Digital Design Futures MA

Course overview

Immerse yourself in design and technology, as you shape the digital experiences and products of tomorrow.

The digital world is an ever-changing landscape, where user-centric design, good aesthetics and effective functionality can mean the difference between a product or service flourishing or failing.

This course gives you the necessary theory and practical skills to thrive in digital design. You’ll fully grasp the theories of immersion while developing hands-on experience with the latest user experience (UX) software and hardware.

By adopting design-forward thinking and user-led principles, you’ll be able to craft the next wave of digital experiences and solutions that have real impact with your target audience. You’ll also develop an entrepreneurial mindset as you leverage the creative potential of VR, augmented and mixed reality, AI, UX and big data.

Additionally, by collaborating with industries and third-sector organizations, you’ll glean unique insights into the diverse applications of technology in sectors such as branding and marketing, retail and fashion, and health education.

The global demand for digital skills continues to grow – this course offers fresh opportunities to unleash your creative potential and be well-prepared for the evolving needs of industry and society. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to forge a successful career in the exciting and innovative world of digital design.

Guaranteed industry experience

During your time at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme.

As well as giving you the opportunity to build key industry connections, you’ll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Why study at Leeds

• Learn in expert facilities: Test your skills in our state-of-the-art XLAB studio, with professional-grade tools like VR and mixed reality headsets, motion capture systems, haptic gloves, and VR treadmills. Take a virtual tour of our facilities. 
• Expert teaching: Learn from expert tutors with years of industry experience. Gain insights from our visiting lecturer programme, featuring industry and academic experts. 
• Practical learning: Engage your learning with team working exercises, creative workshops and industry facing scenarios. 
• Get industry experience: Get the chance to collaborate with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of our 2-week online Global Industry Programme.

I entered this course thinking I would leave simply as a UI/UX designer, but this course has completely changed my perspective. It provided me with the opportunity to delve into areas I'm deeply passionate about, such as environmental and wildlife conservation.

Gauri Rajeev, MA Digital Design Futures

Course details and modules

Semester 1:

During your first semester, you will explore current thinking on design research and a range of research methods with practical applications in design. You will also learn about experiential practice and designing for immersion and engagement, which will help develop your digital design approach. We will critically examine the nature of the design discipline, allowing you to address the impact of new technologies such as VR, AR/MR, and AI in a critical and creative manner. How can these technologies enhance our creative processes, and what new opportunities and applications can they bring? Furthermore, we will consider the implications of using these technologies for addressing the needs of individuals and how they can be utilized to better meet those needs.

In addition, you will be introduced to various creative uses of these technologies in design through the examination of case studies and talks by practitioners in different design fields. You will also be introduced to immersive experiences that effectively engage users, while exploring the principles of 3D modelling and XR development. By mastering these skills, you can create seamless experiences that facilitate engagement.

Semester 2:

You’ll continue to explore immersion and engagement theory and knowledge in your second semester, as well as design speculation. This includes engaging in creative problem-solving scenarios around certain design problems or situations.

Semester 3:

The third semester will focus on the delivery of your final project. You will receive support throughout the project journey from a dedicated member of staff who will guide you and provide feedback on your work. By the end of the third semester, you will have developed and delivered a specialized project focused on a digital design solution.

The Programme Leader for this course is Dr Hosam Al-Samarraie.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, oral presentations, practical experimentation, prototyping, and online discussion. The programme also places a strong emphasis on research-based learning in each of the modules. The curriculum requires traditional academic research in the form of literature reviews, market surveys, critical analysis, primary field research (participant observation, interviews) as well as design/development research (co-creation).

Creative and critical problem solving is central to our teaching in the School of Design. Your learning will be enhanced by a range of contemporary teaching methods which encourage active learning and are underpinned by inclusive and authentic learning activities, including team working, creative workshops and industry facing scenarios. 

We follow a campus based blended learning approach; you’ll have a range of resources in the virtual learning environment which are accessible at all times, including videos and pre-work to help you prepare for your classes. You’ll attend lectures which are carefully designed to invite engagement and participation, seminars to enable you to delve deeper into key topics, workshops to experiment and learn practical and creative skills, and tutorials so that you can discuss your work in progress. Your module tutors have dedicated office hours, which means there’s always the opportunity to ask questions. 

