MA Experience Design

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.

• 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.

  Core modules

  • Situated Practice and Knowledge Exchange (ADA7200)

    This module supports students’ employability and career prospects by engaging with local communities, industrial partners and their broader professional field. Students will be able to situate their ideas within real world contexts, develop entrepreneurial skills, and deliver an external engagement proposition outlining the broader social, environmental, or economic extensions and impacts of their work.

  • Research Project / Dissertation (ADA7300)

    This module supports students’ delivery of their final research project / dissertation through combinations of group and individual work. It includes broader disciplinary research skills, methods and ethical practices, as well as subject-specific supervisory arrangements for each students’ research interests. This can include practice-based, text-based or entrepreneurial research outputs.

  • Design Lab 1 (MAEXD7101)

    Design Lab I is a creative space to devise and develop experiences for a variety of audiences and contexts. Students explore core experience design concepts of immersion, storytelling and interaction, and work with a range of approaches and technologies to prototype solutions that address real-world opportunities and challenges. Design Lab has a co-design methodology where students work with partners from the creative/cultural industries and community on live briefs and shared outcomes.

  • Design Lab 2 (MAEXD7201)

    Design Lab 2 is a creative space to prototype and test experience design projects for a variety of audiences and contexts. Students will deepen their creative approaches to immersion, storytelling and interaction and work with a range of technologies to design solutions that address real-world issues, opportunities and challenges. Design Lab has a co-design methodology where students work with partners from the creative/cultural industries and community groups on live briefs and shared outcomes.

  Optional modules

  • Immersive Media and XR (ADA7102E)

    This module will provide students with the creative and technical skills to develop their projects based on experimentation with immersive media and extended reality (XR) technologies. Through a combination of technical inductions, workshops, lectures, and self-directed work in our Immersive Media Lab, students will be able to experiment with 360 Video, sonic environments, AR/VR, sensors, and game engines.

  • Spatial Storytelling (ADA7103E)

    Students will explore using narrative space to create emotionally engaging audience experiences by experimenting with a range of spatial storytelling methods and technologies. The development of skills as narrative architects and storytellers in immersive, interactive, locative, game, sound, art, film and/or performance-based experiences and installations will result in the creation of a spatial storytelling project.

  • Interaction Design (ADA7106E)

    This module will provide students with the creative and technical skills to apply interaction design strategies to develop and support their practice across a range of disciplines. Drawing from the technologies, techniques and tools typical of the Smart City, ubiquitous, mobile and wearable computing and Internet of Things (IoT), students will design and develop prototype systems that allow them to explore key issues relating to our lived environment.

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

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

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.

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:

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 now' icon on this page). 

What happens after I apply?
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeksof 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:

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.