Interdisciplinary Design

MDes Full time

Course Overview

UCAS code:
Duration: 3 trimesters
Study type: Full Time
Napier code: 54713MM

Ideas and influences come from everywhere – so why limit yourself to one discipline as a designer? This course will encourage you to experiment in and explore the world of design through a wide range of areas – from fine art and engineering to social science and computing. By drawing on techniques and influences from the schools and courses that surround you and experiencing the many different forms of creativity that each of these involve, you will develop a personal style that reflects your interests.

What to do next

Do you need guidance on how to apply for this course # UCAS at the heart of connecting people to higher education Learn more

This forward thinking and flexible programme embraces the increasingly trans-disciplinary activities of the design profession and contemporary creative practice, while concurrently allowing you to refine and enhance skills and knowledge within design thinking, strategy and management.

At the outset of the programme you will develop and apply a range of research methods in redefining your own design practice and creative outlook. You will further develop specific strategies within areas of your own choosing which will inform and enable highly developed outcomes in your self-directed major project work. You will have the opportunity to collaborate and make professional contacts with practitioners from other areas of design and the creative industries and from the Schools of Computing and Engineering and the Built Environment.

The two part major project allows you to create and develop design outcomes within your own area of interest and further enhance and apply your subject specific skills and knowledge, with a reflective project report in the final trimester.

We have a strong studio culture supported by our multidisciplinary staff team of academics and industry based practitioners. You will be able to develop creative, professional, strategic and contextual knowledge and skills and apply design thinking to a range of creative outcomes and design interventions.

This course will advance your knowledge in research methods, design strategy and co-design, and develop new professional skills to a high level. You’ll be able to deal with complex issues within design, make informed judgements and communicate your conclusions clearly to professional audiences. You will also gain transferable skills in problem solving, planning, leadership, team work and time management.

  • Design Research
  • Design Ethnography
  • Design Leadership
  • Design Management
  • Design Entrepreneurship
  • Service Design

What's it like?

Design is creativity with strategy

Career prospects

We are one of the top universities in Scotland for graduate employability, with over 93% of our graduates in jobs or further study six months after graduating.

The skills you gain will prepare you for work in a number of design and creative disciplines. If you already work in design and the creative industries, you can expect advanced personal development and career progression. The qualification also provides a platform for further research and PhD study and a further academic career.

Share this page

What's involved

Modular learning

Our courses are structured by modules which gives our students a flexible learning programme. Modules covered by this course:

On offer

Campus life

World class facilities


Why I chose Napier

Requirements at a glance

Entry to the course

International students

Full-time study (per year)

The fees listed are stated per annum.

Part-time study (per year)

The fees listed are stated per annum.

Part-time study (per module)

Fees listed are per 20 credit module.

The number of modules studied is dependant on the exit that you wish to achieve, for example:

  • A Grad Cert is 60 Credits (3 modules)
  • A Cert HE/Grad Dip/ HND is 120 credits (6 modules)
  • A Dip HE credit is 240 credits (12 modules)
  • A Degree is 360 credits (18 modules)
  • An Honours Degree is 480 credits

Please note that some part-time courses give modular exemptions for previous study and vocational experience. Advice is available during application.

Fees Table

Fees displayed are correct at the time of publication but the University Court reserves the right to make changes in fees at any time, and without notice, before or after the student's admission to the University.

Tuition fees are reviewed annually and will rise each year during your programme of study, at least in line with inflation.

Enquiry Form