A typical week may include in-person and online study which provide a rich resource to support further investigation in your private study time. Private study is important at university and a potentially significant change from the way you have been taught previously. This is space where you can reflect and critique materials from taught sessions, including further reading, writing, and creative development. You will be guided through this process by your tutors to help you develop your knowledge and research skills. The ability to work independently is a key skill to your development as a creative and professional thinker. You’ll also have the ongoing support of your Academic Personal Tutor.  

Specialist facilities

Our immersive technology lab (XLAB) features an impressive array of resources available for your project development. The lab provides VR and MR headsets, such as Varjo, HoloLens, Meta Quest, and HTC VIVE, allowing you to create and test various XR prototypes.

To further improve user immersion in VR spaces, the School of Design has recently invested in cutting-edge haptic gloves and suits. You'll also benefit from integrating outputs from a VR treadmill, 3D body scanner, and motion capture systems to produce highly engaging experiences. These approaches allow you to expand and transform your ideas into workable solutions.

Our advanced research facilities, such as an eye-tracking measurement system with mobile glasses, will help you understand how users interact with your design solutions. EEG (electroencephalography) equipment can also help you study user interactions within the VR environment. Plus, our lighting and colour lab features state-of-the-art tools for colour measurement and communication, allowing you to explore the role of colour in the design and retail industries, as well as the impact of light on health and well-being. And to further support your idea development, we offer a laser cutting and 3D printing workshop.

Additionally, the School provides various forms of support to enhance your student experience and prepare you for the professional world. This includes access to dedicated software, comprehensive technical induction programs, free LinkedIn Learning tutorials, and the opportunity to engage with visiting speakers who are renowned figures from industry or other institutions worldwide.

Programme team

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

In the School of Design you will be assessed through a variety of methods, these include academic proposals, design portfolios, online exhibition, presentations as well as more traditional essays. Some of your assessments will be based upon collaboration with your peers. This collaboration could be in the development of artefacts, proposals and/or various design solutions in response to problem-based issues. 

The nature of assessment will change as you progress and develop throughout your programme.  

• In Semester 1, your assessments will assess your ability to critically and creatively evaluate current design issues, research and advanced scholarship in the discipline. 
• In Semester 2, your assessments will examine how you use convergent and divergent thinking in the processes of observation, investigation, speculative enquiry, visualisation and/or making. 
• In Semester 3, you will undertake a specialist project which will require you to demonstrate in-depth, specialist knowledge and mastery of techniques to your design solution. 

You will be provided with formative and summative assessment throughout your study period. Formative assessment gives staff an opportunity to give you feedback on personal progress, in good time before a summative deadline. Given the range of assessment types, formative assessment and feedback enables you to reflect upon your personal progress, and establish which forms of assessment allow you to play to your strengths.  

Applying

Entry requirements

You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in product/industrial design, user experience, human-computer interaction, design or art related degree specialising in one of the following subjects indicated under product/industrial design, user experience, human-computer interaction, design and art related subjects'.

We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in product/industrial design, user experience, human-computer interaction, design and art, or coming from an area of expertise to which product/industrial design, user experience, human-computer interaction, design and art is complementary such as the ones listed under ‘Other areas’.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines so please do not hesitate to apply if your subject is not listed.

All applicants will be required to respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form to explain why you wish to study this particular course and your career plans. Relevant professional experience may also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.

You may also be required to submit a portfolio of recent practical work. If we require this from you, we will request this after you have submitted your application.

Product/Industrial Design, User Experience, Human-Computer Interaction, Design and Art related subjects

• 3D Modelling/Animation
• Augmented Reality
• Colour Design
• Computer Science
• Design
• Digital Advertising
• Digital Design/ Visual Art
• Digital Fashion
• Digital Innovation
• Digital Media
• Extended Reality
• Game Design
• Graphic Design
• Immersive Technology
• Interaction Design
• Motion Capture/Design
• Multimedia Design
• Service Design
• User Experience Design
• Virtual Reality

Other Areas

• Automation
• Education
• Engineering
• Healthcare Communications
• Media
• Performance Studies
• Psychology
• Sociology

International

Our admissions team are experienced in considering a wide range of international qualifications. If you wish to discuss whether your qualifications will meet the necessary entry criteria, contact the School’s admissions team.

You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region.

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.

