Medical Device Design

The MSc in Medical Device Design is a one-year, full-time taught master’s programme delivered at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). The course is based in a dedicated Medical Device Design Studio on the NCAD campus and combines taught modules with studio-based, industry-connected project work.



Students work on live industry design briefs in collaboration with medical device companies, clinicians, and researchers. These projects run alongside taught modules and reflect real challenges currently being addressed in industry. Students present their work to engineers, scientists, and clinicians at key stages including research, concept development, and final design. Regular feedback from industry professionals and tutors is a core part of the learning experience.



The programme emphasises the creative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary nature of medical device design. Students from different backgrounds share research early in each project, then develop their own concepts and final designs. Through an iterative process of ideation, analysis, testing, and refinement, students learn how to create and validate innovative, human-centred medical devices in a supportive studio environment that encourages peer learning.



Opportunities to Engage

The programme has strong links with industry and healthcare partners, including Cook Medical, Hollister, Medtronic, Teleflex, and Stryker, as well as leading hospitals and research institutions such as St. James’s Hospital (TCD), The Mater Hospital (UCD), ASSERT (UCC), and the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI).



Students have multiple opportunities throughout the year to collaborate with these partners. While some projects are covered by non-disclosure agreements, selected projects are free from NDA restrictions, allowing students to build a public portfolio suitable for applying to design roles.



For the final stage of the programme, students undertake a self-directed major project and dissertation, often developed in collaboration with clinicians. This gives students the opportunity to explore their own ideas within NCAD’s innovation and commercialisation framework. Since the programme began, student projects have led to patents and further product development. Graduates complete the programme with a substantial professional portfolio.

Trimester 1:

PGDES1030 Designerly Research Methods

PGDES1038 Basic Medical Science

PGDES1031 Introduction to Applied Human Factors in Medical Device Design

PGDES1032 Usability & Risk in Medical Device Design



Trimester 2:

PGDES1033 Regulatory Landscape & Device Development Pathway

PGDES1034 Design & Quantify

PGDES1035 Sustainable Medical Device Design

PGDES1036 Digital & Personal Medical Device Design



Trimester 3:

PGDES1037 Thesis Project for Medical Device Design

All applicants are expected to present an approved Bachelor degree at minimum level of 2nd class honours (2.2)



Applicants who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements may be considered on the basis of prior work or learning experience (RPEL). Candidates may be required to pass a qualifying examination set by the relevant department before being accepted to a Masters degree programme. Attendance at selected undergraduate lecture courses at NCAD, together with related written work may be prescribed.



You may apply for the programme if you are currently completing your Undergraduate Degree. NCAD will review the rest of your application If necessary, we can make you a Conditional Offer. When your degree is completed and you send us final transcripts we will upgrade this to a Full Offer.



Essential Supporting Documentation

• A Statement of Interest - 500 words framing your reasons for applying to the programme. Please indicate a subject/discipline area that you believe can best advance your practice.

• A recent CV

• Certified transcripts of previous programmes followed

• Certified copies of degree/ certificates and/or other appropriate third level qualifications bearing the official stamp of the institution.

• Academic Reference (Head of School/Department preferred), or if you graduated more than 4 years' ago please submit an employer reference. Some referees prefer to submit the reference directly to the college. If this is the case, please instruct your referee to email a standard reference to postgraduate@ncad.ie. Please make sure all references contain the letterhead and the institution contact email address for the referee, as well as their job title.



Portfolio/Evidence of Previous Work

Applicants to this studio-based programme must submit visual or supporting documentation that represents their experience, interests, and approach to making and problem-solving. This can be uploaded as a single document through the online application and may include a link to an online portfolio or a shared folder (e.g. Google Drive).



A traditional design portfolio is not required. We are interested in seeing evidence of creativity, curiosity, collaboration, and hands-on engagement. Submissions may include visual, practical, technical, or theoretical work that demonstrates your suitability for a collaborative, human-centred design environment.



Examples of acceptable material include:

• Undergraduate final-year projects or theses (from any discipline)

• Art, sketching, or creative work (academic or personal)

• DIY, making, hacking, or repair projects

• Posters or visual communication work

• Technical drawings (e.g. DCG)

• Photographs of objects you have built or modified

• Written or technical project documentation



If you are unsure what to submit, the course coordinators are happy to arrange a call to help guide you through the application process.



English Language Requirements

All programmes in NCAD are taught through English. International Applicants are asked to provide proof of their English Language Proficiency.



Full details of acceptable tests and the standard required can be found at the following link: https://www.ncad.ie/study-at-ncad/international/english-language-requirement/

Applications are open. Please see "Application Weblink" above.

90 ECTS credits / Taught Masters

1 year full-time.

Programme commences September 2026.

Career

This programme continually works with industry on real life briefs with the result that on average a graduating student will have experienced working with four medical industry organisations and three medical institutions.



Graduates of the MSc in Medical Device Design are sought after in the medical device industry and design practices. While some graduates progress to register for a PhD, the majority go on to work in industry or design practice.



Recent graduates can be found working across medical device companies and design practices such as Design Partners, Movement, Cook Medical, Dyson, Hollister, Pfizer and Trulife.