Course summary
We offer a User Experience Design programme that you can take as either an MA or an MSc, so you can choose the option that suits you best. This advanced degree will help you improve your knowledge and skills in User Experience (UX) Design and Interaction Design. You can also choose to specialise in Virtual Reality, Inclusive Design or in designing for devices other than smartphones. In our classes, you will learn how to do user research, find ways to create better user experiences and design new products. You will also work with real companies and build a portfolio of your work. The MA/MSc in User Experience Design teaches you to become a designer who puts people first. You will learn to create innovative ways for people to interact with products. The course develops both your creative and analytical skills through a range of projects. For example, you will learn to design interactive experiences combining digital and physical elements. You will also learn to use new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) to improve user experiences. During the programme, you will study essential ideas and methods in UX design. This includes design research, usability, accessibility, data analysis (both qualitative and quantitative) and different types of prototyping, such as interactive, video, and experience prototyping. You will also learn about interaction design, social design, storytelling, teamwork and project management. In addition, you will work on a major project that helps you practice and improve your skills at a professional level. This course is offered alongside a similar programme called User Experience and Service Design. The User Experience Design programme focuses on developing you as a UX specialist in either Virtual Reality, Inclusivity, or Interaction Design beyond smartphones. However, the User Experience and Service Design programme focuses on service design and gives a broader view of user experience. Both courses allow you to choose an MA or an MSc. If you select an MA, you will work on creative and big ideas. If you choose an MSc, you will focus more on research and data analysis.
Assessment method
We assess students through coursework and oral presentations. With coursework, students work independently and in groups to collect and analyse human data, synthesise insights, generate designs, and produce prototypes. Through oral presentations, students present their designs and defend their decisions to experts. Our MSc in User Experience Design has no exams. Lecturers also offer informal feedback on students’ progress and understanding throughout the lectures to support their learning.
Entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification). We will consider students from a range of disciplines relevant to User Experience Design (including Art and Design, Computer Science, Media, Psychology, Business). All students, of any nationality, who are from a design-related background should provide a portfolio showing examples of work relevant to the MSc User Experience Design. This should be around 10 pages long. You must demonstrate your understanding of human centred design, including your design process, the project outcome, and how you considered the end user’s experience. We encourage you to critically reflect on how you could improve your technique and project outcomes. If your degree/background means you do not have a portfolio, your personal statement must explain your interest in user experience design and why you want to study on the User Experience Design course.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £13250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £13250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £13250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £13250 | Year 1 |
| International | £30950 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown are for new students commencing the first year of study in the specified year only. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures. For information on fees for part-time study, please see our website.
Provider information
Loughborough University
Loughborough
LE11 3TU