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.
Postgraduate webinar: Exploring User Experience Design
Tuesday 31 March 2026 10:00 - 11:00
Join our webinar to discover how user‑centred design shapes everyday life, as Dr Jonny Preis Dutra explores the UX methods and insights that drive effective, inclusive real‑world solutions.
Register nowYour student experience
As a postgraduate in User Experience (UX) Design, you’ll learn from experts whose research and industry experience shape every aspect of the programme. Your studies will cover key areas such as:
- User Experience and Interaction Design
- Service Design and Customer Experience
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Design Innovation and Futures Thinking
- Digital Media and Prototyping
- Visual Communication and Information Design
- Behavioural and Cultural Research in Design
Teaching is informed by the latest practice and emerging technologies, giving you the skills to design experiences that meet real-world challenges and future opportunities.
Course content
September intake
Year 1
Mandatory September
- Contemporary UX Challenges
- Design Thinking
- Foundations of UX & Human-Centred Design
Mandatory January
- Research Methodologies
- Strategic UX, Service Design & Emerging Technologies
Mandatory May
- Final project and report
Optional January
- Design Technologies
- Business Enterprise
January intake
Year 1
Mandatory January
- Research Methodologies
- Strategic UX, Service Design & Emerging Technologies
Optional January
- Business Enterprise
- Design Technologies
Mandatory September
- Foundations of UX & Human-Centred Design
- Design Thinking
- Contemporary UX Challenges
Mandatory Second January
- Final project and report
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
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).
Scholarships and bursaries
Alumni Discount - 20% fee discount
A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses for all Heriot-Watt alumni who have previously been registered for one year or more on a Heriot-Watt degree programme.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or its non-UK equivalent, in any subject demonstrating art, design or communication skills. Degrees in arts and design, graphic design, computer science, digital media and marketing, psychology and business are particularly relevant.
In addition, work or project experience in a related company role will be taken into consideration, please include your CV as part of your application.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5 except for writing which must be at 6.0 minimum.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
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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