Build a rewarding career in UX design
User Experience (UX) Design focuses on how people interact with and experience products and services.
These experiences could be on a screen, like a website or an app. Or they could be in a physical space, like wayfinding in a museum. They can also be a complex mixture of both online and offline elements.
UX designers are skilled researchers, critical and creative thinkers, interaction designers, and effective communicators who create a variety of design outputs.
Master of User Experience Design
Who can study for this qualification
You can study for the Master of User Experience Design (MUXD) if you have a Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average in a relevant subject.
Another way to get into the MUXD is if you have a lot of practical or professional experience, or a qualification in a different area. Contact the relevant head of school to talk about your options.
Our students have come from a range of areas, including:
- anthropology
- architecture
- computer science
- design
- health
- government policy
- journalism
- marketing
- psychology
- social sciences
- software engineering
- teaching.
What you'll learn
Learn the role of a UX designer, including:
- understanding and framing problems through a variety of research methods
- interpreting their findings and prioritising options
- working collaboratively with others to build on their ideas
- developing concepts to solve problems
- refining concepts through testing before and after the experience is
launched for public use.
The MUXD will help you:
- build on your existing skillset across all parts of the design process
- deepen your practice with critical approaches
- open doors to more advanced roles.
Teaching approach
Most students attend classes in person in Wellington, while each year some students get permission to study remotely. Because Design is a ‘learning by doing’ discipline, you’ll get the most out of the MUXD programme by learning and exploring together in a class or studio environment.
MUXD classes consist of a combination of:
- presentations from lecturers and guests
- discussion
- hands-on workshops
- studio time working on projects.
How you'll study
The 180-point MUXD starts each year in Trimester 1. Depending on your study pathway, you'll complete the the MUXD in one year of full-time study spread over three trimesters or 18 months of full-time study spread over four trimesters.
You'll complete core courses which cover User Experience methods, theory, design, and context in Aotearoa New Zealand.
You have the choice of finishing with a Capstone Project or a Research Portfolio. You can apply for, enrol, and begin the MUXD without deciding on your pathway.
Capstone Project pathway
In the Capstone Project pathway, you'll study over one year. You'll complete four core courses in the first two trimesters.
In Trimester 3, you’ll complete a 60-point Capstone Project. You’ll apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed throughout the programme to a supervised project with an external organisation, or a personal project you define.
The Capstone Projects gives you a chance to work in a professional context, applying what you’ve learned to a real-world situation. You’ll develop your project and process management abilities, as well as the collaborative skills you’ll need when working as a UX Designer.
Research Portfolio pathway
In the Research Portfolio pathway, you'll study over 18 months. You'll complete three of the four core courses in the first two trimesters.
In Trimester 2, you’ll begin your 90-point Research Portfolio that will continue through Trimester 3. You'll submit your portfolio between April and July the following year.
The Research Portfolio pathway is ideal for people who have a background in UX design or a related field. You’ll have the chance to delve deeper into specific areas that align with your interests, professional goals and experience, and you’ll have greater flexibility in tailoring your studies to your individual aspirations.
The Research Portfolio pathway also gives you the chance to build skills in conducting independent research and presenting your findings effectively.
Part-time study options
If you're a domestic student, you can study the MUXD part time over a maximum of three years.
We have a recommended approach for undertaking the MUXD part-time, contact us for more information.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Get accepted into this qualification
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MUXD degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree of a tertiary institution in New Zealand, or an equivalent qualification, with an average grade of at least B; and
(ii) been accepted by the head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean Students (Postgraduate – Taught) of the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind, equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MUXD
2. (a) The course of study for the MUXD shall consist of:
Part 1: User-Experience Design Process / Tukanga ā-Hoahoa Wheako ā-Kaiwhakamahi (UXDN 404), He Māramatanga / UX Design Context in Aotearoa (UXDN 406)
Part 2: Advanced User Experience Design Process / Tukanga ā-Hoahoa Wheako ā-Kaiwhakamahi Whatutoto (UXDN 416), Digital Product Design / Hoahoa ā-Huataonga Matihiko (UXDN 423)
Part 3: User Experience Design Capstone / Whakatinana ā-Hoahoa Wheako āKaiwhakamahi (UXDN 504).
(b) Entry to Part 3 requires completion of Parts 1 and 2 with at least a B+ average, or permission of the head of school.
(c) With the head of school’s permission, a candidate may replace User Experience Design Capstone / Whakatinana ā-Hoahoa Wheako āKaiwhakamahi (UXDN 504) and 30 points from Part 2 with User Experience Design Research Portfolio / Kohinga Rangahau Hoahoa ā-Wheako Whaiaro (UXDN 597).
(d) The minimum and maximum periods of enrolment for User Experience Design Research Portfolio / Kohinga Rangahau Hoahoa ā-Wheako Whaiaro (UXDN 597) are specified in the Master’s Thesis Regulations.
Note: A student who does not complete the MUXD may be able to transfer the courses to a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Design Innovation. Refer to the PGCertDI and PGDipDI regulations.
3. A candidate shall normally be enrolled for at least three trimesters, and complete the degree within three years of first enrolling. The Associate Dean Students (Postgraduate – Taught) may extend the maximum period in special cases.
Future careers
MUXD alumni are currently working in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally as:
- UX designers
- digital product designers
- service designers
- design researchers
- UX writers
- content strategists.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Design.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree, Postgraduate Diploma, or eligible Honours programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Study for a PhD
If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you could apply to do a PhD—the highest-level qualification we offer.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research, supervised by our world-class academics.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Academic staff research areas
Bert Aldridge
Programme Director, User Experience Design
Helen Andreae
Associate Dean, Students
Catherine Caudwell
Senior Lecturer in Communication Design
Leon Gurevitch
Head of School
David Hakaraia
BDI Cluster Programme Director
Gillian McCarthy
Senior Lecturer
Nadia Pantidi
Associate Dean, Research
Edgar Rodriguez Ramirez
Director, Postgraduate Programmes
Phoebe Zeller
Lecturer (Teaching)
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.