MScUser Experience (UX) Design
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Why study a UX master's degree at Solent University
Gain the skills to lead and shape the future of UX design in our increasingly digital and interconnected world.
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities in the last five years
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
- You'll have full access to our usability lab equipped with industry-standard hardware and software tools.
- Applicants from all academic disciplines can apply. This conversion course means you can apply even if you haven't studied in this subject area before. Add to your skills, diversify your knowledge, expand your experience, and learn something new.
- Continue your studies with a research degree. This course will equip you with research and academic skills, helping you to pursue a PhD or an academic career.
- This course is eligible for the Postgraduate Master's student loan. The loan is from Student Finance England and can be used to cover costs (ie, accommodation, tuition fees) associated with postgraduate studies.
- Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Course overview
This interdisciplinary course integrates principles from design, theory, and technology to prepare graduates for roles in crafting seamless and impactful user experiences across digital products. Technical proficiency is a key focus, providing students with hands-on skills in design tools, prototyping, and emerging technologies to translate innovative ideas into user-friendly digital solutions.
The course will prepare you for pursuing a career in UX design. This is a dynamic conversion course open to students from any academic background and is designed to launch your career in the increasingly important field of user experience design.
In addition to gaining an in-depth understanding of the advanced concepts, theories and methodologies specific to UX design, you'll also develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enhance your teamwork and communication skills, and also cultivate a research-oriented mindset to encourage innovation in UX design.
To aid study, you'll have full access to the University's usability lab. Designed to provide an environment for detailed UX research and testing, the lab ensures you can observe and understand user interactions in real time.
Course features
Apply direct
You can apply direct to Solent University for this course
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
This course is for
This conversion master's course is ideal for individuals from diverse academic background looking for a focused pathway to transition into the field of UX.
What this course leads to
Graduates from the MSc User Experience (UX) Design will have expertise in user research, interaction design, and usability testing.
- User experience designer
- UX researcher
- Digital designer
- Interaction designer
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
The UX lab is designed to provide an environment for user experience research and testing, allowing students to observe and understand user interactions in real-time. The lab features specialised observation rooms with two-way mirrors - this setup allows researchers and stakeholders to observe user sessions, ensuring that participants behave naturally.
Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
Year one
Core modules
Computer Fundamentals and Problem Solving (30 credits)
This module introduces foundational concepts of core principles and practices of computer fundamentals and problem solving. During the module, you'll cover the basics of computer architecture, knowledge of operating systems, introduction to networking and cyber security, and programming.
Visual Design
This module with equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to design visually appealing, functional, and accessible user interfaces (UI) for digital products. You'll explore key principles of visual design, including layout, typography, colour theory, and iconography, and apply them to create cohesive and intuitive UI designs. You'll also focus on the development and use of design systems to ensure consistency and scalability across interfaces with an emphasis on designing for accessibility.
User Research
During this module, you'll gain the knowledge, skills, and methodologies required to gather, analyse, and apply user insights effectively within the design process. You'll learn to employ a range of qualitative and quantitative research techniques, conduct usability testing, and synthesise findings to inform user-centred design decisions.
Interactive Design
In this module, you'll learn to design effective and engaging user interfaces for interactive digital systems. By exploring key principles of interaction design, usability, accessibility and human-computer interaction, you'll develop the ability to create intuitive, accessible, and visually appealing interaction designs. Through hands-on projects, you'll learn to apply design thinking, user-centered design methodologies, and prototyping techniques to create seamless user experiences across various platforms and devices.
Dissertation (60 credits)
The content of your dissertation should reflect your passions and interests within your field of study, and must be drawn from relevant theory, supported by the practical aspects of your degree. Projects may be practical or investigative in nature, but all projects must produce specific artefacts that demonstrate your intellectual and practical skills in the subject area.
Learning resources
At Solent, our aim is to deliver innovative, inclusive and intellectually stimulating teaching to develop self-confident and highly employable graduates. All our courses are designed with employability in mind, which makes industry-based learning a priority.
Learn transferable skills
You will be supported to develop a range of transferable skills throughout the course. This includes programming, project management, problem-solving, analytical skills, technical writing, teamwork, communication and presentation skills.
These transferable skills empower you to work in a range of different industries after graduation. The course will also equip you with research and academic skills helping those who wish to pursue a PhD or an academic career.
Industry links
UX is integral to effective problem-solving in design, understanding user needs, behaviours, and preferences, designers can make informed decisions that lead to user-centric and successful designs. The field of UX design is not only about aesthetics but also about creating functional, intuitive, accessible digital experiences and with ethical considerations.
Well-designed user experience directly correlates with customer satisfaction, loyalty, and, consequently, business success. In today's competitive landscape, companies that prioritise UX gain a significant advantage.
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Alumni network
As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.
Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.
Research and knowledge exchange
Research doesn't just live in publications and journals - the effects of groundbreaking research can be found everywhere you look. That's why research at Solent has always been firmly rooted in industry needs and real-world application.
Solent University prides itself on carrying out not only pioneering research, but also research that addresses real world problems. We offer opportunities to study for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a number of areas.
At Solent, we want to help you achieve your best and discover new insights. Whether you're thinking about applying for a PhD, or already underway with your research studies, you'll find useful guidance and information in our research pages.
Research at SolentTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are not yet available. For guidance, the 2025/26 fees were:
- UK and Channel Island full-time fees: £10,400 per year
- International full-time fees: £18,350 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Find out moreBursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
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Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
Honours degree at 2:2 or higher in any discipline
- Applicants must show an interest in learning User Experience (UX) design and implementation principles.
- Qualifications equivalent to the above may also be considered. Applicants should contact the University for further information.
- If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
- For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please refer to our course entry requirement statement.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our course entry statement document.
An honours degree at2:2 or higher
Your application checklist
Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.
Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application:
- Two academic references.
- Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency, if applicable.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa (if applicable).
- A personal statement.
- Employer sponsor form, where appropriate.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 1 year full-time
