MA User Experience Design and Innovation

Program Overview

Overview

The MA User Experience Design and Innovation programme is for those interested in creating impactful digital experiences that are both intuitive and engaging. This programme attracts applicants from diverse backgrounds who want to delve into the intricacies of user behaviour and design. It focuses on key areas such as human-centred design principles, usability testing, and the incorporation of user feedback into the design process.

Unlike many programmes that emphasise purely technical skills, this course provides a balanced approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students will learn how to conduct thorough user research, develop wireframes and prototypes, and perform usability tests to refine their designs.

The programme also includes significant collaboration with industry partners, allowing students to work on real-world projects that address contemporary UX challenges. This hands-on experience is complemented by guest lectures from UX professionals, workshops, and seminars, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the field.

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time.
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline:
  • Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
  • Home applicants: 8 August 2025
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: MA

Programme Structure

Core units in this programme include User Experience Design Fundamentals and Advanced User Experience Design. These units provide the foundational knowledge needed to understand and implement effective UX strategies.

In the second term, students participate in a practical client project, where they apply their learning to design user-friendly interfaces and digital experiences. This project is conducted in collaboration with industry partners, offering students the chance to work on real-world challenges and receive feedback from professionals.

The final component of the programme is the UX Design Innovation Project, a comprehensive project working with their peers, where students create a full-fledged UX solution, demonstrating their ability to integrate research findings, design principles, and user feedback into a cohesive product. This capstone project not only showcases students' skills but also provides a significant portfolio piece for their future careers.

World-Leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry Requirements

• You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any discipline.
• If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
• We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer.
• We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
• If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:
  • Evidence of relevant work experience (minimum six months) in a user experience-related role in any sector, such as but not limited to: content creator, social media manager, video editor, graphic designer, UX/UI Designer.
  • A postgraduate qualification.

English Language Requirements

• If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time £19,700 per year
• Overseas: full-time £35,300 per year
• Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

Alumni Discount

• University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.

Funding and Scholarships

• Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career Prospects

• Graduates of the MA User Experience Design and Innovation programme are prepared for careers in UX design, user research, product design, and digital strategy.
• They can pursue roles in various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and creative sectors, with a strong foundation in both theory and practical application."