Course Summary
The programme seeks to empower students from fields such as design, business, sociology, systems thinking, education, banking, technology and the public sector to shape the services of the future through design thinking and doing.
On this course:
- Understand the discipline of Service Design
- Learn about the history & Current state of Service Design
- Analyse the theory & best practices
- Create journey maps, map stakeholders’ experience, conduct interviews
- Experience using Service Design methods: Research & evaluation tools
- Speak with industry practitioners
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Educational Standard
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.
Application Details
Apply via NCAD
Contact the course leader: Dr Caoimhe McMahon, [email protected]
Application Date:
06/03/2026
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Career Progression
NCAD Service Design graduates have gone on to secure positions within the public and private sectors in the fields of consultancy, healthcare, innovation, and information technology. Graduates are well placed to take up employment in the following roles: Service Design, UX, Experience Design, CX and Strategic Design.
