User Experience & Service Design - 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.



Graduates of this programme have the opportunity to progress their study to Masters level in semester 2 by choosing either the Master of Arts (MA) in User Experience And Service Design or the Master of Science (MSc) in User Experience And Service Design.



Online Delivery

The programme is delivered entirely online, this means the programme offers the flexibility and convenience of studying at a distance. 1 Semester (September – January).



Award

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

This programme will provide students with the fundamental knowledge, skills and competencies in the field of User Experience and Service Design.



Programme Structure



Semester 1

Fundamentals of UCD

UX and SD Tools and Technologies

Design Thinking for Services

Design Project Management

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 July 2025

1 semester, full-time, online.

Course Start Date: 15th September 2025 (tbc)

Graduates of this programme have the opportunity to progress their study to Masters level in semester 2 by choosing either the Master of Arts (MA) in User Experience And Service Design or the Master of Science (MSc) in User Experience And Service Design.