MSc User Experience Design 12 months Postgraduate Programme By Heriot-Watt University |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

20,456 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

11Scholarships

Main Subject Area

Art and DesignMain Subject Area

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

6+
59+
2.9+
169+
79+

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or its non-UK equivalent, in any subject provided that it includes evidence of management, creative subjects or engineering, and a personal statement demonstrating an interest in the subject.

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.

1 Year
Jan
Sep

Tuition fees

Domestic
10,864 GBP
International
20,456 GBP

Scholarships

The Hoogenboom Scholarship

The Hoogenboom Scholarship
Master Open

Value

100% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

26 Apr 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)

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
Master Bachelors Open

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

The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)
Master Open

Value

100% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Mar 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Postgraduate European Union Scholarship

Postgraduate European Union Scholarship
Master Open

Value

$5000

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Norway Early Bird Scholarship

Norway Early Bird Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$6000

Deadline

1 May 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

International Merit Scholarship

International Merit Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$2000

Deadline

30 Jun 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

Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary
Bachelors Master Open

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

Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships

Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships
Master Bachelors Open

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

Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence
Master Open

Value

20% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

30 May 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship

Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$5000

Deadline

15 Jun 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Alumni Discount Scheme

Alumni Discount Scheme
Master Open

Value

20% 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

More programmes from the university

Videos & media

Videos & media

media_view_gallery View Gallery
Postgrad Programmes 730