Digital Design and Manufacture MSc Level: Postgraduate taught Subject: Engineering Year of entry: 2027 Study options Mode of study On campus Full-time MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2027 Key facts School School of Engineering College College of Science and Engineering Study location King's Buildings campus Apply now 17 to 19 November 2026: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Browse sessions and register Overview About the degree programme Digital technologies, artificial intelligence and automation are transforming how products are designed, manufactured and brought to market. From intelligent CAD and simulation to robotics, additive manufacturing, digital twins and data-driven production, engineers increasingly work across interconnected digital design and manufacturing systems. Our MSc in Digital Design and Manufacture will prepare you for this rapidly evolving landscape by combining advanced engineering knowledge with practical digital skills and an understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship. You will have opportunities to study the technologies that underpin modern digital manufacturing, including:computer-aided design and manufacturesensing and metrologyautomation and roboticsadditive manufacturingsimulationmodelling and manufacturing information systems You can explore how these technologies connect through data, machine learning and AI to create more intelligent, efficient and sustainable approaches to design and production. Programme rankings The School of Engineering is consistently ranked in the UK's top 10 universities for engineering (Times Higher Education rankings by subject 2026 and QS World University rankings by subject 2026).The School of Engineering’s joint submission with Heriot-Watt University in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) was ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK by Times Higher Education, based on the quality and breadth of our combined research.The University of Edinburgh is ranked 4th in the world and 2nd in the UK for sustainability, recognising our leadership in creating a more sustainable world (2026 QS World University Rankings). Fees, costs and funding 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 MSc Digital Design and Manufacture (1 year) tuition fees 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 If you receive an offer of admission you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place:£1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)How and when to pay the deposit Costs Additional programme costs You may wish to consider purchasing your own laptop, however you can also make use of our laptop and internet loan services for free while studying with us.While some students purchase key academic textbooks, all essential reading materials will be freely available through the University library.IT Requirements and Support 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 moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study European Merit Scholarship (France, Germany, Spain) The College of Science and Engineering is offering an international scholarship for the most academically gifted postgraduate taught (PGT) masters students applying from France, Germany and Spain. These awards, which cover £10,000 towards tuition fees for PGT masters students studying on campus will be tenable for the first year of study only. Value: £10,000 View details: Find out more about the European Merit Scholarships India Merit Scholarship The University is offering an international scholarship for the most academically gifted postgraduate taught (PGT) masters students applying from India. These awards, which cover £5,000 towards tuition fees for PGT masters students studying on campus will be tenable for the first year of study only. Value: £5,000 View details: Find out more about the India Merit Scholarships China Merit Scholarship The University is offering an international scholarship for the most academically gifted postgraduate taught (PGT) masters students applying from China. These awards, which cover £2,500 towards tuition fees for PGT masters students studying on campus will be tenable for the first year of study only. Value: £2500 View details: Find out more about the China Merit Scholarship 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 Entry requirements 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 Mechanical (including related variations and specialisms such as Agricultural Engineering, Naval Architecture, Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering) Manufacturing, Automotive Engineering or Industrial Engineering. Competence in programming is essential. During your degree you must have completed a programming course in a high-level language (such as C++, C#, Java, Python, Matlab or equivalent). If you apply with an academic background in another field you may be considered if you have completed the equivalent of 40 credits of courses related to manufacturing technology. Your marks for these courses must be equivalent to UK 2:1 as a minimum. Examples of courses relevant to this degree are: manufacturing systemsadvanced manufacturing technologyindustrial systems engineeringindustrial information systems industrial automation fluid mechanicsfinite element analysis mechatronics automationadditive manufacturemeterology and measurement CAD/CAM engineering materialsCNC (Computer Numerical Control) metallurgy This requirement may be partially met by relevant industrial experience. Applicants with non-standard backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis. International equivalent qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region - Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia Democratic Republic of Congo Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Finland France Gabon The Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guatemala Guinea Haiti Honduras Hong Kong-SAR China Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau-SAR China Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Mali Malta Mauritius Mexico Moldova Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands, The New Zealand Nicaragua Nigeria North Macedonia Norway Oman Pacific Islands Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Togo Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam West Indies and Caribbean Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe My country or region is not listed 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 6.5 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 92 with 23 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 4.5 with at least 4.5 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component. Oxford ELLT: total 7 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 145 with at least 135 in each component. How old your English language tests can be Tests no more than two years oldThe 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 AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Oxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll 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 countriesWe 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-MESCHow old your degree can beIf 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 Programme details What you will study The programme runs over 12 months. You will take two semesters of taught courses, followed by a research project during the summer months, leading to the submission of your masters dissertation.The courses correspond to 120 credits of taught material, plus 60 credits of a research project.Semesters 1 and 2You will undertake courses to develop your understanding of additive manufacturing, metrology, industrial robotics and automation along with developing skills for postgraduate research, group working in an engineering context as well as technology entrepreneurship. Research project and dissertationAfter the completion of your taught courses, you will focus exclusively on a research project and dissertation over the summer, under the supervision