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Design, Culture, and Heritage● OpenMastersPreview

MSc in User Experience and Service Design

Transform human-centred design into impactful experiences and services for modern society.

Best for:Best for professionals and graduates with a design or related background seeking to specialise in user-centred design, or those from non-design fields with relevant experience and a clear rationale for transitioning into this discipline.

Ulster University · Belfast, Ireland
More professors at Ulster University
User Experience DesignService DesignDesign ThinkingHuman-Centred DesignExperience DesignDigital Portfolio Development
This is a masters position — not a PhD studentship.
Deadline
Your Application You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks. Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.
Funding
—
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Start date
flexible (advised to apply 2 weeks prior to course start)
Location
Belfast
Ireland

Overview

This master’s programme at Ulster University focuses on integrating User Experience (UX) and Service Design principles to create meaningful interactions that enhance daily life, work, and social connections. Students explore foundational concepts in UX, service design, and design thinking before specialising in a personal area of interest during the second semester. The curriculum is designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in rapidly evolving fields, accommodating diverse academic and industry backgrounds through accreditation of prior learning (APL). The programme emphasises practical application, requiring applicants to demonstrate their ability to contribute effectively through portfolios and project proposals.

UX DesignService DesignDesign ThinkingPortfolio ReviewAccreditation of Prior LearningDigital DesignHuman-Centred DesignInterdisciplinary Design

What you'll do

  • Develop and refine skills in User Experience (UX) and Service Design through interdisciplinary coursework.
  • Explore foundational concepts in UX, Service Design, and Design Thinking during the first semester.
  • Select and specialise in a personal focus area within UX or Service Design during the second semester.
  • Create and submit a digital portfolio showcasing design projects and competencies.
  • Develop a project proposal that aligns with your chosen specialisation and career goals.
  • Engage in collaborative and individual design projects to solve real-world problems.

Requirements

Degree required: A good honours degree (2:2 or equivalent) in design practice, cognate subject, or a related field from a recognised institution. Alternatively, evidence of equivalent ability through accreditation of prior learning (APL).

Language: English; Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, or equivalent (e.g., Trinity ISE: Pass at level III).

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Proven ability to undertake advanced design studies, demonstrated through academic qualifications or professional experience.
  • Experience or potential to develop skills in digital portfolio creation (e.g., PDFs, PPTs, images).
  • Ability to articulate a coherent rationale for a discipline shift if coming from a non-design background.
  • Evidence of prerequisite understanding or skills/experience relevant to UX or Service Design.
Nice to have
Professional experience in design, marketing, or related fields.Portfolio showcasing past design projects or research competencies.
Eligibility
  • Open to applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
  • Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) considered for applicants with extensive professional experience lacking recent academic qualifications.
  • No specific nationality restrictions.

Funding & terms

Type
Unknown
Amount
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Duration
1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)
Programme
—

Programme and admissions

Admissions not verified

A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.

Intake
Not confirmed by the source
Duration
Not confirmed by the source
Teaching language
Not confirmed by the source
Taught / research mode
Not confirmed by the source
Study mode
Not confirmed by the source
Campus
Not confirmed by the source
Prerequisites
Not confirmed by the source
Application instructions
Not confirmed by the source
Tuition
Not confirmed by the source
Funding
Not confirmed by the source

How to apply

Deadline: flexible (advised to apply no later than two weeks prior to course start date)

Applicants can apply directly to Ulster University at any time. The application process involves submitting a digital portfolio and project proposal. Portfolios can include multiple file types and should demonstrate relevant competencies or projects. Interviews may be conducted as part of the selection process.

Documents required
  • Digital portfolio (PDFs, DOCX, PPTX, JPEGs, etc.)
  • Project proposal
  • Degree certificate and transcripts (or equivalent evidence for APL)
  • Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
↗Check programme and admissions
Lab
School of Art and Design
Ulster University
Ireland
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