep technical expertise alongside their design practice.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate your English ability by meeting our Band C requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. For information on other accepted English language tests, please see our website.

Fees and funding

A variety of scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations. Please check the website for more information - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/funding/postgraduate.page