A young field, there is no one best way to learn UX. Both of TestingTime’s founders, for example, originally majored in computer science. Our senior UX researcher, on the other hand, studied cognitive psychology, while our UX designer holds a BEng in print and media technology.
To help you decide where to enrol, we’ve compiled a list of continuing education possibilities in the DACH region, the UK, and France. The Bachelor’s programs are aimed at people looking to start a career in UX. Professionals with some work experience in UX or a closely related field will likely benefit more from the Master’s and Advanced Studies programs. These degrees help to hone essential UX skills and move up through the ranks.
Learn UX in the DACH region
Bachelor’s degrees
- Bachelor of Arts in Digital Ideation
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Lucerne, Switzerland
Dr. Marcel Uhr, who teaches the module ‘UX and Human Factors,’ says: “I love this program because it gets design majors and computer science majors to study side by side. Both groups gain an understanding of the other discipline and learn to speak the other’s language.”
- Bachelor of Arts in Interaction Design
SRH Hochschule der populären Künste
Berlin, Germany - Bachelor of Science in User Experience Design
University of Applied Sciences Ingolstadt
Ingolstadt, Germany
Professor Ingrid Stahl describes the Bachelor of Science in Ingolstadt as “a one-of-a-kind program in Germany.” The holistic approach covers computer science, conceptualization, design, usability, and UX and takes the effects of sociological diversity, values, emotions, and cultural differences on human-computer interaction into consideration. Max Götz, who is currently enrolled in the program, adds: “I really like that the focus isn’t on creating particularly fancy or extraordinary designs. Instead, every design decision has to be argued rationally, it’s all about the user and their specific needs.”
- Bachelor of Arts in Interface Design
Fachhochschule Potsdam
Potsdam, Germany - Bachelor of Arts in Internet of Things
Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd
Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany - Bachelor of Arts in Informationsdesign
Hochschule der Medien
Stuttgart, Germany - Bachelor of Arts in Interaction Design
Zürcher Hochschule der Künste
Zurich, Switzerland
Master’s degrees
- Master of Science in Human Factors
Technische Universität Berlin
Berlin, Germany - Master of Arts in Interaction Design
Hochschule Magdeburg
Magdeburg, Germany - Master of Advanced Studies in Human Computer Interaction Design
Hochschule für Technik Rapperswil
Rapperswil, Switzerland
TestingTime’s CEO Reto Lämmler completed his MAS in Rapperswil back in 2012. And he never looked back: “If it hadn’t been for that program, TestingTime wouldn’t exist today. Rapperswil is one of the best places in Switzerland to learn user-centred design.”
Nadja Schmid, CEO at soultank and one of TestingTime’s long-standing customers, adds: “The MAS in Human Computer Interaction Design is hands-on and holistic. It teaches you the specific skills you will need in your professional life. And in addition to learning the ins and outs of HCI, you get to work within interdisciplinary teams and to build a great network of UX professionals.” - Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction
Universität Siegen
Siegen, Germany - Master of Advanced Studies in User Experience Management
Fachhochschule Technikum Wien
Vienna, Austria
“The four pillars are design, psychology, engineering, and management,” explains Claudia Permesser at the Fachhochschule Technikum Wien. “The focus is on creating new products and overhauling existing ones.” She adds that all of the lecturers are at the top of their respective fields and that it is possible to pursue the MAS degree while working full-time.
- Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction
Bauhaus University
Weimar, Germany - Master of Arts in Interaction Design
Zürcher Hochschule der Künste
Zurich, Switzerland
Advanced Studies
- Certificate of Advanced Studies in Innovation, Customer Experience Management & Service Design
Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Winterthur, Switzerland - Certificate of Advanced Studies in Successfully implementing Usability and User Experience
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
Olten, Switzerland
For a more detailed look at some of these courses, be sure to check out Carole’s (German) post: Level Up!
In “Level Up!” Carole gives a detailed account of how long each study program takes and what topics they cover.
Learn UX in the UK
Bachelor’s degrees
- Bachelor of Science in User Experience Design
Norwich University of the Arts
Norwich
- Bachelor of Arts in User-Experience and User-Interface Design
Ravensbourne University London
London - Bachelor of Arts in User Experience Design
University of the Arts London
London - Bachelor of Science in User-Centred Design
Loughborough University
Loughborough
Master’s degrees
- Master of Science in User Experience Design
University of Brighton
Brighton - Master of Arts in User Experience Design
Loughborough University
Loughborough - Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction Design
City University
London
Max Millner, who is working on his MSc in Human-Computer Interaction Design, says the best thing about the program is the balance of both HCI theory and practical, industry-ready UX research skills. “Also, it’s great to learn about the different sides of design theory so you’re able to critically assess what you’re applying.”
- Master of Science in User Experience Design
Kingston University
London - Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction
University College London
London - Master of Arts in Service Design
Royal College of the Arts
London - Master of Arts in User Experience Design
University of the Arts London
London - Master of Science in Human-Centred Interactive Technologies
University of York
York
Learn UX in France
Bachelor’s degrees
- Bachelor’s in Interaction Design
Gobelins L’Ecole de l’Image
Paris - Bachelor’s in Interactive Development
Gobelins L’Ecole de l’Image
Paris
Ismaël Sebbane, who got his Bachelor’s degree at Gobelins, highly recommends it. “Gobelins is a school that unveils your talents by pushing you to your limits, further and further. It helped me reach a level I never thought possible.” He likes the friendly vibe, too: “Everybody always tries to help each other out, it isn’t a competition. I think that is our greatest strength!”
Master’s degrees
- Master’s in User Experience Design
University of Technology of Compiègne
Compiègne - Master’s in Information Architecture
Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon
Lyon - Master’s in User Experience Design & Master of Arts in Interaction Design
L’Ecole de Design Nantes Atlantique
Nantes - Master’s in Digital Creation
Ecole Supérieure du Digital
Paris
- Master’s in UX Design
LISAA School of Design
Paris - Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction
ENAC & Université Paul Sabatier
Toulouse - Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction (taught in English)
Université Paris-Saclay
Saint-Aubin
Did we miss one? Please let us know so we can keep updating this list.
