User Experience and Service Design MDes Postgraduate Programme By Ulster University |TopUniversities

Programme overview

Degree

Other

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Unlock the power of user-centric design and transform the way you approach problem-solving. The User Experience and Service Design MA at Ulster University equips you with the skills to create exceptional digital experiences that captivate audiences and drive business success. Immerse yourself in the latest design methodologies, from user research and prototyping to service blueprinting and design thinking. Develop a deep understanding of human behaviour and learn to craft seamless, intuitive experiences that delight users at every touchpoint In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, exceptional user experience is the key to standing out from the crowd. This course will give you the cutting-edge expertise to design innovative solutions that solve real-world problems and position you as a sought-after talent in the creative industries Whether you aspire to lead in-house design teams, spearhead agency projects, or embark on an entrepreneurial journey, this program will equip you with the strategic thinking and design leadership skills to make a lasting impact Become a driving force in shaping the future of customer-centric experiences. Semester 1 Exploration and Enquiry (40 credits) This module provides students with the necessary critical, practical and intellectual frameworks to initiate, evaluate, negotiate and develop a sustainable creative practice within their respective fields. The module combines presentations from professionals and researchers that provide a forum for peer discussion and debate. The module cultivates self-directed, practice-led research and fosters sustainable, critical engagement with your creative work. It provides opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge and to consider initiating interdisciplinary or strategic partnerships. Design Thinking (20 credits ) The Design Thinking module enables students to develop an understanding of user needs and challenge existing approaches through independent, innovative and disruptive thinking. This module will challenge students to question: the problem, assumptions, and implications, of their project work, allowing deeper investigation and critical evaluation of knowledge and understanding of the wider theoretical development of design as a discipline. Semester 2 Specialist Skills Development (40 credits) With a focus on theory and practical applications, students will expand their knowledge, and develop strategies and research methods for problem-solving, opportunity identification, innovation framing, prototyping, and testing. The module includes a concentrated period of practical research and peer critique, challenging students to explore contemporary issues and design solutions for social impact. It also prepares students to produce a practice-led and critically sound project proposal that generates the foundation for their Master's Projects. Students will choose to study one of the following during the second semester Design Futures (20 credits) This module aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of design in the 21st century. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to sustainability concerns, designers face numerous and complex challenges. Through lectures, workshops, and research, students will learn about the latest developments in AI and other emerging technologies and how to apply them in the context of user experience and service design. By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of social and ethical implications, students will be equipped to create sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible products and services that make a positive impact on the world. Creative Entrepreneurship (20 credits) This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the role business plays within the creative industries. By focusing on developing students' entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship awareness, it seeks to ensure that they are equipped with the skills needed to establish sustainable creative practices. Semester 3 Master’s Project (60 credits) The Master’s Project provides students with a period of sustained self-motivated and practice-led creative engagement. It brings to a resolution a body of work relevant to the area of focus for the student's Masters programme, whether user experience, service design, or design thinking. The module realises key skills and knowledge concerning the management, documentation, evaluation and dissemination of the creative and practice-led research process in relation to these domains. It also facilitates a sustained independent period of enquiry within a clearly determined creative body of practice, underpinned by exploration of a range of critical and contextual frameworks evidence in a final, Masters report. Frequently asked questions Do you offer real-world projects or industry collaborations as part of the course? Yes, during the second semester, we work closely with a range of industry professionals who provide you with a brief based on a real-world problem. The project would be supported through workshop sessions with the nominated company, providing you with first-hand knowledge of industry practices. Can applicants with non-design backgrounds or relevant professional experience apply for the course? Yes, many of our applicants come from non-design backgrounds. We have welcomed students with undergraduate degrees in anthropology to zoology and everything in between. Creativity comes in many forms. We are not looking for artists with superb drawing skills; we are looking for creative thinkers who can solve many of the problems society faces today. Are there unique learning opportunities, such as guest lectures, industry mentors, or competitions? Yes, you would be paired with a mentor from industry who provides one-to-one support during your time on the course. This mentorship could take the form of support with coursework, insights into the industry, preparation for employment, advice on portfolio development and whatever else you may find useful. In addition, we run a series of guest lectures inviting industry UX and service design professionals from, amongst others, Adobe, Citi, Deloitte, Google, and many more. Students are encouraged to enter their master’s projects for a range of competitions, many of whom have enjoyed success. Are there any opportunities to specialise relevant to personal interests or career goals? Yes, many students enter the course with pre-existing interests they wish to pursue. Those who are interested in research will concentrate on UX and service design research methods to develop their knowledge and skills. Others interested in design will focus on UX research or UI design. The coursework’s focus on group projects allows students to focus on particular interests, thereby allowing them to build a strong knowledge base. How much of the course is practical, and how much

