Key information
MSc User Experience Design has been developed for graduates and those in employment who seek to better understand their customers and clients. Exploring how technology and psychology inform user behaviour, you will develop your digital content and storytelling abilities to develop solutions for real-world problems.
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time, Part Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Scottish Borders
- Start date
- September, January
- Next intake
- September
Our MSc in User Experience (UX) Design equips you with the expertise to design and evaluate digital products, services and systems that respond meaningfully to human needs. You’ll learn how to turn insights from user research into meaningful, inclusive design solutions that improve how people interact with technology.
Throughout the programme, you’ll develop a holistic understanding of user behaviour and the principles behind great digital experiences. You’ll gain hands-on skills in usability testing, interaction design, prototyping and interpreting research to inform design decisions. This will encourage you to combine creativity with detailed research, using studio-based experimentation to tackle real-world challenges across the digital landscape.
As a UX practitioner, you’ll play a vital role in bridging the gap between human understanding and technological innovation. This programme enables you to develop strategic, analytical and interpersonal skills to shape products and services that are not only functional but also ethical, engaging and meaningful. By graduation, you’ll be ready to lead UX projects that influence global digital trends and deliver meaningful, human-centred solutions.
Your student experience
As a postgraduate in User Experience (UX) Design, you will learn from academics and practitioners whose research and industry experience inform every aspect of the programme at our Scottish Borders Campus. Throughout the course, you will develop a deep understanding of how people interact with digital products, services, and systems.
Your studies will explore key areas such as:
- User Experience and Interaction Design
- Human–Computer Interaction and Usability
- Service Design and Customer Experience
- Design Strategy, Innovation and Futures Thinking
- Prototyping, Digital Interfaces and Product Development
- Visual Communication and Information Design
- User Research, Behavioural Insight and Cultural Contexts
Teaching is informed by current industry practice and emerging technologies, enabling you to design meaningful digital experiences that respond to real-world challenges and future opportunities.
Course content
September intake
January intake
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Programme Video
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Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £10,864 | £5,432 |
| International | £20,456 | £10,228 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Additional information
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate Scholarship for Academic Excellence in MSc User Experience Design
To recognise the academic excellence of our applicants, Heriot-Watt is offering a scholarship in the form of a £2,000 tuition fee reduction to the student/s deemed to have met the highest academic criteria in their application for MSc User Experience Design.
MSc User Experience (UX) Design International Scholarship
As part of the launch of our new MSc User Experience Design programme, we are offering 2 x 30% scholarships to two outstanding international candidates. The successful recipients will demonstrate their passion for innovative design by providing a personal statement outlining a problem solving approach and familiarity with digital tools.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Student life
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