User Experience Design MA (Online)

Overview

Develop user-centred design skills and build an employment-ready portfolio through this collaborative and practical online MA course. You’ll learn, apply and showcase the iterative design processes essential for a successful career in user experience (UX) design.

Why Study This Course at Falmouth?

• Learn how to produce original designs based on your own intellectual property, building a unique and industry-ready portfolio of work
• Benefit from cutting-edge mentorship by an experienced team including tutors working in a wide variety of professional UX roles, graduating equipped to apply your skills and knowledge across an exciting range of sectors
• Collaborate on practical projects with a diverse worldwide cohort, enriching your perspectives and knowledge of international design practices
• Expand your learning and your professional networks at our optional in-person events

Course Details

Modules

• Development Practice
• UX Design
• Co-creative Design and Development Practice
• UX Research
• Final Major Project (MA only)

Module Details

• Development Practice: By devising a series of small-scale creative artefacts, you'll use your existing ideas about development practice and then experiment with new approaches to challenge these ideas.
• UX Design: In this module you will leverage design methods in an experimental way to design creative and elegant user experiences.
• Co-creative Design and Development Practice: You'll work in a multi-disciplinary team on a problem-led creative project.
• UX Research: Here, you'll learn the key techniques of human-computer interaction (HCI).
• Final Major Project (MA only): You'll work on a major research and development project, either independently or with others.

Learning and Support

• How Online Study Works: You'll learn through a blend of lectures, webinars, guest talks, tasks and discussion forums, which you'll access via our dedicated virtual learning environment.
• How Will I Be Supported?: You'll be supported academically by Online Tutors, who will also deliver weekly webinars and facilitate the online forums.

Careers

• Our Games Academy graduates have gone on to work as:
  • Creative design practitioners at companies such as MediaTonic, Firesprite, Creative Assembly, Project Gamechanger and Rare
  • Creative AI specialists at companies including Ultrahaptics, Solutionpath and Bewsign
  • Developers and data analysts at companies such as Facebook
  • Consultants in UX/UI and gamification
  • Doctoral researchers in artificial intelligence and/or data science, sponsored by the likes of Google

How to Apply

• Speak to Us About the Course: If you'd like to talk to an Advisor about this course or your application, get in touch with us via the form below.
• Apply Now: Ready to apply for postgraduate study? We have three start dates a year: January / May / September.

Entry Requirements

• An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is desirable. However, candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply.
• If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.5 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, and Listening, and a minimum of 6.0 in speaking.

Fees, Costs & Funding

• Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for September 2024, January 2025 and May 2025 entry: £12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course, £7,921 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - PGDip course
• Typical Course Costs: As part of studying User Experience Design MA you will require a laptop/computer at an expense of around £1,300.
• Postgraduate Funding: There are loans, awards, graduate discounts and alternative funding sources for postgraduate studies.

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User Experience Design MA (Online)

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Degree Overview:

This master's course in User Experience Design will equip you with the skills to apply user-centered design principles in creating original work. You'll learn how to use human-computer interaction research methods to assess user needs, improve user experiences, and create engaging interfaces and interactions. The program will introduce you to the core principles, methods, and techniques of UX design, including:

• User-centered design principles
• Interaction design
• User research
• Prototyping
• Usability testing
• User interface design
• The Internet of Things
• Creative apps
• Museum installations
• Educational technology
• Immersive business
By the end of the program, you'll have the ability to:
• Conduct user research and analyze user needs
• Generate creative design solutions
• Prototype and test your designs
• Communicate your ideas effectively

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Outline:

The User Experience Design MA (Online) consists of four 30-credit modules and a 60-credit Major Project (180 credits in total). All modules are compulsory and must be passed to complete the award. The program is divided into two phases:

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Phase 1: Core Modules

• Development Practice: Explore development practices, experiment with ideas, and create a personal case study.
• UX Design: Learn the core principles, methods, and techniques of UX design, apply user-centered approaches, and produce interactive prototypes.
• Co-creative Design and Development Practice: Work with a multi-disciplinary team on a real-world project, focusing on user experience, design, implementation, and evaluation.

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Phase 2: Major Project

• Major Project (MA only): Work on a major research and development project, expanding and consolidating your skills in devising, developing, and executing an extended project.
Build upon your work from other modules or develop a new specialist concept.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods in the User Experience Design MA (Online) include:

• Projects
• Portfolios
• Pitches
• Papers
Assessments are 100% coursework submitted electronically to the virtual learning environment.

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Teaching:

The User Experience Design MA (Online) is taught by a multidisciplinary team from Falmouth Games Academy with expertise across disciplines, including user experience design, programming, art, animation, audio, and writing. The team uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, tutorials, and online discussions.

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Careers:

Graduates of the User Experience Design MA (Online) can pursue careers in a variety of roles, including:

• UX designer
• UI designer
• UX researcher
• Interaction designer
• Product designer
• User experience consultant

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Other:

• The program is delivered online, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world.
• The program has three intakes per year: January, May, and September.
• The program is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

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£12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course £7,921 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - PGDip course £12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course £7,921 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - PGDip course Tuition fees for September 2025 will be confirmed in summer 2024. Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

Falmouth University

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Overview:

Falmouth University is a public university located in Cornwall, England, renowned for its creative arts and design programs. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as online study options. The university is known for its strong industry connections, professional-grade facilities, and inspiring location.

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Services Offered:

Falmouth University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available, offering modern and well-equipped spaces.

Student Support:

The university offers a variety of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Employability Service:

Falmouth University has a dedicated Employability Service that helps students develop their career skills and find employment opportunities.

Student Voice:

The university encourages student feedback and participation through its Student Voice program.

Study Abroad Exchanges:

Students have the opportunity to study abroad at partner institutions around the world.

Virtual Experience:

Falmouth University offers a virtual experience platform for prospective students to explore the campus and learn more about the university.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Falmouth University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with:

Accommodation:

Modern and well-equipped accommodation options on and off-campus.

Open Days:

Open Days are held regularly, allowing prospective students to experience campus life and meet staff and current students.

Freshers' Week:

A dedicated week of events and activities designed to help new students settle in and make friends.

Student Clubs and Societies:

A wide range of clubs and societies cater to diverse interests, providing opportunities for students to connect with like-minded individuals.

Location:

Falmouth is situated in a beautiful and inspiring location, with easy access to the coast and surrounding countryside.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Industry Connections:

Falmouth University has strong industry connections, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Professional-Grade Facilities:

The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, workshops, and labs, designed to support creative learning and practice.

Inspiring Location:

Falmouth's location in Cornwall offers a unique and inspiring environment for creative study, with access to stunning beaches, coastal landscapes, and a vibrant arts scene.

Focus on Employability:

Falmouth University is committed to preparing students for successful careers, with a dedicated Employability Service and a strong focus on practical skills development.

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Academic Programs:

Falmouth University offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in:

Art & Design:

The university is renowned for its art and design programs, including animation, film, photography, graphic design, fashion, and textiles.

Games:

Falmouth University has a dedicated Games Academy, offering programs in game design, development, and production.

Business & Marketing:

The university offers programs in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on creativity and innovation.

Computing:

Falmouth University offers programs in computing, including data science, robotics, and software development.

English, Journalism & Writing:

The university offers programs in English, journalism, and creative writing, with a focus on practical skills and industry connections.

Performance, Theatre & Music:

Falmouth University offers programs in performance, theatre, and music, with a focus on practical training and professional development.