find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
Birmingham City University: User Experience Design
| Institution | Birmingham City University |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Computing and Digital Technology |
| Web | http://www.bcu.ac.uk |
| courseenquiries@bcu.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 0121 331 6295 |
| Study type | Taught |
Master of Science - MSc (PG)
Summary
This MSc in User Experience Design is designed for graduates from any undergraduate background who want to develop the skills to design innovative, inclusive, and future-focused user experiences across multiple channels and platforms. You will be encouraged to think critically, collaborate inclusively, and push the boundaries of what design can achieve.
Through modules in user centred and visual design, front end development, accessibility, research and usability testing, and immersive technologies design, you’ll gain a blend of creative, technical, and research-based skills. You will also benefit from the expertise of academics, researchers, and industry professionals who bring real-world insights directly into the classroom.
What's covered in this course? The course welcomes graduates from both technical and non-technical disciplines who are keen to specialise in User Experience (UX) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Core topics include:
-
Interaction Design – methods and techniques for human-centred design
-
Front-End Development – using industry-standard environments and frameworks
-
Visual Design – creating clear, aesthetic, and functional interfaces
-
Accessibility – applying inclusive design principles across contexts
-
Research and User Testing – planning, running, and analysing user evaluations
-
Advanced and Immersive Technologies – exploring UX design for virtual and augmented reality, haptic systems, eye-tracking, and AI-enhanced interaction
Increasingly, the course also examines the use and application of AI and how is reshaping design practice. You will encourage to explore how generative AI can support rapid ideation, prototyping, and content creation, while also considering its limits and ethical implications. You will investigate the challenges of AI in UX, including issues of trust, explainability, data privacy, and bias, and learn strategies for building systems that empower rather than exploit users.
Our teaching philosophy is rooted in industry and research-led activities, with assignments reflecting real-world challenges and skillsets. You’ll collaborate with academics, researchers, and industry partners on live briefs, developing a strong portfolio that demonstrates your ability to design for today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities. Opportunities are also available to engage with our Human Computer Interaction Research centre giving you hands-on experience with cutting-edge research.
Professional Placement option This course offers an optional professional placement. This allows you to spend 20 weeks with an employer, following completion of your taught modules, and is a great way to enhance your employability.
The experience you gain through your placement will allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.
If you choose the placement option, you will be responsible for finding and securing a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you do not secure a suitable placement, you will automatically be transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note: Placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process. As such, the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the professional placement option.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Please see the university website course page for information on entry requirements for this course. |
| Location | City Centre 1 Curzon Street Birmingham B4 7XG |
Summary
This MSc in User Experience Design is designed for graduates from any undergraduate background who want to develop the skills to design innovative, inclusive, and future-focused user experiences across multiple channels and platforms. You will be encouraged to think critically, collaborate inclusively, and push the boundaries of what design can achieve.
Through modules in user centred and visual design, front end development, accessibility, research and usability testing, and immersive technologies design, you’ll gain a blend of creative, technical, and research-based skills. You will also benefit from the expertise of academics, researchers, and industry professionals who bring real-world insights directly into the classroom.
What's covered in this course? The course welcomes graduates from both technical and non-technical disciplines who are keen to specialise in User Experience (UX) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Core topics include:
-
Interaction Design – methods and techniques for human-centred design
-
Front-End Development – using industry-standard environments and frameworks
-
Visual Design – creating clear, aesthetic, and functional interfaces
-
Accessibility – applying inclusive design principles across contexts
-
Research and User Testing – planning, running, and analysing user evaluations
-
Advanced and Immersive Technologies – exploring UX design for virtual and augmented reality, haptic systems, eye-tracking, and AI-enhanced interaction
Increasingly, the course also examines the use and application of AI and how is reshaping design practice. You will encourage to explore how generative AI can support rapid ideation, prototyping, and content creation, while also considering its limits and ethical implications. You will investigate the challenges of AI in UX, including issues of trust, explainability, data privacy, and bias, and learn strategies for building systems that empower rather than exploit users.
Our teaching philosophy is rooted in industry and research-led activities, with assignments reflecting real-world challenges and skillsets. You’ll collaborate with academics, researchers, and industry partners on live briefs, developing a strong portfolio that demonstrates your ability to design for today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities. Opportunities are also available to engage with our Human Computer Interaction Research centre giving you hands-on experience with cutting-edge research.
Professional Placement option This course offers an optional professional placement. This allows you to spend 20 weeks with an employer, following completion of your taught modules, and is a great way to enhance your employability.