How to apply

Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you intend to apply for funding, we advise you to submit an application for your chosen course as early as possible and at least one month before any scholarship deadline.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you'll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying (please submit an official English translation where the original is not in English)
• Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form
• A full up-to-date CV
• Any previous UK CAS, visa and BRP documents if you’re an international applicant who has previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4/ Student Visa.

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Personal Statement Requirements

Please summarise your reasons for applying to this particular programme of study. Your response can include details of your previous study/work experience relevant to the programme and career ambitions. Your response can provide us with important information on your suitability for the course, so please complete carefully.

Please explain why you have chosen to apply for this Masters course at the University of Leeds by answering the following questions in separate numbered paragraphs:

• What areas of this course particularly interest you and why? Have you studied these before? Please explain your reasons for applying to this particular Masters course
• Why do you want to study this course at Leeds? Please comment on aspects such as available resources at the University and in the city, research specialisms within the school or academics you would like to work with.
• What potential themes have you considered for dissertation research?
• How will studying for this course help you to achieve your longer term goals?
• Why do you see this course as a particularly valuable subject to study?
• What skills and experience do you have that have prepared you for this course? You may like to give details of any final year work/projects you have previously undertaken, relevant work experience etc.

Relevant work experience might include: interface design, 3D modelling, animation, visualisation, game design, immersive design, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, body scanning, motion capture, haptic interaction, player control, graphic design, service design, visual arts, programming, web design/development, visual/sound installation.

Next Steps

You may also need to submit an electronic link or pdf to your digital portfolio. If we require this from you, we will request this after you have submitted your application. Your portfolio should demonstrate research, idea development and presentation of final concepts for each project. This can include a variety of materials which you feel best demonstrates your creative ability. If any group work is included, the candidate must clearly state this and indicate what their individual role in the project was.

Where further information to support the assessment of your application is needed, we may ask for a recent sample of written work.

We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your application.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Design

Contact us

Postgraduate Administrator

Email: PGT-Admissions-Design@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £16,000 (Total)

International: £32,750 (Total)

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

Computers and digital equipment
To ensure you can make the most of your studies at Leeds, you’ll need to make sure your laptop meets the system requirements for your course.

This courses require the development of work using industry standard specialist software. As/if required by your course, the School will provide this to you when you arrive. We also use a blended learning model where you’ll need to access course materials and video conference using a computer or mobile device (eg laptop, tablet, smartphone). Costs for a laptop will vary depending on the exact specification. You should expect to pay between £1,500–£2,500.

If you’re buying a new laptop for your studies, then we recommend that you wait until you’re registered as a student so that you take advantage of discounts given to university students. Delaying purchasing also allows you to find out from your course leader what you need. Depending on your circumstances you may be able to benefit from a Student Loan or Bursary, or the University Financial Assistance Fund.

You’ll also have access to further digital equipment in our studios and by using our loan scheme. You may decide to purchase your own equipment (from Year 1 or as your studies progress) which will result in additional optional costs. Examples include a drawing tablet (£150–£500) or a digital camera (£200–£1500).

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

Upon graduation, you’ll be well futureproofed and have the skills to succeed in a rich selection of industries.

Immersion and engagement design is a rapidly growing field within sectors such as entertainment, education, architecture, and healthcare. Many industries are undergoing significant growth in response to the widespread adoption of digital technologies.

Due to the importance of maintaining a strong digital presence in almost every industry and service, there is a growing demand for expertise in this area. This course not only prepares you to become a highly desirable candidate for established design companies, but it also empowers you to establish your own start-ups and consultancies.

Given the strong theory component of this program and the numerous research opportunities in this field, many graduates go on to pursue PhDs, potentially remaining within our XLAB.

We’ll also ready you for the future workforce by reinforcing your core skills and competencies, which are fundamental to design and in high demand. As a graduate, you’ll have skills identified by the World Economic Forum as essential for future employers across all sectors. This will make you a versatile and well-rounded professional, with skills such as problem-solving, abstract and strategic thinking, critical thinking, creativity, and an understanding of human perception.

Where this degree could take you

On successful completion of the course, you’ll be able to pursue roles in various areas such as:

• UI and UX design
• interaction design
• game design
• concept design
• VR/AR/MR design and development

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system —– access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Work placements and industry experience

As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.

You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.

This experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:

• Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
• Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
• Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
• Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
• Improve your employability prospects.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.