Master's Programme in Interaction Design 120 credits
About the programme
The Master’s Programme in Interaction Design explores how people’s behaviour relates to that of products and services. Designers shape this relationship by integrating cognitive, emotional and physical aspects into a cohesive whole. The programme equips designers to balance societal relevance, human understanding, and the possibilities and consequences of technology.
Student work
Discover designs created by our MFA Interaction Design students.
While studying
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 courses
Applied design projects form the backbone of Master's Programme in Interaction Design. 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.
Core design projects
Each semester, students engage in a core design project as part of a project-based learning approach, exploring relevant design opportunities to solve real-world problems in collaboration with external partners.
Project 1: Specialised Product
Students explore user needs in work contexts and co-design tailored products or systems with external collaborators.
Student work – Specialised Product
Project 2: General Product
Students use ethnographic and participatory methods to co-create inclusive products, services or systems with external partners.
Student work – General Product
Project 3: Interaction Concept
Students design conceptual products or systems focused on interaction, using sensory and contextual methods with collaborators.
Student work – Interaction Concept
Project 4: Degree Project
A self-directed final project where students define their own challenge and collaborate externally, culminating in a professional presentation across formats.
Student work – Degree Projects
Internships
Internships allow you to develop your professional skills as well as your own professional networks in preparation for a future career in industrial design. The majority of the programme's students take advantage of the school's support and broad network of industry connections and do a full year of internships between the first and the second year of the programme.
Industry-like design studios
All programmes reside in industry-like design studios, where each student has an individual workspace. The shared spaces - workshops, computer labs, painting rooms, libraries - build innovative learning environments defined by a collaborative spirit.
24/7 access to facilities
Whether it's a weekend, day or night, all students have access to the school premises. Key equipment within the facilities include 3D-printers, laser cutters, milling machines, painting rooms and much more. The cutting-edge digital infrastructure with multiple computer labs and studios allow students to master 3D-modelling, digital sketching, electronic prototyping and programming.
Design projects
Discover the programme’s core design projects shaped through hands-on external collaboration.
Design nature through play
Anjuli Acharya’s grad project explores sensor-based playthings that help children reconnect with nature.
Courses within the programme
Year 1
- Skills and Techniques, IxD
- Project 1: Specialized Product
- Graphic Designs and Expressions
- Form Workshop
- Staging Co-creation
- Project 2: General Product
Year 2
Future and career opportunities
Graduates of the Master’s Programme in Interaction Design are well-equipped to embark on a diverse range of career paths.
- Interaction designer
- User experience specialist
- Usability expert
- Professional roles in design, media, and ICT industries
- Academic research
- Startups
- Strategic roles in market and business development
- Designing for politics, public organisations, and NGOs
Further studies?
An MFA degree from Umeå Institute of Design will provide the basic academic merits required to apply for PhD positions worldwide.
Apply
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Autumn 2025
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Master's Programme in Interaction Design
International admissions round
HT25 / Umeå / English / On site
Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2025
Number of credits120 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Length2 years
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-M5102
EligibilityA Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university. Specific entry requirements are: 60 ECTS in the field of Design + Portfolio. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.SelectionFor acceptance to the Masters program, artistic talent and design aptitude is essential. Selection among qualified applicants is based upon submitted portfolio material and interviews and/or creative assignment.
DegreeAfter completing the study programme, a student who has applied for a degree can obtain a Degree of Master of Fine Arts (120 credits) in accordance with the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website).
In Swedish, Degree of Master of Fine Arts (120 credits) is called Konstnärlig masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of study (Industrial Design) with specialisation in Interaction Design.ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 January 2025. The application period is closed.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 160,650
Total fee: SEK 642,600
ApplicationApplication is made in two steps:
Step 1: Through the national online application service https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/start.
Deadline for application: January 15.
Step 2: Portfolio sent to Umeå Institute of Design. Information about application at the Umeå Institute of Design website.
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Autumn 2026
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Master's Programme in Interaction Design
International admissions round
HT26 / Umeå / English / On site
Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2026
Number of credits120 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Length2 years
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-M5102
EligibilityA Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university. Specific entry requirements are: 60 ECTS in the field of Design + Portfolio. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.
SelectionFor acceptance to the Masters program, artistic talent and design aptitude is essential. Selection among qualified applicants is based upon submitted portfolio material and interviews and/or creative assignment.
DegreeAfter completing the study programme, a student who has applied for a degree can obtain a Degree of Master of Fine Arts (120 credits) in accordance with the local qualification descriptor established by the Vice-Chancellor (see Umeå University's website).
In Swedish, Degree of Master of Fine Arts (120 credits) is called Konstnärlig masterexamen. The degree is awarded in the main field of study (Industrial Design) with specialisation in Interaction Design.ApplicationOnline applications are now open. Application deadline is 15 January 2026.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 160,650
Total fee: SEK 642,600
ApplicationApplication is made in two steps:
Step 1: Through the national online application service https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/start.
Deadline for application: January 15.
Step 2: Portfolio sent to Umeå Institute of Design. Information about application at the Umeå Institute of Design website.
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Film about the programme
Meet students sharing their MFA IxD experience.
Voices about the programme
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Ilse pushes the limits of technology
Alumni
Ilse Pouwels works at Tellart, a design studio that creates new ways to experience the world with the help of technology.
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Sharon Williams on designing the future of healthcare
Alumni
When she graduated from the Master’s Programme in Interaction Design at UID, her first professional opportunity came through the UID network.
Frequently asked questions
How well should I be able to communicate in English?
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
Read more about English language requirements at univsersityadmissions.se
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.
Read more 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 admission website.
Read more about admission and portfolio
Do I need a degree in industrial design to be eligible?
Holding a degree in industrial design is considered positive but is not a requirement.
The basic entry qualifications are a Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university. Specific entry requirements are: 60 ECTS in the field of Design + Portfolio. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
Am I eligible without 60 ECTS credits in the subject of design?
You are unfortunately not eligible if your degree does not include at least 60 ECTS credits in the subject of design. To be eligible you need to do additional studies where you can get the required credits in the subject of design.
Can you look at my diploma/transcripts to see if I am eligible?
Umeå University Admissions looks at and approves academic documents. Umeå Institute of Design only looks at the portfolio. Umeå University Admissions only assess academic documents if/when you have completed an application and uploaded the requested documents.
Can you look at my portfolio before I apply?
We are not allowed to give any pre-assessments. We start to look at portfolios after the application deadline.
Can I apply to the programme if I'm in my last year of bachelor studies?
Yes, you can. You need to submit an official document from your current university stating that you are likely to be awarded your bachelor's degree by the start of the programme. Please see the information provided by Umeå University Admissions for specific information on how to do this: final year of bachelor's studies.
Do I have to be able to speak Swedish to study at UID?
No, our MFA programmes are taught completely in English. The daily language of communication and information at UID is English.
Can I start the programme, or be a guest student, during the spring term?
Due to the nature of the programme and its sequence of activities, a number of obligatory basic skills are taught in the fall semester. If the student has not passed these courses they cannot participate in several of the courses that follow. Thus, in principle we do not accept applications for the spring term.
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