The experience you gain through your placement will allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.
If you choose the placement option, you will be responsible for finding and securing a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you do not secure a suitable placement, you will automatically be transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note: Placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process. As such, the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the professional placement option.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Please see the university website course page for information on entry requirements for this course. |
| Location | City Centre 1 Curzon Street Birmingham B4 7XG |
Summary
This MSc in User Experience Design is designed for graduates from any undergraduate background who want to develop the skills to design innovative, inclusive, and future-focused user experiences across multiple channels and platforms. You will be encouraged to think critically, collaborate inclusively, and push the boundaries of what design can achieve.
Through modules in user centred and visual design, front end development, accessibility, research and usability testing, and immersive technologies design, you’ll gain a blend of creative, technical, and research-based skills. You will also benefit from the expertise of academics, researchers, and industry professionals who bring real-world insights directly into the classroom.
What's covered in this course? The course welcomes graduates from both technical and non-technical disciplines who are keen to specialise in User Experience (UX) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Core topics include:
-
Interaction Design – methods and techniques for human-centred design
-
Front-End Development – using industry-standard environments and frameworks
-
Visual Design – creating clear, aesthetic, and functional interfaces
-
Accessibility – applying inclusive design principles across contexts
-
Research and User Testing – planning, running, and analysing user evaluations
-
Advanced and Immersive Technologies – exploring UX design for virtual and augmented reality, haptic systems, eye-tracking, and AI-enhanced interaction
Increasingly, the course also examines the use and application of AI and how is reshaping design practice. You will encourage to explore how generative AI can support rapid ideation, prototyping, and content creation, while also considering its limits and ethical implications. You will investigate the challenges of AI in UX, including issues of trust, explainability, data privacy, and bias, and learn strategies for building systems that empower rather than exploit users.
Our teaching philosophy is rooted in industry and research-led activities, with assignments reflecting real-world challenges and skillsets. You’ll collaborate with academics, researchers, and industry partners on live briefs, developing a strong portfolio that demonstrates your ability to design for today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities. Opportunities are also available to engage with our Human Computer Interaction Research centre giving you hands-on experience with cutting-edge research.
Professional Placement option This course offers an optional professional placement. This allows you to spend 20 weeks with an employer, following completion of your taught modules, and is a great way to enhance your employability.
The experience you gain through your placement will allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.
If you choose the placement option, you will be responsible for finding and securing a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you do not secure a suitable placement, you will automatically be transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note: Placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process. As such, the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the professional placement option.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Please see the university website course page for information on entry requirements for this course. |
| Location | City Centre 1 Curzon Street Birmingham B4 7XG |
Summary
This MSc in User Experience Design is designed for graduates from any undergraduate background who want to develop the skills to design innovative, inclusive, and future-focused user experiences across multiple channels and platforms. You will be encouraged to think critically, collaborate inclusively, and push the boundaries of what design can achieve.
Through modules in user centred and visual design, front end development, accessibility, research and usability testing, and immersive technologies design, you’ll gain a blend of creative, technical, and research-based skills. You will also benefit from the expertise of academics, researchers, and industry professionals who bring real-world insights directly into the classroom.
What's covered in this course? The course welcomes graduates from both technical and non-technical disciplines who are keen to specialise in User Experience (UX) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Core topics include:
-
Interaction Design – methods and techniques for human-centred design
-
Front-End Development – using industry-standard environments and frameworks
-
Visual Design – creating clear, aesthetic, and functional interfaces
-
Accessibility – applying inclusive design principles across contexts
-
Research and User Testing – planning, running, and analysing user evaluations
-
Advanced and Immersive Technologies – exploring UX design for virtual and augmented reality, haptic systems, eye-tracking, and AI-enhanced interaction
Increasingly, the course also examines the use and application of AI and how is reshaping design practice. You will encourage to explore how generative AI can support rapid ideation, prototyping, and content creation, while also considering its limits and ethical implications. You will investigate the challenges of AI in UX, including issues of trust, explainability, data privacy, and bias, and learn strategies for building systems that empower rather than exploit users.
Our teaching philosophy is rooted in industry and research-led activities, with assignments reflecting real-world challenges and skillsets. You’ll collaborate with academics, researchers, and industry partners on live briefs, developing a strong portfolio that demonstrates your ability to design for today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities. Opportunities are also available to engage with our Human Computer Interaction Research centre giving you hands-on experience with cutting-edge research.
