School of Art, Design and Architecture

MA Experience Design

Programme code 7654
Duration

1 year
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
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Our experience design masters brings together distinct skills and research in immersion, interaction and storytelling and bridges the gap between creative technology, narrative and business. The course will develop innovative and entrepreneurial creatives who can work across the huge and rapidly expanding industries that rely on such skills, including the immersive, interactive, games, performance, film and digital creative industries.

Careers with this subject
Graduates will have the skills and experience to work in a range of industries, including; culture and the arts, the political, public and third sectors, business and education.You can work in roles such as experience designers, writers, directors, producers, researchers, academics, artists, teachers, audience analysts, strategists, community managers and entrepreneurs in interactive and immersive storytelling, games, performance, XR, immersive filmmaking, interactive cinema and documentary, advertising, digital art and installation, immersive events, journalism and marketing.

Key features
  • Expert-led. Our course is taught by a range of nationally and internationally recognised academics, artists and creative practitioners, active in diverse and impactful areas of research, scholarship, and professional networks that enrich your learning. 
  • Future-focused. You will develop a portfolio of Experience Design projects to demonstrate your experience and ability in the field and help with securing future work, commissions and employment. 
  • State-of-the-art facilities. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a 35-seat, 360° immersive vision theatre , and technical support in areas such as Digital Fabrication and Immersive Media.  
  • Flexible. You will have the ability to choose a final format of research project, including standard text-based dissertations as well as a business/IP proposal, a doctoral research proposal, or a body of exhibited creative work. 
  • A holistic approach. You will gain understanding of how all roles in a production fit together, including design, writing, art, sound, direction and programming, and get to experiment with these different roles to develop a range of in-demand skills, as well as expanding and honing your own preferences and specialisms. 
  • Develop a well-rounded skillset. Gain autonomy as an individual practitioner, fluency in collaborative teamwork and literacy in the entire process of experiential making to develop a well-rounded skillset that will enable you to adapt swiftly to changing industry landscapes and produce experiences relevant to a diverse range of career pathways. 
  • Exciting industry connections. We hold partnerships with local, regional, national and international organisations, such as Nudge, Real Ideas, Theatre Royal Plymouth, NHS Trusts, Dartmoor National Park, Tate, IBM, EPIC, enabling you to work directly with creative, cultural, community and civic organisations to develop projects.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • This programme offers a curriculum built to capitalise on the resources, expertise and cutting-edge skills training available in our Digital Fabrication and Immersive Media Labs and research-informed pedagogies built around key global challenges and emerging areas of digital art.You will complete the course with a piece of masters-level creative research. You will be able to chose the topic and format of your submission, following your career interests and boosting your employability prospects.
    As part of a school-wide integrated approach to core module delivery, the programme also includes modules shared across the School of Art, Design and Architecture.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MA Experience Design programme specification_7654

Entry requirements
The MA will appeal to those progressing straight from an undergraduate degree, as well as industry professionals who want to diversify their skillset.
We require a 2:2 degree in Digital Design or similar design, or an art-related discipline such as Digital Media Design, Computer Graphics, Software, Games Development, VR Design, Creative Media, 3D Design, Spatial Media, Architecture, among others. We also accept 2:2 degrees from non-traditional design subjects, and those with relevant professional experience who demonstrate a clear passion, interest and suitability for the subject.
We also require suitable references from previous academic institutions and/or employers that evidence character and ability in relation to this course.
Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of work or demonstrate a clear passion, interest and suitability for their chosen optional pathway.
For applicants with previous postgraduate studies in Digital Art, the Programme Lead will assess the applicability of the Recognition of Prior Learning policy on a case-by-case basis.
Alternative modes of admission (e.g. interviews and video submissions) can be provided for applicants requiring support for disability or neurodivergence, for example.
English Language requirements
English Language Requirement equivalent to 6.5 IELTS with a minimum 5.5 in all four components. Please check the University of Plymouth English language requirements website for additional information and equivalent recognised qualifications.

Fees, costs and funding
2025-2026 2026-2027
Home £9,700 £10,000
International £18,150 £18,700
Part time (Home) £540 £560
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits.

Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

PLEASE NOTE:

The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.

We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.

Scholarships for international students

We fund our international scholars to reach their goals. 
Complete our short enquiry form and we will send you more information on the scholarships that may be available to you.
 
 

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students wishing to study on this programme, including the International Postgraduate Welcome to Plymouth Scholarship , worth £4,000 off your tuition fees.
 

Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students 

How to apply

Apply online

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.  

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page). 

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail. 
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

State-of-the-art facilities 

Our new Digital Fabrication and Immersive Media Labs offer access to cutting-edge technology such as motion-capture, augmented and extended reality and a wide array of digital fabrication tools to prototype and create new products, services and experiences. 
We encourage our students to gain as much hands-on practice as possible with the technology available to them, empowering them to experiment and use the labs to bring their ideas to life in entirely new ways. 
Student in the Digital Fabrication Lab

Learn from experienced professionals

Immersive Theatre

Through the iMayflower funded Masters R&D Studentship Scheme, The Wardrobe Ensemble have been collaborating with University of Plymouth postgraduate student, Greg Bott, and academics from the MRes Digital Art and Technology* programme, to explore how digital technologies could interact with a stage space, characters and narrative.
*Programme renamed MA Experience Design
virtual friend - Greg Bott, 2022
 
International students in cafe on campus