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Key details

Award title
MA User Experience Design (also available as PGDip)
Awarding body
Falmouth University
Level
7
Duration
MA 2 years; PGDip 14 months
Mode of study
Online, part-time
Total MA course fee
£10,900
Additional costs
To complete your coursework, you’ll require a desktop/laptop at an expense of around £1,300, that is capable of running Canvas, our online learning platform. This includes a minimum operating system of Windows XP SP3 or Mac OSX 10.6, 1GB of RAM, and a 2GHz processor.
Next start date
25 January 2021
Welcome week
16 January 2021
Application deadline
11 January 2021

Apply for MA

Apply for PGDip

Introduction

Get practical skills in how to evaluate artifacts and development processes in an ongoing and iterative way. Use human-computer interaction (HCI) research methods to evaluate the user’s needs and improve the experiences you create for them. Learn how user-centered design can be applied in areas such as Internet of Things, creative apps, museum installations, educational technology, and immersive business. As remote working increases in global software engineering and other industries, gain valuable experience of working co-creative contexts remotely. You’ll learn to evaluate which tools and methods work best for effective team co-creation.

On Falmouth Flexible’s MA User Experience Design, you’ll also:

  • Design and implement interfaces for digital real-time interactive systems
  • Apply the principles of design and creativity to improve user experiences
  • Learn to use different platforms for experience design and adapt to their technical constraints
  • Learn to apply primary and secondary research methods drawn from human-computer interaction and the broader computing literature
  • Learn to use methods from experimental psychology and data science to better understand how people engage with digital products and services
  • Explore how to innovate as a user experience designer
  • Practice interaction design across a range of application domains, including cybersecurity
  • Keep and control the IP of any interfaces you produce

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone who is excited by the opportunities presented by technology and who wants to carry out practice-based research to create thoughtful and engaging user experiences.

Career options following this MA could include:

  • UI/UX designer 
  • UX strategist  
  • Interaction designer 
  • Digital artist/designer 
  • Technologist 
  • Exhibition/installation designer 
  • Research developer 
  • Design researcher 
  • Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) researcher 
  • Product designer/entrepreneur 
  • Usability researcher 
  • Immersive artist 
  • Web designer/developer 
  • App developer 
  • Full-Stack web developer 
  • Game developer

Entry requirements

You should have:

  • An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification 
  • Proof of proficiency in English (minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening or TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test) with a minimum of 88 overall and at least 21 in all 4 components). 

 

We also accept a range of equivalent recognised English language qualifications. Candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply.

For more information regarding equivalent international qualifications and Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) please call us on +44 (0)1326 213827 or view our handy guide: 

APL guide

Course details

What you'll learn

On this course, you will learn to create engaging interfaces and interactions, appropriately evaluating usability and professionally applying key principles of experience design. You will gain the ability to critically reflect upon and evaluate working methods and find the most effective ways to collaborate on projects. You will learn how to pitch your ideas, communicating concepts and presenting artefacts visually with clarity and enthusiasm.

MA

You will need to complete four 30-credit modules and one 60-credit project (180 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award.

PGDip

You will need to complete four 30-credit modules (120 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. A dissertation (major project) is not required.

Please note the module orders are subject to change.  

Module one

Development Practice (30 credits)

By devising a series of small-scale creative artefacts, you will use your existing ideas about development practice and then experiment with new approaches to challenge these ideas. This will enable you to create a personal case study, from which you can define how to expand and enrich your practice. Beyond the personal case study, you will gain a broader sense of the contexts in which these practices are applied across disciplines.

Module two

UX Design (30 credits)

You will learn the core principles, methods and techniques of user experience (UX) design. You will use concepts from a range of disciplines to develop a sequence of explorative designs and interactive prototypes. You will learn how to apply user-centered approaches to produce artefacts that meet the requirements of end users and adhere to best practice.

Module three

Co-creative Design and Development Practice (30 credits)

You'll work in a team on a problem-led creative project. This will typically, but not necessarily, be a small game or creative app. You will work together to situate, design, implement and evaluate your creative artefact. With the support of a supervisor, you will strategically manage scope, workflow, communication roles and responsibilities. At the end, you will have produced an original artefact based on your own intellectual property which clearly illustrates how you can engage an audience.

Module four

UX Research (30 credits)

You will learn the key techniques of human-computer interaction (HCI). This is a multidisciplinary field focusing on the interaction between humans and computers. You will refine your understanding of HCI through the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of an artifact. This is typically a small-scale experimental proof-of concept. Questions and challenges will be shaped by our partners from the digital creative industries and from fields relevant to creative technologies. This will enable you to work towards an industry-led brief.

Final major project (MA only)

Final Major Project (60 credits)

You will work on a major research and development project, either independently or with others. This allows you to expand and consolidate your skills of devising, developing and executing an extended development project. You can build upon your projects from other modules or develop a new concept. You should finish the course with a polished project of a publishable quality. A supervisor will act as your mentor and adviser.

Development Practice (30 credits)

By devising a series of small-scale creative artefacts, you will use your existing ideas about development practice and then experiment with new approaches to challenge these ideas. This will enable you to create a personal case study, from which you can define how to expand and enrich your practice. Beyond the personal case study, you will gain a broader sense of the contexts in which these practices are applied across disciplines.

UX Design (30 credits)

You will learn the core principles, methods and techniques of user experience (UX) design. You will use concepts from a range of disciplines to develop a sequence of explorative designs and interactive prototypes. You will learn how to apply user-centered approaches to produce artefacts that meet the requirements of end users and adhere to best practice.

