The Disability, Design and Innovation MSc at UCL is the first of its kind in the world. Developed by the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), the programme is a unique multidisciplinary course taught across three top London institutions; UCL, Loughborough University London and the London College of Fashion (UAL).
In a course where design thinking and technology meet global policy and the societal context of disability, the team harness academic excellence, innovative practice and co-creation to tackle global challenges from a new perspective.
Technology has the potential to change lives, now even more so in the emerging area of Disability Innovation. This MSc has been developed to equip the next generation of pioneers in this groundbreaking field. We are creating graduates able to apply design thinking to disability, through Assistive Technology, Research Methods, Inclusive Design and Future Global Technologies, in the context of international development.
As the first cohort of MSc students complete their studies – success stories are already emerging. Kate Mattick, a Disability, Design and Innovation MSc student and a qualified physiotherapist, recently won the RSA Student Design ‘Healthy Routes’ Award with her ‘Chat-e-Cycle’ for her design of a tandem e-bicycle to allow residents of a community scheme to join in a side-by-side experience for transport, exercise and social connection in rural areas. Kate’s use of technology and inclusive design was selected out of 782 entries from 14 different universities.
In response to COVID-19 this Spring, the full MSc programme of lectures, seminars and tutorials was delivered online, enabling students to participate and complete their studies from across the world. With a focus on digital accessibility, the 2020/21 MSc programme will be taught remotely, enabling global delivery of this innovative MSc where technology supports and aids the students’ experience.
