Who is the Master’s Distance Learning Course UX & Service Design Suitable For?
The Master’s degree UX & Service Design is aimed at professionals with initial practical experience in the fields of design, media, technology or service development who wish to specialise specifically in professional User Experience and Service Design skills. The target group particularly includes graduates of design-related or technical degree programmes who want to work at the interface of management, innovation and digital design – for example as UX designers, service designers or product managers in agencies, companies or public organisations.
What formal requirements apply for admission?
For the 90 ECTS version of the Master’s you need a relevant first university degree (e.g. Bachelor, Diploma, Magister) with a design-related or technical focus. In addition, at least one year of relevant professional experience is required. You must demonstrate sufficient English skills at B1 level as the course is taught in English. A basic understanding of design is also required, which can be acquired through studies or professional practice. In individual cases, participation in a motivation interview with the programme director is expected.
You should bring a willingness to design and curiosity for innovative solutions. Communication skills, empathy for user needs and the ability to work in a team are essential in UX and Service Design. Experience with relevant design software (e.g. Adobe XD or Figma), analytical thinking as well as a basic interest in interdisciplinary issues related to digital products and services will facilitate your study success. It is also important that you can organise yourself independently and work responsibly in distance learning.
Which Topics Does the Master’s Distance Learning Course UX & Service Design Cover in Depth?
In the Master’s degree UX & Service Design, you develop skills to design user experiences holistically and to innovate services. The programme combines core areas of User Experience Design and Service Design and places special emphasis on the integration of technology, innovation methods, management expertise and scientific design research.
- User Experience Design – Principles & Methods: You learn how to design digital and analogue products for an optimal user experience. Topics include interaction design, usability methods and the analysis of user behaviour.
- Service Design – Principles & Methods: Practical approaches to the development and improvement of services in various industries are taught.
- Design Research & Design Methods: You acquire knowledge on how to conduct well-founded user analyses using qualitative and quantitative research methods and to develop innovative service concepts from these.
- Design Theory, Scientific Design Concepts & Design Science: You are provided with the scientific foundations of the design discipline and learn how to design your own research and development projects in the design field.
- Marketing and Change Management (Engl.): Strategic integration of design into companies and organisations as well as change management processes.
- User Experience Research & Prototyping: You train in developing prototypes and implementing design ideas in real case studies.
- Design Systems & Designing in complexity: Development of overarching designs and processes for complex projects.
- Practical projects: In several project modules, you work on your own challenges from the UX and service sectors.
You will be enabled to develop UX strategies, optimise service processes and design the interfaces between users, technology and organisation. Additionally, modern design software such as Adobe XD or Figma is available to support your practical work.
How Is the Distance Learning Course UX & Service Design at SRH Fernhochschule Organised?
The Master’s distance learning course UX & Service Design offers you maximum flexibility through a purely online study model. The standard duration in the 90 ECTS variant is 3 semesters (equivalent to 18 months), with a free extension option of a further 18 months. You can start anytime on a monthly basis. The language of instruction is English.
- Online campus: All teaching materials, exercises and exams are delivered via the digital learning platform of SRH Fernhochschule.
- Self-organised learning: You determine your own study times and work on study guides, tutorials and projects independently.
- Voluntary on-site sessions: If you wish, you can participate in optional workshops, networking events and examinations at locations across the country.
- Examinations: Assessment consists of project work, written exams, presentations and the master’s thesis in the 3rd semester.
- Individual support: The university offers personal advice, mentoring and close supervision by the teaching staff.
Access to common design software is necessary for some modules, for which affordable student licences or free alternatives can be used.
In Which Professions and Industries Do Graduates Work After Completion?
As a graduate of the Master’s degree programme UX & Service Design, you open up diverse career opportunities in the digital economy, traditional industry and service sectors. You are particularly in demand when it comes to the user-centred development of services, digital products and complex systems.
- UX Designers: Development of intuitive digital user interfaces and holistic user experiences.
- Service Designers: Conception and implementation of innovative service processes in companies, institutions or agencies.
- Design Managers: Management and leadership of design projects, coordination of interdisciplinary teams as well as strategic design management.
- User Experience Researchers: Conducting and analysing user studies, development of new research methods.
- Project Managers in the Design Field: Responsibility for implementing digitalisation and transformation projects.
- Integration in areas such as innovation management, consulting, digital transformation and entrepreneurship.
You can work both in traditional design and UX agencies, as well as in industry, start-ups or consultancies that support companies in the transition to better user experiences.
Where Does the Distance Learning Take Place and How Is It Organised Location-Wise?
The entire Master’s programme is offered as a distance learning course in a purely online format. This means for you:
- You study location-independently via the digital campus of SRH Fernhochschule.
- Voluntary on-site phases can be attended at more than 20 examination and event centres in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. These elements are optional and support networking and practical exchange.
- Your studies can thus be optimally combined with employment, family or other obligations.
The university is based in Riedlingen (Baden-Württemberg), but as a student you are fully flexible in daily life and not bound to fixed lecture venues.
How High Are the Tuition Fees and What Financing Options Are Available?
The tuition fees for the 90 ECTS variant of the Master’s programme UX & Service Design vary depending on the payment model:
- Flex 1: With a payment period of 18 months, you pay €673.44 monthly (total €12,121.92).
- Flex 2: With payment over 25 months, the monthly rate is €539.00 (total €13,475.00).
- In both models, a free extension of the study duration by an additional 18 months is possible.
- The university occasionally offers promotional discounts, such as the “Ready Bonus” (e.g. €1,000 discount on the total price), while stocks last.
Financing options:
- Installment payments without additional costs
- Study loans, scholarships and education vouchers
- Possible tax deductibility as further education
Thus, the distance learning course offers you planning security and maximum flexibility for individual financing – regardless of your location.
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