Healthcare and Design MSc

  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Healthcare and Design

Gain the tools to instigate and lead innovation in healthcare systems, services and spaces.

Gain the tools to instigate and lead innovation in healthcare systems, services and spaces

Draw on the complementary knowledge and expertise of Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art

Learn how to apply behavioural economics to design projects to help maximise impact

Course key facts

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in any subject

  • Applicants require either a clinical background or healthcare experience.

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Gain the tools to instigate and lead innovation in healthcare systems, services and spaces on this Master's course.

You'll develop a greater understanding of the UK health system and the systemic challenges it faces to remain sustainable.

You'll explore behavioural economics and how to apply it to design projects to maximise impact. This includes understanding the role of physical products and the environment in shaping people's behaviour.

The course also focuses on business and innovation in healthcare and design. You'll learn how to develop a business case and explore why innovations succeed or fail.

The programme draws on the complementary knowledge of Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art (RCA).

Teaching is delivered at South Kensington and the RCA campus, including some group work led by the HELIX Centre, a design studio bringing designers and clinicians together to solve healthcare challenges.

A research project forms the major component of the MSc course.

This will allow you to embed your knowledge and skills into your area of practice, with the opportunity to complete research in your own place of work.

Testimonials

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll study the following core modules.

Core modules

Your research project accounts for one-third of your overall mark, and you are supervised by Imperial with the option of further support where required from the RCA.

During the project, you'll develop a design research question and plan, and employ appropriate research methods to address the question.

You will be encouraged to undertake this research project in your workplace. ‘Subject experts’ within your workplace may be used to provide additional support.

Your project will conclude with a 10,000 word dissertation.

 

Timetabling

The part-time MSc is taken over two years part-time. This includes eight weeks of intensive teaching, grouped into four blocks of two weeks. You can attend without taking a break from your career thanks to this part-time structure.

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures and tutorials
  • Research project and independent study

Year 1

  • 60% Lectures and tutorials
  • 40% Research project and independent study

Year 2

  • 50% Lectures and tutorials
  • 50% Research project and independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • Blended learning
  • Case-based discussions
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Practical sessions
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • A person studying independently
    Pre-module activities
  • A group of people interacting
    Group discussions

Assessment methods

  • Person making a presentation
    Individual presentations
  • Papers from a written report
    Written assessments
  • Research project
  • A group of people interacting
    Group assignments

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Tuition fees

MSc - Home

2025 entry

£9,700 per year

MSc - Overseas

2025 entry

£22,500 per year

Scholarships

The Dean’s Master’s Scholarships

Value per award

  • £10,000

Who it's for

  • All students applying to study a Faculty of Medicine Master’s programme
Find out more

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Prepare for a PhD degree by developing research expertise and critical design thinking skills, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills.

Provide consulting services on healthcare design-led innovations across a variety of contexts.

Explore a range of career options with guidance from industry, academic, and policy leaders.

A growing number of employers, including the NHS, value employees who possess expertise in addressing patient safety lapses.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications