User Experience & Service Design - MSc - Online

User Experience (UX) is a field concerned with understanding and improving the ways the users interact with an organisation and its digital products or services. Service Design (SD) is a closely related field that is focused on the creation of optimal experiences and sustainable solutions for both customers and service providers. Emerging from disciplines including human factors, ergonomics, and cognitive science, UX and service design as user-centred design (UCD) disciplines have come to be established as an integral part of the lifecycle of all products or services over the past few decades. From initial research, through product design and development, to user testing and improvement, UX and SD skills are required at every stage in the production of digital products and services. Skills such as qualitative and quantitative user research, interface and interaction design, customer experience mapping, and low- and high-fidelity prototyping are critical for the success of any new product or service. There is a growing need for skilled professionals with expert knowledge in UX and SD in the modern workplace.



The MSc in User Experience and Service Design is offered alongside a parallel MA in User Experience Design programme. The key difference is that the MSc has an emphasis on the design and scientific aspects, such as empirical investigation, data analysis and technologies that can create great user experiences, whereas the emphasis of MA is on the design and creative process and practices that drive the design, development and implementation of digital products and services.



Award

Master of Science in User Experience and Service Design (Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications).



Online Delivery

The programme is delivered entirely online, this means the programme offers the flexibility and convenience of studying at a distance.



Applicants can choose to take the programme full time as delivered below or can choose to discuss part time or ACCS options with the programme team to attend in a manner that may be more suitable to work and life commitments.



This programme will provide students with expert knowledge, skills and competencies in the field of User Experience and Service Design, such as, for example: User-research, evaluation methods and methodologies, design project management, and research skills and knowledge, which are required for a career working or researching in the wider field of UX and service design.

Programme Structure



Semester 1

Fundamentals of UCD

UX and SD Tools and Technologies

Design Thinking for Services

Design Project Management



Semester 2

Prototyping Services and Interfaces

Evaluation Methodologies

UX and SD MSc Project Proposal

Writing for Research Publication



Semester 3

UX and SD MSc Project

Applications are invited by way of a submitted application form and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in July/August. Normally, an Honours 2.2 Degree in a cognate area is required and work-based experience is an advantage.



Recognition is given for relevant prior learning where the applicant does not have a relevant Honours Degree, and the applicant should contact the course coordinator.



What is RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to.

Application Deadline 16th June 2025

1 year, part-time, online.

Course Start Date: 15th September 2025 (tbc)