Interactive Media Design BDes (Hons)



Design the experiences that shape how people interact with technology, combining creative thinking, digital making and human-centred design.

Overview

BDes (Hons) Interactive Media Design is a studio‑based course for students who want to lead the design of the future. As software and hardware become ever more integrated, designers with the confidence to work creatively with technology are increasingly in demand. This course is for those who want to design for people who occupy that world.

Entering directly into Year 3, you'll join an established design studio environment where learning is led through making, experimentation and critical enquiry. The course introduces a range of viewpoints on how technology can be shaped through design, from screen‑based interfaces to interactive installations and connected products.

We believe design is a 'third discipline' between the Sciences and the Arts & Humanities. Design is concerned with practicality, ingenuity and what is 'appropriate'.

The design‑research‑led approach you will develop is highly valued by industry. You'll learn how to interpret complex real‑world challenges and respond with thoughtful, purposeful prototypes. By the time you graduate, you'll be able to contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary design teams, using both creative practice and technical understanding to design experiences that make the world better for people.

Design students talking

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

Course details

This course is designed for students with prior experience in a design‑related subject who want to deepen their understanding of interactive and technology‑driven design through studio practice.

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    How you’ll be taught

    Teaching is studio‑based and highly interactive. You'll take part in a blend of lectures, tutorials and regular studio sessions, with a strong emphasis on learning through making. You will learn basic computer programming from a creative angle.

    Lectures introduce key concepts, theories and methods, which are then explored through discussion and creative activity. Tutorials and studio time allow you to test ideas, sketch and build prototypes with digital tools, and refine your work with guidance from academic staff and peers.

    You'll be encouraged to share work in progress and take part in regular critique sessions, developing your confidence, communication skills and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback. Outside of structured sessions, you'll spend significant time in the studio developing your creative outputs.
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    Assessments

    All assessments are coursework‑based. Assignments are practical; you will be given real world problems and asked to design prototypes to respond to them. There will be a written element to most assessments where you are expected to demonstrate your application of theory.

    Assignments are based on real‑world challenges, often reflecting contemporary issues in interactive and digital design. Wherever possible, we involve real world industry partners and encourage them to bring live projects.

    In your final year, you’ll complete a significant final project, producing an output that will be showcased in the annual degree show.
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    Work placement

    The course does not include a compulsory placement year. However, industry engagement is embedded throughout, with opportunities to work on live briefs, collaborate with external partners and build professional experience through project work.

    Students are actively encouraged to seek internships, freelance opportunities or industry collaboration alongside their studies, supported by academic staff and the University's Employability and Careers team. This can be formalised in the module Design & Media Work-Based Learning.
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    Study abroad

    There is no compulsory study‑abroad element on this course. However, the curriculum is informed by international perspectives on interactive media, design research and creative technology, helping you develop globally-relevant skills and thinking.
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    Facilities

    The course is set in a dedicated studio on our Merchiston campus. There are specialist software labs available with powerful machines if you are going to produce any work that pushes graphics cards to their limit.

    Our design studios also benefit from having highly equipped workshops with an array of production facilities. In these workshops, you will have the ability to produce 3D responses to your work.

    Explore our campus

    Merchiston campus virtual tour

Popular modules

Year 3

  • Design Discovery
  • Prototyping Interactive Experiences
  • Motion Design
  • Code as Creative Medium
  • User Interface Design
  • Design & Media Work Based Learning (Optional Industry Placement)

Year 4

  • Design Major Project (part 1 & 2)
  • Design Portfolio (1 & 2)

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Interactive Media Design?

If academic conditions are met, and after further scrutiny of the application, applicants may be invited to an interview and asked to submit a showreel/portfolio.

Our entry requirements indicate the minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

Minimum Year 3

HND

  • Pass HND in a relevant subject with Grade B at SCQF Level 8 in all graded units.
  • Relevant HND subjects: Interaction Design, Visual Communication or Visual Communication: User Experience Design, Graphic Design (Visual Communication), Digital Creative Media, Art and Design, Computer Arts and Design, Digital Design & Web Development, Graphic Design, Design for Digital Media or Web Development

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

If you do not currently meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer a number of pre-sessional English language courses which could help you achieve the required level. 

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • MSc Nursing courses
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2025/26 2026/27
Scotland £1,820 £1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,535 £9,790
Overseas and EU £20,310 £21,120
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study.
Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers

Interactive Media Design graduates are equipped to work at the intersection of people, technology and experience. You’ll graduate with a strong portfolio demonstrating your ability to research, prototype and design interactive solutions across digital and physical contexts.

Career paths include:
  • Interactive Media Designer
  • UX / UI Designer
  • Interaction Designer
  • App Designer
  • Motion Graphics Designer
  • Creative Technologist
  • Exhibition or Installation Designer (museums, heritage and cultural spaces)
  • Design roles within agencies or in‑house creative teams

The skills developed on this course are also transferable across wider creative, digital and technology‑driven industries, giving you flexibility as the design landscape continues to evolve.

Design student in front of Blue Monday lighting event at Merchiston campus