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Heriot-Watt University: User Experience Design
| Institution | Heriot-Watt University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Textiles and Design View department profile |
| Web | www.hw.ac.uk/about/our-schools/textiles-and-design/study/postgraduate |
| studywithus@hw.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 0131 451 3376 |
| Study type | Taught |
Summary
MSc User Experience Design has been developed for graduates and those in employment who seek to better understand their customers and clients. Exploring how technology and psychology inform user behaviour, you will develop your digital content and storytelling abilities to develop solutions for real-world problems.
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.
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:
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UX Strategy & Innovation - Explore the strategic role of UX in business, service development, and digital transformation.
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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.
Course content
Year 1 Mandatory September Contemporary UX Challenges Design Thinking Foundations of UX & Human-Centred Design
Mandatory January Research Methodologies Strategic UX, Service Design & Emerging Technologies
Mandatory May Final project and report
Optional January Design Technologies Business Enterprise
MSc
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Location | Scottish Borders Campus Netherdale Galashiels TD1 3HF |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Location | Scottish Borders Campus Netherdale Galashiels TD1 3HF |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Location | Scottish Borders Campus Netherdale Galashiels TD1 3HF |
About Textiles and Design at Heriot-Watt University
The School of Textiles and Design at Heriot-Watt University offers an inspiring and forward-thinking environment where creativity, innovation and industry insight come together. Our diverse portfolio of postgraduate taught programmes is designed to meet the demands of fast-moving global industries, equipping you with the skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-evolving design landscape.
Our faculty bring extensive real-world experience from across the textiles, fashion and design sectors. They are passionate educators committed to sharing their expertise and supporting you as you develop into the next generation of creative leaders.
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