User Experience Design (MSc)

Our multidisciplinary curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to launch their UX careers by emphasizing practical, professional learning. Build a strong CV and a job-ready portfolio and equip yourself with the skills and tools to drive innovation and enhance user experiences across diverse industries.

Students gain a strong foundation in UX theory while developing practical skills through hands-on training in:

• UX Research and Human Psychology
• Design Thinking and Problem Framing
• Immersive technologies – Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality / Mixed Reality (VR/AR/MR)
• UX Strategy and Business Integration
• Design for Emerging Technologies and Intelligent systems (Artificial Intelligence in UX)
• Prototyping and Usability Testing
• Human Factors and Ergonomics
• Interface, Interaction, and Micro-interaction -Design
• Information Architecture and Content Strategy
• Communication, Collaboration, and Facilitation Skills
• Ethical Design and Inclusive Practices
• Design for Accessibility and Universal Design
• Cross-Platform and Responsive Design
• Systems Thinking (Systems Engineering) and Service Design

The coursework option is normally completed in four terms (16 months).

Term 1 (Fall)

• UX600 Intro to Human-Centered Design
• UX601 Research Methods I
• UX602 Human Factors

Term 2 (Winter)

• UX603 Strategy and Management
• UX604 Research Methods II
• UX605 UX Prototyping

Term 3 (Spring)

• UX606 Immersive Design
• UX607 Service Design
• UX608 Design Ethics

Term 4 (Fall)

• UX695 Client Project

A description of each course can be found in the Graduate Academic Calendar.

The co-op option is normally completed in five terms (20 months) and includes an eight-month co-op placement.

Term 1 (Fall)

• UX600 Intro to Human-Centered Design
• UX601 Research Methods I
• UX602 Human Factors

Term 2 (Winter)

• UX603 Strategy and Management
• UX604 Research Methods II
• UX605 UX Prototyping

Term 3 (Spring)

• Co-op

Term 4 (Fall)

• Co-op

Term 5 (Winter)

• UX606 Immersive Design
• UX607 Service Design
• UX608 Design Ethics

A description of each course can be found in the Graduate Academic Calendar.

• A four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent from an accredited university; applications are invited from students with an honours degree in any discipline.
• A minimum B+ average in the last two years of study and a B average overall.
• Applications are reviewed by the graduate program admissions committee, which considers prior postsecondary grades, a statement of intent and letters of reference. Applications are reviewed holistically, and we are unable to pre-assess transcripts.
• This program is designed and intended for students with little to no previous experience in User Experience Design. For this reason, graduates of Laurier’s BDes in UXD, and those who have completed the Minor in UXD, are currently not eligible for admission to this program.

Additional Requirements for Co-Op Stream 

• Applications are reviewed by the graduate program admissions committee, which considers prior postsecondary grades, a statement of intent and letters of reference. Academic references are preferred. Professional references will be considered in exceptional cases. 

• All applications to the co-op option received by the first consideration date of November 15 are guaranteed to be reviewed. All other applications will be considered based on available space in the program.  

After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from gradadmissions@wlu.ca advising you to upload the additional required documentation to your application portal.

An application for admission to the MSc in User Experience Design coursework program must include:

• Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. This includes transcripts for all past and current post secondary education for which academic credit was earned, including transfer credits and exchange programs. 
• Applicants that do not meet the minimum academic requirements for an offer of admission may still be considered for admission and may be required to provide additional information about their interest and fit for the program.

International Applicants 

Tuition Deposits 

As an international applicant, a  tuition deposit  is required after you have accepted your offer of admission to the MAC program. Once you pay your tuition deposit, we will request a provincial attestation letter (PAL) on your behalf. Please do not pay your tuition deposit until you have accepted your offer. 

After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from gradadmissions@wlu.ca advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System (LORIS).

Note that the application process and the uploading of supplemental documentation, which includes references, typically takes two weeks. To avoid disappointment, apply early.

An application for admission to the MSc in User Experience Design co-op program must include:

• The Application Summary, which is generated after you complete your OUAC application (log back in to OUAC to retrieve it).
• Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. This includes transcripts for all past and current postsecondary education for which academic credit was earned, including transfer credits and exchange programs. Please ensure transcripts meet the requirements outlined in the Graduate Admissions Toolkit. 
• A completed statement of intent.
• A resumé of your academic and work experience. Include a history of your publication and scholarly paper activity and any other information you feel will interest the admissions committee.
• Completed reference forms. Two academic references are required. In exceptional circumstances, one academic reference may be replaced by a professional reference, preferably from someone with academic and professional experience in the field of User Experience. 
  • Reference forms are electronically submitted to Laurier by the referee and do not need to be uploaded.
• A completed Authorization of Information Release (AIR) form is required if you have engaged the services of an education agent/agency. Upload it to your application checklist when you identify your agent in the OUAC application. Visit Step 2 for more information about the AIR.
• Portfolio (optional)

While a portfolio is not required for admission, you are encouraged to submit one if applying to the co-op stream. Review the Graduate Admission Toolkit for more information on the application checklist requirements.

International applicants are highly encouraged to apply early to allow for study permit processing time.

International applicants are highly encouraged to apply early to allow for study permit processing time.

English Proficiency

Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English.

Students applying to the coursework option who need to submit proof of English proficiency can submit their test scores through their applicant portal.

Students applying to the co-op option who need to submit proof of English proficiency can submit their test scores through LORIS.

Further Information for International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, you will find more information about English proficiency, international student fees and financial aid on our International Graduate Student Admissions page.