The Master’s programme in Interaction Design deals with the relation between people and IT. Interaction design is about the ability to design both the cognitive and physical interface and integrate them into a successful whole. We aim to enable designers to create sustainable, comprehensible and pleasurable information based products, services and environments.
Hear students talk about their MFA IxD experience
"At UID, the collaborative aspect is real. People truly depend on one another, all the time."
All courses are structured into 5-, 10- or 20-week blocks. Within each block, shorter course modules offer specific skills training, theoretic studies and practical exercises. Studio courses are usually part of a 5-week block and aimed at learning specific skills and applying them in practical exercises.
Applied design projects form the backbone of the study programme. Projects usually include lectures, field trips, site visits, group method work, user studies and studio work. The projects are carried out in collaboration with external partners and tutoring is given both by our own teachers and visiting professional designers. The projects you will work on are human centred projects based on specific user groups rather than product categories.
The fourth and final term is devoted entirely to the examination project. You will carry out your exam project in cooperation with a corporate sponsor or other external partner. It is important that the project is seen as a collaboration and not a commission.
Klio Rapakoulia developed Lifebits, a service to curate your digital legacy.
You are expected to define a problem area, establish contact with an external partner and write a project brief that includes aims, method description, anticipated deliverables and outline budget. The process of defining your project starts early in the third term in dialogue with faculty members and the programme coordinator. A professional designer is assigned as external tutor during your project.
Read more about previous degree projects
Internships are not obligatory but our students often take the opportunity during the summer months. Internships can be with Swedish companies or organisations but it is increasingly common to work internationally.
The Master's programme in Interaction Design prepares you for working in the industry. Our students are frequently employed as design consultants as well as in major corporations.
Following your degree you can continue with PhD studies.
Application is made in two steps.
How well should I be able to communicate in English?
Your English proficiency should be equivalent to English 6/English B from the Swedish upper secondary education.
More information about English requirements
Are there any grants or scholarships for design students?
Accepted students that come from non-EU countries are offered the possibility to apply for a reduction of the tuition fees.
More information about tuition and scholarships
What should my portfolio contain?
The Master's programme in Interaction Design has special requirements for the portfolio. You can find more information on the Umeå Institute of Design homepage.
More information about admission and portfolio