Each course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits. The MA course structure involves six units, totalling 180 credits.
Autumn, Term One
Unit summary:
- Theories and Technologies of Interaction Design (40 credits)
- Research Practice and Human Centred Design (20 credits)
Term One of the course introduces you to the technologies and concepts that are core to the practice and theory of interaction design. Following an induction programme that sets the scene for the course, you will see how contemporary interaction, design and communication practice uses a range of technologies and concepts, and you will experience the interrelationship between theory and practice.
This phase allows you to acquire the important foundations of knowledge across several disciplines including interaction, design and communication. These are critical for the development of subsequent stages of the course. You will be introduced to key design prototyping and technical skills in this phase that will be essential for your practice throughout the rest of the course.
Spring, Term Two
Unit summary:
- Interaction Futures and Speculative Design (20 credits)
- Physical Computing and Design Prototyping (20 credits)
- Collaborative Unit (20 credits)
Term Two offers you the opportunity to use both the critical and technical skills gained in Phase One to produce speculative and critical design projects. We also explicitly explore the intersection of the physical and digital domains, introducing you to the applied skills needed to work with physical computing, sensors and data environments. During this phase you will also develop a project proposal for your final major project and thesis in Phase Three.
Summer, Term Three
Unit summary:
- Interaction Futures and Speculative Design (20 credits)
- Physical Computing and Design Prototyping (continued)
Autumn, Term Four
Unit summary:
- Unit 4.1 Final Major Research Project
(Weighted 50% written component and 50% practical component)
You will undertake a final major research project which relates to the expanded field of interaction, design and communication. This will involve a self-directed major practical project and the completion of a related thesis, which demonstrates your critical reflection, analysis and original research. With access to broad theoretical models spanning the discipline, you will apply these models to your own specialist area of interest to produce a critically aware major project that after assessment will usually be presented at your postgraduate show.
If you are unable to continue or decide to exit the course, there are two possible exit awards. A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the first 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded on successful completion of the first 120 credits.
What our students say
It's a very well balanced combination of theory and practice. For overseas students it's very good that it is so intense and that you have to attend five days a week.
I've worked with people from more than 10 different countries – where else could I get that experience?
I really enjoyed the course for all its opportunities. We had much better support than you get on other courses. The lectures and seminars were great.
Learning and teaching methods
The above course objectives are taught using the following learning and teaching methods:
- Lectures/large group learning
- Workshop and seminar learning
- Academic tutorials
- Self-directed learning
- Outside speakers and visits
- Assessed assignments
Assessment methods
The above course objectives are assessed using the following assessment methods:
- Practical project work and computer based activities.
- Prepared writing i.e. academic reports, essays etc.
- Responses to case studies.
- Oral presentations.
- Personal presentations of prepared work.
- Simulations and role plays.
- Workshop based activities.
- Written research projects.
- The creation of a portfolio of collection of work, which may contain a number of different activities i.e. creative artefacts with supporting process documentation and/or reports and evaluations.
Course structure
The information outlined is an indicative structure of the course. Whilst we will aim to deliver the course as described on this page, there may be situations where it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, for example because of regulatory requirements or operational efficiencies, before or after enrolment. If this occurs, we will communicate all major changes to all applicants and students who have either applied or enrolled on the course.
Please note that due to staff research agreements or availability, not all of the optional modules listed may be available every year.
In addition, the provision of course options which depend upon the availability of specialist teaching, or on a placement at another institution, cannot be guaranteed. Please check this element of the course with the course team before making a decision to apply.
Webpage updates
We will update this webpage from time to time with new information as it becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact a member of the course team.