Design for Health & Wellbeing

Key programme benefits to future students

Some of the skills you will learn are:

- The process of design: problem solving, critical, creative and design thinking skills; design research, brainstorming, ideation, prototyping, role-play, design development, testing, iteration, visualization skills, sketching, modelling and design tools.

- How to identify areas of opportunity by uncovering health care needs;

- The legal and regulatory aspects of healthcare;

- How to work with hospitals and clinics;

- How to engage with patients and stakeholders;

- How to apply human factors and ergonomic principles;

- How to appreciate the complex nature of health as a concept and the various determinants of health;

- How to understand the causes, risk factors and symptoms associated with different types of disease profiles as well the different types of treatments;

- How to harness the entrepreneurial skills and knowledge required to establish and grow a new venture.



The programme features a short research immersion in a hospital or other healthcare environment. The program also involves collaborating with industry partners to work on sponsored briefs.



The programme is comprised of seven modules spread over three semesters. The part-time programme is delivered over 6 semesters. While it is studio based we can also cater for those who need to be online, via the University’s learning management system, meeting the needs of working professionals in Ireland and overseas.

Autumn Modules

• Entrepreneurship – Establishing International Ventures

• Design Research

• Anatomy and Physiology in Emergent Care 1



Spring Modules

• Human Factors in Health Systems

• Introduction to Health and Health Promotion

• Ideation and Representation

• Concept Development and Evaluation



Summer Modules

• Design Project

The minimum entry requirement to the programme is a 2:2, (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant or appropriate subject as outlined below, or equivalent prior learning that is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement.



Applications are welcome from students of non-design backgrounds who are interested in innovating solutions for tomorrow’s health and wellbeing challenges and opportunities. Examples include, but are not limited to, technical disciplines (science & engineering), business, medicine and allied health professions, and social sciences.



Where applicants are non-native English language speakers, certified achievement in TOEFL or IELTS Standard English Language Competency Test will be required. An interview may be part of the admission process



WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION

Qualification transcripts and/or certificates (including certified English translations if applicable)

A copy of your birth certificate/passport

A curriculum vitae.

Statement of Interest: Applicants should describe their key areas of interest in the area of design and health and wellbeing. (500 max words). You may also include the following in your application (optional). Examples of previous work: Applicants can submit a digital portfolio showing samples of relevant student or professional work produced in the last five years. Visual work, analytic reports, proposal documents etc. may be included.



If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice

If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:

• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts

AND

• English language competency certificate



Applicants may be called for an interview. The interview normally takes 20-30 minutes and includes a review of the applicant’s application documentation.

Preparing your Application:

1. Research your programme: Each postgraduate programme at University of Limerick is unique. Explore your course content, duration, fees, and entry requirements on ul.ie.



2. Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the course you are interested in. This usually includes your undergraduate degree award, subject specialities, English language proficiency (for non-native speakers), and any specific requirements for the course.



3. Prepare Documents: Gather all the necessary documents. This typically includes your academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, and references. If English is not your first language, you’ll also need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.



4. Online Application: Once you are ready to apply, visit your postgraduate programme page on ul.ie/gps and use the Apply Now button to access UL’s online application system. You will need to create an account if you are a new user.



5. Complete the Application: Fill in the application form with all the required details. This will include personal information and academic history.



6. Upload Documents: Upload all the necessary documents that you prepared earlier. Make sure they are clear and legible.



7. Submit Application: Review your application thoroughly to ensure all information is correct and then submit your application. The application fee for your postgraduate application is €50. This includes an option to choose a second choice.



8. Track Your Application: After submission, you can track the status of your application through the online application system.



9. Interview: Depending on the programme, you may be invited for an interview. This could be in person or online.



10. Acceptance: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer email from the university. You will need to accept this offer to secure your place.



Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and places offered to successful candidates. This means that it’s a good idea to apply as early as possible to increase your chances of securing a place.



Please note that these steps are a general guide and the exact process may vary depending on the specific programme and your individual circumstances. Always check the University of Limerick website or contact the postgraduate admissions department for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.

Graduate careers

Graduates of this programme will have advanced design skills setting them up for innovation roles to lead the development of new health solutions across diverse applications and industries. Graduates have a high employment rate and are currently working in design practices, medical technology companies, hospitals and other healthcare settings. Example careers include working in: Product and medical device innovation; UX/UI design for healthcare; Service & systems design; Design project manager; Design Researcher; Human factors specialists; Regulatory affairs specialist; Business model design or design entrepreneurship.