Professional Placement option This course offers an optional professional placement. This allows you to spend 20 weeks with an employer, following completion of your taught modules, and is a great way to enhance your employability.
The experience you gain through your placement will allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.
If you choose the placement option, you will be responsible for finding and securing a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you do not secure a suitable placement, you will automatically be transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note: Placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process. As such, the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the professional placement option.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Please see the university website course page for information on entry requirements for this course. |
| Location | City Centre 1 Curzon Street Birmingham B4 7XG |
Summary
The MSc User Experience Design course will provide you with in-depth theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience in designing, developing, and evaluating digital products across a range of platforms and state-of-the-art technologies. The course places a strong emphasis on the development of professional technical skills that are in high industry demand and will position you well for careers around the field of user experience (UX).
What's covered in the course?
The course has been designed to support graduates from a wide range of disciplines (including those with technical and non-technical backgrounds) who wish to specialise in the area of user experience (UX) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). The key topics taught on the course include interaction design (techniques for user-centred design), front-end development (using industry standard development environments), visual design (creating interfaces with strong aesthetics), accessibility (methods for supporting inclusive design), and usability testing (collecting and analysing data via user evaluations). You will also have the opportunity to consider and create user experiences for technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, eye gaze tracking, speech interfaces, mid-air gesturing, haptic systems, and brain-computer interfaces.
The course philosophy is focused around industry and research-led activities, supported with assignments that are closely aligned to the development of essential knowledge and technical skills used in practice. You will therefore have the opportunity to work closely with academics, researchers, and industry partners on real-world project briefs thus supporting you in developing a strong portfolio of work (which is essential for gaining employment in this field). The course will also provide opportunities to collaborate with academics based in the School of Computing and Digital Technology’s Mixed Reality and Human-Computer Interaction research group to work on cutting-edge research projects.
Graduates from the User Experience Design course will be well placed for industry roles that are in high demand including front-end developers, user experience designers/developers, information architects, usability consultants and UX researchers, web designers/developers, and interaction designers. The course will also position you well for undertaking further academic study and research through pursuing a PhD degree.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A first Degree (2:2+) broadly related to User Experience Design (including Computing, Mathematics, Engineering, Business, Marketing, Psychology, Art and Design, etc.), with an interest in the technological/scientific approaches to User Experience Design |
| Location | City Centre 1 Curzon Street Birmingham B4 7XG |
Summary
The MSc User Experience Design course will provide you with in-depth theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience in designing, developing, and evaluating digital products across a range of platforms and state-of-the-art technologies. The course places a strong emphasis on the development of professional technical skills that are in high industry demand and will position you well for careers around the field of user experience (UX).
What's covered in the course?
The course has been designed to support graduates from a wide range of disciplines (including those with technical and non-technical backgrounds) who wish to specialise in the area of user experience (UX) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). The key topics taught on the course include interaction design (techniques for user-centred design), front-end development (using industry standard development environments), visual design (creating interfaces with strong aesthetics), accessibility (methods for supporting inclusive design), and usability testing (collecting and analysing data via user evaluations). You will also have the opportunity to consider and create user experiences for technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, eye gaze tracking, speech interfaces, mid-air gesturing, haptic systems, and brain-computer interfaces.
The course philosophy is focused around industry and research-led activities, supported with assignments that are closely aligned to the development of essential knowledge and technical skills used in practice. You will therefore have the opportunity to work closely with academics, researchers, and industry partners on real-world project briefs thus supporting you in developing a strong portfolio of work (which is essential for gaining employment in this field). The course will also provide opportunities to collaborate with academics based in the School of Computing and Digital Technology’s Mixed Reality and Human-Computer Interaction research group to work on cutting-edge research projects.
Graduates from the User Experience Design course will be well placed for industry roles that are in high demand including front-end developers, user experience designers/developers, information architects, usability consultants and UX researchers, web designers/developers, and interaction designers. The course will also position you well for undertaking further academic study and research through pursuing a PhD degree.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A first Degree (2:2+) broadly related to User Experience Design (including Computing, Mathematics, Engineering, Business, Marketing, Psychology, Art and Design, etc.), with an interest in the technological/scientific approaches to User Experience Design |
| Location | City Centre 1 Curzon Street Birmingham B4 7XG |
Not what you are looking for?
Browse other courses in Digital imaging, Database design or Virtual reality systems design, or search our comprehensive database of postgrad programs.Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com
Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.
Click here