Digital Design Futures MA

Course overview

Through the Digital Design Futures course, you will acquire the necessary theoretical understanding and practical skills to thrive in the fast-paced and ever-changing field of digital design. This course will expose you to the theories of immersion while providing hands-on experience with the latest software and hardware in our dedicated studio, XLAB. By using design thinking and human-centered design principles, you will develop the ability to create systems and solutions that effectively cater to the needs of your target audiences.

Furthermore, you will develop an entrepreneurial mindset that enables you to leverage the creative possibilities presented by emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and user experience (UX), as well as the vast opportunities provided by big data. You will explore how XR and AI can enhance creative processes and generate new possibilities.

Through collaborations with industries and third-sector organizations across the UK, you will gain insights into the diverse applications of technology in sectors such as branding and marketing, retail and fashion, and health education.

As the global demand for digital skills continues to rise, this course offers a unique opportunity to unleash your creative potential and align your skillset with the evolving needs of industry and society. Upon graduation, you will be ready and equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to forge a successful career in the exciting and innovative digital design sector.

The School of Design is ranked 5th in the UK for art and design (Complete University Guide 2025), providing you with access to timely world-leading expertise in the field. You will also be provided with:

• the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience by working directly with the latest software and hardware in our state-of-the-art studio XLAB. Through a series of creative projects, you will apply your skills in a practical setting.
• projects that adhere to industry standards.
• training workshops and support to strengthen your XR developments.

Applying

Entry requirements

You'll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or higher, or equivalent qualification, preferably from the areas in the following list. Applications from areas beyond the ones listed may also be accepted.

All applicants will be required to answer the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form, including insights about the skills and digital design specialism you wish to gain from this course.

You may also be required to submit a portfolio of recent practical work.

• Advertising

• Animation

• Architecture

• Art

• Art Direction

• Branding

• Business

• Colour Design

• Communication

• Computer Sciences

• Design

• Engineering

• Film Studies

• Game Design

• Graphics

• Healthcare

• Human-Computer Interaction

• Illustration

• Industrial Design

• Information Design

• Interior Design

• Marketing

• Media

• Multimedia

• Neuroscience

• Photography

• Product Design

• Service Design

• Psychology

• Social Media

• Social Sciences

• User Experience Design

• User Interface Design

• Web Design

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Arts and Humanities (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Arts and Humanities (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

Career opportunities

Immersion and Engagement Design is a rapidly growing field of employment in diverse sectors such as entertainment, education, architecture, and healthcare. The sector is experiencing significant growth in response to the widespread adoption of digital technologies both in the UK and internationally. With a digital component present in almost every industry and service, there is a growing demand for expertise in this area. This course not only prepares you to become highly desirable candidates for established design companies but also empowers you to establish your own start-ups and consultancies.

Given the strong theoretical foundation of this program and the numerous research opportunities in this field, it is anticipated that a number of you will choose to pursue a PhD, potentially remaining within the XLAB.

Furthermore, we aim to develop you as the future workforce by reinforcing your core skills and competencies, which are fundamental to Design and in high demand. Our graduates will be equipped with skills that have been identified by the World Economic Forum as essential for future employers across all sectors. This will make you versatile and well-rounded professionals, with skills such as problem-solving, abstract and strategic thinking, critical thinking, creativity, and an understanding of human perception.

On successful completion of the course, you will have the opportunity to pursue roles in various areas such as UI and UX design, interaction design, game design, concept design, and VR/AR/MR design and development.