School of Design

We empower our students to become design leaders and activists in their fields, with emotional and environmental approaches to design thinking.

In the School of Design, we offer a wide range of specialist design teaching programmes.

You will learn various ways of conducting research for design; including methods, processes, and techniques for translating ideas and concepts into image, shape, and form; and new ways to communicate your knowledge and understanding through presentation and discussion.  

Throughout your time with us, you will benefit from our strong industry links and will take part in live projects with a number of prestigious organisations. As emerging designers, we will encourage you to take creative risks, show perseverance, and pay close attention to the world around you.

Here you’ll find more information about studying the following degrees with us:

  • Animation
  • Fashion
  • Film and Television
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Jewellery and Silversmithing  
  • Performance Costume  
  • Product Design
  • Textiles 

 Watch our programme videos to find out more about your degree:  

School of Design undergraduate degree programmes 

Degree programmes and structures

Need a refresher on the details of the degree programme you've applied for? Our Degree Finder provides more information about your programme, such as:

  • what you will study
  • where you will study
  • career opportunities
  • fees, costs and funding 

Design degree programmes: 2025 entry

 

A Degree Programme Table (DPT) provides comprehensive information about the structure of a degree programme, including both compulsory and optional courses. The detailed programme content for 2025/26 is available below

 

Design degree structures 2025/26

Why study design at Edinburgh?

Be inspired by our world-class teaching staff

Our staff are highly respected designers and researchers and are leaders in their field. During your studies you will benefit from talks and workshops from visiting professional practitioners and will be supported in responding to live briefs and industry competitions that will help you to prepare for professional practice.

Benefit from breadth and flexibility

Our distinctive degree structure means that you’ll have the opportunity to select option courses in Years 1 and 2 of your programme. This allows you to take elective courses from other subject areas across the University in your first and second years. Your chance to forge connections with other subjects areas will give you new perspectives on how design fits within the wider world.

Live in a city brimming with culture

Edinburgh has an active and dynamic cultural sector. The city is a world-leading centre of knowledge in science, engineering and innovation. As Scotland’s capital, it is also home to world-class collections, galleries and architecture. We work with arts and cultural organisations, large and small, supporting Edinburgh's reputation as a major global destination for creativity and innovation.

Join a vibrant community

You’ll join a passionate community of designers, with the opportunity to focus on your particular design field, as well as to collaborate across a broad range of disciplines.  

Explore our facilities

We offer a diverse range of studios, workshops, libraries and collections, and places to perform and show your work. What’s more, we encourage creativity and skills development, so all of our college-wide technical facilities can be accessed through prior arrangement and discussion with relevant staff, irrespective of our core discipline.  

Explore our facilities 

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