User Experience Design (Taught)

Master user-centred design principles to develop and design socially and environmentally responsible, innovative products and solutions.

User experience profoundly and fundamentally impacts how we relate to technologies, interfaces and environments. Our MA in User Experience Design empowers you to create accessible and streamlined interactions with technology. This dynamic course emphasises applied industry approaches to user research and product development, enabling you to tackle complex challenges through experimental methods. With a strong foundation in design thinking, you will refine your skills in creating inclusive digital touch points for diverse platforms.

You will engage in user research, prototyping, and testing through project-based learning to develop functional and aesthetically refined outcomes. Course projects will centre around user research, challenging you to develop tangible results for various digital platforms and interfaces. By the end of the course, you will have a professional portfolio that reflects your unique interests, equipping you with the practical skills to communicate your findings effectively and prepare for a successful career in the UX industry.

Why study with us

• Advanced design skills: Develop your skills and master the principles of user-centred design, accessibility, and usability to create impactful digital experiences.

• Innovative problem-solving: Engage in hands-on projects that promote original thinking and refine your technical and creative methodologies.

• Collaborative environment: Benefit from shared taught delivery with peers from related disciplines, supporting a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and interdisciplinary interaction.

• Professional resources: Access state-of-the-art facilities, including contemporary technology and industry-standard tools, media labs, 2D & 3D studios and workshops, computer labs, high specification PCs, digital darkrooms, analogue and digital resources, licensed specialist software, a media resource centre, and the Make Space.

• Ethical design frameworks: Develop products prioritising user privacy, inclusivity, and well-being, ensuring responsible design practices.

• Portfolio development: By the end of the course, you will have created a professional portfolio of work that showcases your interests, prepares your skills, aligns with your career aspirations, and prepares you for industry challenges.

Course structure

This course is part of our suite of Master’s in UX, Interaction and Service Design, offering a collaborative framework across various specialisations, including MA User Experience Design, MA Interaction Design and MA Service Design. This provides students with opportunities to engage with peers from different disciplines while working on individual assignments. Such collaboration mirrors the professional dynamics in the creative industries today, allowing students to gain valuable experience in interdisciplinary teamwork and real-world problem-solving.

This programme is a one-year course, including 30 weeks of direct teaching time and a 15-week final project. You will need to complete five units and one 60-credit major project (180 credits in total). All units on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. If you study part-time your modules will be split across two years. Full course details, including aims and assessment criteria, will be provided in the course specification upon validation.

Our assessment methods will vary based on the unit you choose and provide a comprehensive measure of your learning and progress. More information can be found at https://norwichuni.ac.uk/ma-user-experience-design/#assessment