Design and Digital Media MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Art and Design

Year of entry: 2027

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2027
Part-time
  • MSc | 2 years | Start date: September 2027

Key facts

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme website
Study location

Lauriston campus

Apply now

ECA Open Day

Join us for our postgraduate taught and research open day on Saturday 7 November from 10 AM - 1 PM

Reserve your spot

About the degree programme

This innovative programme offers the best of studio-based design learning and provides opportunities for you to develop skills and insights in the creative use of design practices and technologies for digital media across a range of uses and platforms.

You will:

  • acquire wide skills in creative digital techniques
  • investigate practice contexts for application across the arts, entertainment, performance and industry
  • probe the social, cultural and commercial implications of such developments
  • work together, and with colleagues across the world on the online counterpart of this programme, to realise imaginative design outcomes

Digital media technology is at the heart of modern life. At work, in education, in leisure and entertainment, even in sport, digital tools and devices are everywhere. How we communicate, our social life, the core of our society, is now based on digital media.

Design also continually shapes contemporary experience. The products and services we use, the environment we inhabit, the information we use, or are presented with, are all designed with specific intent. Things that are not themselves digital are commonly designed digitally.

Digital design requires a multi-perspective approach to developing media and interactive experiences, and this programme deals with the complex relationships between design and digital media.

Our programme is practice-led, and there are significant demands on our students to create innovative design for, and with, digital media and technologies across a range of creative contexts that can include:

  • visual design
  • user interface design
  • user experience design
  • interactive media
  • mobile and web applications
  • animation
  • game design
  • augmented reality
  • virtual environments

Hear from staff and students on the programme.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time
Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Additional programme costs

To fully participate in this programme you should budget a minimum of £120 on top of the tuition fee for the following costs:
Equipment and software
Most equipment and software required will be provided by the School, but you will be expected to provide some specialist equipment including a laptop, headphones and SD cards.
Materials

You will be expected to pay for general art and design materials, such as sketchbooks, paper and pens. You will be expected to pay for some specialist materials required by your course, such as base-metals and custom electronic parts.

Course organisers will support you in meeting intended learning outcomes while keeping material costs to a minimum, but you will be expected to pay optional material costs as necessary for your own project work.

Printing
You are expected to pay for occasional A4/A1 printing.

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.

For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.

The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.

Living costs: estimates explained 

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as one related to design, technology or computing.  

We also welcome applicants who do not meet academic entry requirements but demonstrate relevant professional experience.

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. You can find out more about the portfolio requirements in the Applying section.

International equivalent qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test (restrictions apply)
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 5.0 with at least 4.0 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

In the first semester, the programme focuses on developing design thinking and digital skills. You will explore approaches to the design of interactive media and the discussion of cultural theories about living and working with digital media. Teaching is through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and studios.

In the second semester, the focus moves to immersive experiences such as game design, cross-disciplinary design and the artistic dimensions of design as creative practice. You are given the option to include subjects offered by other Schools within ECA and across the wider University of Edinburgh.

The programme concludes with a self-directed but supervised research-led final design project over the summer period in an appropriate area of design and digital media.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time
Part-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and critique. Projects encourage original thinking and independent achievement within a framework of team-working and creative ability.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

Staff on the programme include:

  • Dr Cenk Köknar
  • Dr Denitsa Petrova  
  • Dr Andrew Connor
  • Dave House  
  • Eleni Geragidi

Learn more about staff at ECA on our people directory

Where you will study

Study location

ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next 3 years, due to finish in April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus: Edinburgh College of Art

Career opportunities

Prospects for employment are diverse. During this programme, students create project work that may include: 

  • integrated elements of graphic design and three-dimensional modelling
  • interactive and immersive media
  • moving image and animation
  • user interfaces and user experience
  • augmented and virtual reality
  • web and mobile applications
  • creative coding
  • data visualisations
  • digital art installations

Our graduates work in all these areas, as well as:

  • advertising
  • education
  • journalism 

Further study

The programme’s critical and reflective framework is also ideal if you are considering continuing to advanced research at a doctoral level.

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduate profiles

Luisa Colombo

Headshot of Luisa Colombo for alumni profile

Degree: MSc Design and Digital Media

Year of graduation: 2020

Current work: UX/UI Designer

Each day I get to experiment with different design ideas and train my creativity. I think that ECA helped me a lot, not only because I acquired new skills, but also because I built up my confidence as a professional and artist.

