User Experience Design

Entry requirements

Find out more about this profgramme at the Webinar on User Experience Design, exploring how UX shapes everyday life and introducing Heriot-Watt University’s MSc User Experience Design programme. Exploring User Experience Design: Exploring how UX shapes everyday life. A webinar with Dr. Jonny Preis Dutra - Tuesday 31st March 2026, 10am (GMT) - Register here

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.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

Overview

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.

Our expertise

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.

Your learning environment

You’ll learn in a research-active school with strong industry connections and a collaborative, studio-based culture. Teaching blends:

• Design workshops
• Prototyping and testing sessions
• Guest lectures from industry experts
• Interdisciplinary projects across design and digital technologies

This dynamic environment encourages creativity, hands-on experimentation and reflective professional growth.

Customise your learning

You’ll follow a structured course that builds core expertise in UX and human-centred design, interaction design, service design and research methodologies - learning to map user journeys, prototype and tackle complex digital challenges.

In Semester 2, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your learning through one of two specialised pathways:

• UX Strategy & Innovation - Explore the strategic role of UX in business, service development, and digital transformation.
• UX Design Technologies - Focus on technical and creative development using emerging tools and platforms.

Your final semester is dedicated to a major project, where you’ll apply your knowledge and specialise in areas that inspire you - such as accessibility, digital health, or future-facing design.

You can choose whether to study the programme full-time or part-time. This flexibility allows you to fit your postgraduate studies around your lifestyle. If you decided to study part-time, you register for two courses per semester and progress to the final project at the end of your second year.

Fees and funding

Postgraduate Scholarship for Academic Excellence in MSc User Experience and 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.

Scholarships and bursaries

We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.