Co-creative Design and Development Practice (30 credits)

You'll work in a team on a problem-led creative project. This will typically, but not necessarily, be a small game or creative app. You will work together to situate, design, implement and evaluate your creative artefact. With the support of a supervisor, you will strategically manage scope, workflow, communication roles and responsibilities. At the end, you will have produced an original artefact based on your own intellectual property which clearly illustrates how you can engage an audience.

UX Research (30 credits)

You will learn the key techniques of human-computer interaction (HCI). This is a multidisciplinary field focusing on the interaction between humans and computers. You will refine your understanding of HCI through the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of an artifact. This is typically a small-scale experimental proof-of concept. Questions and challenges will be shaped by our partners from the digital creative industries and from fields relevant to creative technologies. This will enable you to work towards an industry-led brief.

Final Major Project (60 credits)

You will work on a major research and development project, either independently or with others. This allows you to expand and consolidate your skills of devising, developing and executing an extended development project. You can build upon your projects from other modules or develop a new concept. You should finish the course with a polished project of a publishable quality. A supervisor will act as your mentor and adviser.

How you'll learn

With Falmouth Flexible, you access your course content, interactions with other students and tutors, and learning resources, through Canvas, an easy-to-use online platform.  

You can access the course wherever you are in the world, and you can stop, pause and rewind lectures whenever you want.  

Learning activities

Engaging learning activities will help you apply theory to practice. They could include: 

  • Concise online presentations to introduce key concepts 
  • Small group and class discussions and crits to facilitate interaction and dialogue 
  • Online critiques to test assumptions, ideas and to receive feedback from peers and tutors 
  • Individual and group tutorials throughout the course 
  • Independent study 
  • Self-evaluation and peer feedback

All modules are project-based with assessments which are designed to consolidate and test your ability to generate and appraise games.

Assessments are 100% coursework, submitted within the online virtual learning environment, and designed to reflect professional practice.

They could include:

  • Projects
  • Portfolios
  • Pitches
  • Papers
The assessment methods allow the course team to offer you tailored guidance alongside advice on how you can progress your knowledge and skills in key areas. They will identify your strengths and weaknesses as an individual and discuss them with you throughout your time on the course. Beyond just feedback, however, regular tutorials, peer and group critique, as well as engagement in a culture of mutual support, will help you develop on an ongoing basis.

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by a student advisor. Their job is to answer any non-academic queries you may have, and they can be contacted via email, phone, text or WhatsApp.  

They can show you around the online learning platform, guide you through enrolment, and give advice on managing your work/life balance.  

As a Falmouth student, you enjoy an equal status to students studying on campus:

  • Your own student ID card
  • 24/7 online access to library resources
  • Students’ Union community
  • Careers advice IT services and training
  • Wellbeing advice and support
  • Access to study skills training on topics such as referencing

Teaching team

The course is part of Falmouth’s Games Academy, one of the largest dedicated game development studio spaces of any UK university.

You'll learn from a multidisciplinary team from Falmouth Games Academy with expertise across disciplines, bringing together art, animation, audio, design, programming, and writing.

"The Games Academy provided a fantastic amount of support for our ongoing projects."
Troy Atkinson, BA(Hons) Game Development graduate

Falmouth Flexible Graduation 

Complete your MA with us and you'll be invited to receive your degree certificate in person, at Falmouth University.

Find out how you can celebrate your achievement: 

More about graduation

 

Face-to-face events

Up to twice a year, you’ll have the optional opportunity to meet your classmates and tutors in person at face-to-face events. These allow exploration of topics related to your course content and offer a wider industry context for your learning. Dates and location of the events will vary. Events usually incorporate a weekend to accommodate busy schedules.

Find out more on our student support page.

How to apply

 

Before you apply 

Before you submit your application, please contact one of our course advisors so they can guide you through the process and ensure you submit the best application possible for entry into the course. 

Call us on  +44 (0)1326 213827.

 

Application steps 

  • Submit an online application form
  • Submit a copy of your first degree certificate or Level 6 equivalent qualification and your IELTS certificate if English is not your first language 

Late applications may be considered if places are available. 

For free advice, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable course advisors on +44 (0)1326 213827.


 

Fees & funding

Fees

Total course fee

£10,900 (including £250 acceptance fee)

Payment options

One-off payment

Six equal instalments spread over a two-year period.

Payment methods

Please visit the main Falmouth University Tuition Fees page to pay your fees using the online portal.

If you have any questions about paying your fees, you can contact the Falmouth University Finance Office on +44 (0) 1326 213778.

Funding options

Application offers

We offer a range of bursaries, early application offers, and alumni discounts.

Loans

You may be eligible for funding from the UK Government.

Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44 (0)1326 213827 to speak to a course advisor.

Total course fee

£10,900 (including £250 acceptance fee)

Payment options

One-off payment

Six equal instalments spread over a two-year period.

Payment methods

Please visit the main Falmouth University Tuition Fees page to pay your fees using the online portal.

If you have any questions about paying your fees, you can contact the Falmouth University Finance Office on +44 (0) 1326 213778.

Application offers

We offer a range of bursaries, early application offers, and alumni discounts.

Loans

You may be eligible for funding from the UK Government.

Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44 (0)1326 213827 to speak to a course advisor.

Why Falmouth Flexible?

Reasons to study with us 

Find out more about Falmouth Flexible in our short video!

Falmouth sign
Contact us

If you have any questions about the programme, our experienced course advisors are here to help.

You can call our friendly and knowledgeable team on +44 1326 213827. 

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