Luisa Colombo Alumni Profile

Olga Tjukova

headshot of olga looking directly at the camera

Degree: MSc Design and Digital Media

Year of graduation: 2019

Current work: Photographer, Collection Services Team at National Museum of Scotland

It was beneficial to shake things up and gain experience working in groups and towards creative briefs. The programme was very flexible so you can truly make it your own and adapt it to your goals and interests.

Alumni Profile: Olga Tjukova

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Due to high demand, this programme operates a gathered field approach to admissions, with two application and selection deadlines as noted below.  

We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible, especially if you intend to apply for funding or a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.  

If you are considering applying for our pre-sessional English Language programme, please make sure you apply in Round 1. 

Selection deadlines

RoundApply byReceive decision no later than
1Monday 14 December 2026Thursday 18 March 2027
2Monday 31 May 2027Wednesday 30 June 2027

Please note that these are the latest dates by when you will receive a decision. We expect many applicants will receive a decision sooner than these published deadlines. We will make as many offers as possible to the strongest candidates on an ongoing basis. 

When to submit supporting documents 

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts.  

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirement, please submit this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met the English language requirement, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete. 

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References 

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

Portfolio

You need to submit a digital portfolio as part of your application.

You should start planning your portfolio as soon as you decide to apply.

If you do not submit your portfolio, your application will be unsuccessful.

Portfolio format
  • 1 PDF containing up to 15 pages.
  • The file should be a maximum of 50MB (any resolution).
  • Each page of your PDF can contain multiple images and text.
What to include
  • A concise overview and the outcome for each project upfront. Showing the bigger picture first provides context and helps us understand the material before you detail your process.
  • Critical reflection and evidence of your design process for each piece of work. Show the rationale and consideration behind your choices, including sketches and iterations, rather than only presenting final outcomes.
  • For graphic design and illustration, present clear imagery of your work and show how it is applied in its intended real-world context.
  • For 3D modelling and animation, provide high-quality renders and embed direct links to video showreels.
  • For UX design, include concise case studies, user flows, and links to live projects or video walkthroughs that demonstrate the outcome.
  • For interactive media such as video games, websites, apps, or installations, provide interaction demonstrations via live projects or video walkthroughs.
  • A clear statement indicating your exact role and responsibilities for any collaborative or group projects.

Remember that creating a portfolio is itself a form of digital design. Make it accessible and easy to digest, and avoid submitting a text-heavy design document.

Uploading your portfolio

A few days after submitting your application, you will receive an email asking you to upload your portfolio. This email will contain details of how and where to upload your portfolio.

The application portal's capacity limit is 4MB per document. If your portfolio is larger than this, please follow these steps:

  1. Upload the portfolio to an online sharing website (for example, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive).
  2. Copy and paste the link into a Word Document. Ensure the link is not password protected.
  3. Upload the Word document containing the portfolio link to your application.

All portfolios must be uploaded as a single file in the Applicant Hub. Do not provide multiple separate portfolio files.

We do not accept password protected files or links, nor platforms that require an account to access the document.

Once the application is complete and is under consideration, you can no longer make changes to the portfolio or provide a new version.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media. 

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city! 

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art 

Our community

At Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) we bring together creative practices that shape the world around us.

We deliver innovative teaching, research and public engagement in an inclusive and sustainable environment with outstanding services and facilities to support your ambitions.  

With degrees in Art, History of Art, Music, Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and Design, you’ll be joining a diverse community of artists, art historians, designers, academics, researchers, architects, landscape architects and musicians.  

ECA is a rich, textured, and inclusive learning environment. Diverse practices coexist as the embodiments of an individual and collective pursuit of knowledge, for the betterment of humankind and our planet.   

Our approach is explicitly inclusive, future facing and interdisciplinary, embracing of bold innovation and continuous enhancement.  

Find out more about the Edinburgh College of Art community

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Our vibrant capital is a blend of culture, history, nature and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study design and digital media.

Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural scene boasts the largest collection of historic buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres of any city in Scotland. 

The University of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries include:

  • the Talbot Rice Gallery
  • the Centre for Research Collections
  • St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum

Edinburgh is home to several major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the world to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city’s culture. These include the:

  • Festival Fringe
  • Film Festival
  • Art Festival
  • Book Festival
  • Jazz and Blues Festival

Some of our students even participate in our annual festivals.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Office

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