of an academic member of staff. The research project can be on a broad range of digital design and manufacturing topics such as:additive manufacturemanufacturing datametrologyautomation and roboticstechnology entrepreneurshipindustrial data miningAI applications and machine learning for design and manufacture applications 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 MSc Digital Design and Manufacture (1 year) (2026-2027) 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 learn through a combination of different teaching methods including:taught modulescourseworkdesign projectsguest lecturesworkshopsyour MSc research dissertation a number of career-supporting activities You will also deepen your knowledge through: our academic staff’s expertise on state-of-the-art technologies and emerging trends practical activities where you will benefit from our specialist resources and facilities our connections with industry gaining coding experience and using industry approved software and techniques an understanding of how to interpret data into successful products opportunities to get involved in our world-leading research with an individual research project Skills development We support your skills development through the Skills for Success Framework. This embeds 10 key skills across your programme to benefit your current studies and future employability. On this programme, you will specifically experience:Applying critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to examine the constraints and benefits of adopting various digital manufacturing approaches.Developing data, digital and AI literacy through evidence evaluation, computational and analytical methods, and the consideration of uncertainty in digital manufacturing technologies.Collaborating and communicating effectively through team activities and the presentation of evidence, analyses and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences. Sample timetableThis is a sample timetable. Courses may change from year-to-year and your own timetable may differ.Monday11:10am to 12pm - Additive and Computer Aided Manufacturing (lecture)1:10pm to 3pm - Industrial Robotics (lecture)3:10pm to 5pm - Metrology (lecture)Tuesday10am to 1pm - Advanced Composite Materials (laboratory)2:10pm to 4pm - Advanced Composite Materials (lecture)Wednesday10am to 1pm - Advanced Composite Materials (laboratory)2:10pm to 4pm - Additive and Computer Aided Manufacturing (laboratory)Thursday11:10am to 12pm - Industrial Robotics (seminar)3:10pm to 5pm - Engineering Research Methods with Grand Challenge (lecture)Friday10am to 11:30am - Metrology (laboratory) Learning outcomes The aim of this programme is to allow students with a background in engineering to enhance their first degree within this specialist field, with a structure that blends theory and practice.We will support you to:build on your undergraduate or industrial experiencedevelop your knowledge and provide a broad foundation in digital manufacturing and design technologiesbe analytical and will provide you with a critical framework to encourage fresh thinkingdiscover new creative uses of advanced manufacturing and design technologiesunderstand the scope and limitations of digital applications in design and manufacturingdevelop business and entrepreneurial skills in working with digital manufacturing technologies 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 Careers and further study Career opportunities University of Edinburgh graduates are ranked 33rd in the world by employers (QS World University Rankings 2026) and 10th in the UK for the employability (Times Higher Education, Global Employability University Ranking 2026). University of Edinburgh entrepreneurs create an impact of £162million and support 1,830 jobs through start-ups and spin-outs. 90.9% of School of Engineering taught postgraduates go on to highly skilled employment or further study and 85.7% agree that their current activity aligns with their plans for the future. 82.76% receive a graduate salary ranging from £25,000-£45,000. (Data from the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023/24 which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after their degree programme ends). As a graduate from our MSc Digital Design and Manufacture programme, you will be equipped to explore careers in both research and industry, including: manufacturingtransportaerospaceenergyconsumer productsautomotiveYou will also be equipped with the entrepreneurial skills needed to start up your own business and to launch new products into the marketplace. Further study After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.Applying for research degreesMoving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service) Careers Service The University’s award-winning Careers Service is here to support all current students and graduates for up to two years. Our careers team provide support to students throughout university and beyond. Careers support includes:CV and application support Preparing for interviews Building and reflecting on skills development Finding part-time work Graduate job search All current students and recent graduates have exclusive access to MyCareerHub, our vacancy database, where we advertise 1000s of vacancies every year. Access to a range of subscription-based services, such as CareerSet for online CV checking. Host large University-wide careers events Visit the Careers Service website The International Student Hub on the Careers Service has advice on working during studies and working after graduation both in the UK and elsewhere. Visit the International student hub Entrepreneurship We foster an entrepreneurial culture, offering students extensive support through Edinburgh Innovations, which includes business advice, workshops, and networking to encourage startups and enterprise development. Visit the Edinburgh Innovations for students website Applying 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 3 applications from the same applicant. When to apply Programme start date Application deadline 13 September 2027 30 August 2027 We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. When to submit your supporting documentsYou must submit all supporting documents by the application deadline, or we will be unable to consider your application. Regardless of when you apply, you have 28 days from submitting your application to supply any supporting documents through the Application Hub, after which we will automatically reject your application. 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: a personal statementdetails of relevant knowledge/training skillsYou will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksreferencesevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide. ReferencesYou must submit one reference with your application. Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme - MSc Digital Design and Manufacture (1 year) 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 applicationWe will notify you by email once we have made a decision. We aim to make admissions decisions on completed applications within 6 to 8 weeks of receipt. However, due to the large number of applications we receive, decisions may take longer during busy periods.Receiving our decisionWhat to do if you receive an offer:Receiving an offerAccepting an offerSubmitting supporting documents Life at Edinburgh 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 programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf 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.SocietiesSport 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 Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and active wellbeing facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) 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 adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries Phone line is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. futurestudents@ed.ac.uk Phone:+44 (0)131 650 5737 Academic contact Dr Sam Tammas-Williams Progrmme Director Contact details Email: s.tammaswilliams@ed.ac.uk
