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This September, Brunel University will introduce a new cutting-edge master's degree in Digital Service Design in partnership with Wilson Fletcher.

This innovative programme, the first of its kind, has been created to ensure students leave the course with a deep knowledge of both theory and professional practice. The skill-set they develop will make them directly employable by companies in the digital sector.

The course is structured to closely mirror current professional practices, and to be tightly integrated with leading companies and professionals in London's digital industry. It represents a substantial departure from traditional course structures, and will equip a new generation of digital professionals with the skills to play an immediate part in this exploding segment of the digital industry.

Mark Wilson said: “For years we've tried to hire graduates into our practice, but the skills they learned at university were outdated, and the methods out of touch with current practice. Most were not well prepared for the demands of a professional environment either. Many of our peers have struggled with the same problems, and we were becoming genuinely concerned about where great digital designers were going to come from in the future. We decided it was time to do something about it, and Brunel stepped up.”

The course will provide students with a series of industry placements, one-to-one mentoring from experienced professionals, and the opportunity for a company-sponsored dissertation project. Emphasis has been placed on embedding the students in a working environment and team culture reflective of the practices used in the best of the digital design industry.

Brunel Programme Director, Steve Love said; “Brunel is always looking to give its students a better learning experience and the prospect of a successful career after their degree. Working together with Wilson Fletcher helps us deliver a combination of cutting-edge digital service design training and education that will hopefully position graduates for higher level employment opportunities.”

Alongside relevant theory and thoughtful stimulus from external sources, students will learn a variety of skills needed in the digital service design industry such as rapid design and prototyping skills, applying innovation methodologies, interview and workshop facilitation skills, journey mapping, customer research methodologies, and developing and presenting actionable recommendations.