Design Informatics - MFA/MA

There are four programmes available, which have been tailored specifically to two types of graduate.

At ECA, we run the two programmes for people from a design background. They focus on design, products, media, fashion and architecture. They are:

• MA Design Informatics (one year, full-time)
• MFA Design Informatics (two years, full-time)

Our collaborators in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh run the two programmes for people from a computing background. They focus on informatics, vision and robotics, speech and language technology, sensor networks and machine learning. They are:

• MSc Design Informatics (one year, full-time)
• MSc Advanced Design Informatics (two years, full-time)

Please be advised that this curriculum is currently under review and there may be a change to one of the compulsory courses for 2017/18.

Each programme comprises a series of courses which bring together students from both backgrounds: design and programming. You will collaborate across both streams to develop digital, physical and networked artefacts that challenge what we know about interaction design. You will study a combination of core courses, electives that you will be able to follow on your own, a personally defined dissertation and a final project. In this way, you’ll develop the skills to apply your learning to a whole range of real-life problems.

If you choose to study one of our advanced programmes (MFA Design Informatics or MSc Advanced Design Informatics), you’ll also participate in a placement with a leading creative or digital organisation over the middle summer before extending your research focus in the second year with additional courses and a longer, more in-depth dissertation.

These programmes are all about participation and getting involved. As a student, you’ll take part in regular talks, workshops and debates with a whole range of high profile speakers. You’ll enjoy film screenings and game jams and attend regular ‘creative picnics’ with industry partners, along with conferences, exhibitions and festivals where you’ll be expected, not only to attend, but to exhibit.