University of Edinburgh provides a highly dynamic and supportive research environment for the large and diverse graduate community as demonstrated in their 100 percent score in the research environment category of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.

University of Edinburgh's research students can benefit from ECA’s interdisciplinary research environment, which attracts postgraduate researchers across a number of fields, and is further informed by collaborative exchanges with colleagues elsewhere in the University. This approach has attracted funding from major providers, including the UK Research Councils and institutions from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors in the arts, humanities, science and medicine.

Areas of expertise within design include: animation, design ethnography, design history and theory, design informatics, fashion, film and television, glass, graphic design, illustration, interior design, jewellery, performance costume, product design, screen studies (film and animation), silversmithing and textiles.