Course Summary
The MSc in Medical Device Design (AD460) is a studio based programme which places an emphasis on human centred innovation. Graduates from creative and technical disciplines study side-by-side in a design studio working in collaboration with clinical and industry partners.
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
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 [email protected]. 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/
Application Details
Applications are open. Please see "Application Weblink" above.
Programme commences September 2026.
Fees
Successful applicants must pay a 500 deposit within 10 working days of receiving the offer in order to secure their place.
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.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
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.