Programme overview

Degree

Other

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Unlock the power of user-centric design and transform the way you approach problem-solving. The User Experience and Service Design MA at Ulster University equips you with the skills to create exceptional digital experiences that captivate audiences and drive business success. Immerse yourself in the latest design methodologies, from user research and prototyping to service blueprinting and design thinking. Develop a deep understanding of human behaviour and learn to craft seamless, intuitive experiences that delight users at every touchpoint In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, exceptional user experience is the key to standing out from the crowd. This course will give you the cutting-edge expertise to design innovative solutions that solve real-world problems and position you as a sought-after talent in the creative industries Whether you aspire to lead in-house design teams, spearhead agency projects, or embark on an entrepreneurial journey, this program will equip you with the strategic thinking and design leadership skills to make a lasting impact Become a driving force in shaping the future of customer-centric experiences. Semester 1 Exploration and Enquiry (40 credits) This module provides students with the necessary critical, practical and intellectual frameworks to initiate, evaluate, negotiate and develop a sustainable creative practice within their respective fields. The module combines presentations from professionals and researchers that provide a forum for peer discussion and debate. The module cultivates self-directed, practice-led research and fosters sustainable, critical engagement with your creative work. It provides opportunities to acquire new skills and knowledge and to consider initiating interdisciplinary or strategic partnerships. Design Thinking (20 credits ) The Design Thinking module enables students to develop an understanding of user needs and challenge existing approaches through independent, innovative and disruptive thinking. This module will challenge students to question: the problem, assumptions, and implications, of their project work, allowing deeper investigation and critical evaluation of knowledge and understanding of the wider theoretical development of design as a discipline. Semester 2 Specialist Skills Development (40 credits) With a focus on theory and practical applications, students will expand their knowledge, and develop strategies and research methods for problem-solving, opportunity identification, innovation framing, prototyping, and testing. The module includes a concentrated period of practical research and peer critique, challenging students to explore contemporary issues and design solutions for social impact. It also prepares students to produce a practice-led and critically sound project proposal that generates the foundation for their Master's Projects. Students will choose to study one of the following during the second semester Design Futures (20 credits) This module aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of design in the 21st century. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to sustainability concerns, designers face numerous and complex challenges. Through lectures, workshops, and research, students will learn about the latest developments in AI and other emerging technologies and how to apply them in the context of user experience and service design. By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of social and ethical implications, students will be equipped to create sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible products and services that make a positive impact on the world. Creative Entrepreneurship (20 credits) This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the role business plays within the creative industries. By focusing on developing students' entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship awareness, it seeks to ensure that they are equipped with the skills needed to establish sustainable creative practices. Semester 3 Master’s Project (60 credits) The Master’s Project provides students with a period of sustained self-motivated and practice-led creative engagement. It brings to a resolution a body of work relevant to the area of focus for the student's Masters programme, whether user experience, service design, or design thinking. The module realises key skills and knowledge concerning the management, documentation, evaluation and dissemination of the creative and practice-led research process in relation to these domains. It also facilitates a sustained independent period of enquiry within a clearly determined creative body of practice, underpinned by exploration of a range of critical and contextual frameworks evidence in a final, Masters report. Frequently asked questions Do you offer real-world projects or industry collaborations as part of the course? Yes, during the second semester, we work closely with a range of industry professionals who provide you with a brief based on a real-world problem. The project would be supported through workshop sessions with the nominated company, providing you with first-hand knowledge of industry practices. Can applicants with non-design backgrounds or relevant professional experience apply for the course? Yes, many of our applicants come from non-design backgrounds. We have welcomed students with undergraduate degrees in anthropology to zoology and everything in between. Creativity comes in many forms. We are not looking for artists with superb drawing skills; we are looking for creative thinkers who can solve many of the problems society faces today. Are there unique learning opportunities, such as guest lectures, industry mentors, or competitions? Yes, you would be paired with a mentor from industry who provides one-to-one support during your time on the course. This mentorship could take the form of support with coursework, insights into the industry, preparation for employment, advice on portfolio development and whatever else you may find useful. In addition, we run a series of guest lectures inviting industry UX and service design professionals from, amongst others, Adobe, Citi, Deloitte, Google, and many more. Students are encouraged to enter their master’s projects for a range of competitions, many of whom have enjoyed success. Are there any opportunities to specialise relevant to personal interests or career goals? Yes, many students enter the course with pre-existing interests they wish to pursue. Those who are interested in research will concentrate on UX and service design research methods to develop their knowledge and skills. Others interested in design will focus on UX research or UI design. The coursework’s focus on group projects allows students to focus on particular interests, thereby allowing them to build a strong knowledge base. How much of the course is practical, and how much

Admission Requirements

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements. Entry Requirements Applicants must hold a degree (with at least 2ii Honours standard) or equivalent or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior learning. The course interlinks the domains of User Experience Design, Service Design and Design Thinking. Students first explore aspects of each before selecting a personal focus during Semester 2. The specific requirements for admission are detailed below: i) Applicants should normally hold a good honours degree in design practice or cognate subject from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council of National Academic Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard. ii) Applications are welcomed from diverse backgrounds however, where there is a discipline shift the applicant must represent a coherent rationale for this shift and evidence prerequisite understanding and skills/experience (see below). iii) Interview by portfolio and proposal. Portfolios must be digital but multiple file types are acceptable (e.g., .pdfs, .docx, .pptx, .jpegs, etc.). Portfolios may also take a variety of forms. For example, if applicants come from a non-design background (e.g., the social sciences), they may use the portfolio to demonstrate research competencies or outline a series of possible projects. The programme is devised specifically to support continuing lifelong learning for professions in a rapidly changing field. Therefore APL (Accreditation for Prior Learning) will be considered as evidence of exceptional ability appropriate to recruitment to the programme. Applications from professionals with extensive professional, industrial and/or commercial experience but lacking recent or higher-level academic qualifications will be encouraged. APL (Advanced Prior Learning) will be considered as evidence of exceptional ability appropriate to the course. English Language Requirements English language requirements for international applicants The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes. Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores. English language requirements Your country Exemptions and transferability Exemptions will be considered on an individual basis.

Sep

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

More programmes from the university

Postgrad Programmes 1641