Interaction and Experience Design - MA/MSc

During this programme, you will:

• Develop design thinking and engage in a human-centred approach to the design of interactive systems.

• Focus in areas such as experience, interaction and participatory design, internet of things, social media and virtual reality, mobile and physical computing.

• Gain greater awareness of the opportunities offered by computer technology in a range of industries and services in new and traditional media like; audio, video, recording, editing, web development, broadcasting and social media.

• Have access to a dedicated design studio, prototyping workshop (equipped with 3D printing and laser cutting facilities), recording studios and high-quality professional video cameras and electronic equipment.

Key Information:

• Complete full-time over one year

• Delivered on campus

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters

• Take 2 core modules and 2 elective modules each semester

• Submit an interactive media project at the end of summer semester

You will learn through a blend of:

• Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities

• Reflective practice and guided research

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers

Year 1

Autumn Semester

Core modules

• Foundations of Interaction and Experience Design – Theory (CS6431) covers aspects of human cognition and behaviour, usability and design principles, as well as user-centered approaches to the design of interactive systems

• Foundations of Interaction and Experience Design – Practice (CS6441) provides a general introduction to human-computer interaction (HCI) and user experience design (UX)

• Interactive Media Project/Workshop 1 (CS6041) introduces the theory and evaluation of multimedia systems.

Electives – choose 2

• Information Society (CS4020)
• Sound Synthesis (CS4083)
• Physical Computing (CS6351)
• Digital Modelling and Animation (CS4151)
• Virtual and Augmented Reality Design (CS4071)

Spring Semester

• Principles of Interaction and experience Design 1 (CS6572) investigate of key concepts and methods in the fields of interaction and experience design.

• Principles of Interaction and experience Design 2 – Project (CS6582) supports the planning and management of final projects.

• Interactive Media Project/Workshop 2 (CS6042) includes research and development leading up to an initial multimedia work.

Electives - choose 2

• Mobile Application Design (CS4056)
• 3D Modelling and Digital Fabrication (CS4126)
• Visual Coding (CS4049)
• Applied Interaction Design (CS4078)

Summer Semester

• Project (CS6013) gives the student an opportunity to synthesize into an effective whole the technical and artistic material mastered in the other parts of the course.
  

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8,) with at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in any discipline.

• You must submit a portfolio of your own work that demonstrates creative ability. This can be artwork, websites, software, writing, etc.

• The university may shortlist and invite you to an interview.

International students:

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students.

Checklist of Documents:

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Your portfolio

English Language:

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist.
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date. You don’t need to have finished final exams before applying.

EU - €7,900

Non-EU - €20,100

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie ).

Funding

Find further information on funding and scholarships .

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:

• Interaction designers
• Usability experts
• UX and UI design specialists
• Application and web development
• Product and service design

Graduates from the Master’s Degree in Interaction and Experience Design will be able to direct and manage interactive media development projects combining technological competence with human-centered design and creative endeavour.

What our students say:

T.C. Graduate 2023/24

"The most rewarding part was turning my ideas into real-time designs. Each module gave me the chance to test and iterate my work, allowing me to see how my designs held up in practice and where they needed improvement. That continuous cycle of feedback and refinement was incredibly valuable."

A.J. Graduate 2020/21

"The programme fundamentally changed how I approach challenges—teaching me to empathize deeply with users, collaborate closely with teams of designers, and align diverse perspectives to address gaps and drive collaborative solutions. This mindset shift has boosted my confidence and made me a more proactive contributor at work, allowing me to drive technological projects with a genuine appreciation for design"

For more details, visit the programme website at https://ixuxdesign.csis.ul.ie/frequently-asked-questions.html

Still Curious?

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.

Online Information Sessions