12 monthsProgramme duration
20,456 GBPTuition Fee/year
4Scholarships
Jan, SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
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.
Admission Requirements
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.
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
Value
$21800
Deadline
31 Aug 2026
Application requirements
QS Event Attendance is NOT required
Entry requirements
You must be admitted to this school to be awarded
Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary
Value
$525
Deadline
31 Aug 2026
Application requirements
QS Event Attendance is NOT required
Entry requirements
You must be admitted to this school to be awarded
Value
25% tuition fee waiver
Deadline
31 Jul 2026
Application requirements
QS Event Attendance is NOT required
Entry requirements
You must be admitted to this school to be awarded
IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
Value
$218000
Deadline
31 Aug 2026
Application requirements
QS Event Attendance is NOT required
Entry requirements
You must be admitted to this school to be awarded
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