The Master’s Programme in Interaction Design focuses on exploring the structure and behaviour of interactive systems, from computers to mobile devices, to appliances and beyond. Interaction design is about the ability to design both cognitive and physical interfaces 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
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.
Collaborative degree projects
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. You are expected to define a problem area, establish contact with an external partner and write a project brief that includes aims, method description and anticipated deliverables.
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.
Kay van den Aker delves into the implications of AI moving into the physical realm.
Graduates of the Master’s Programme in Interaction Design are well-equipped to embark on a diverse range of career paths.
An MFA degree from Umeå Institute of Design will provide the basic academic merits required to apply for PhD positions worldwide.
Application is made in two steps.
How well should I be able to communicate in English?
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
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.
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.
Do I need a degree in industrial design to be eligible?
Holding a degree in industrial design is considered a 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?
It is the Umeå University Admissions that 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 only educations in Swedish are the three-year BFA programme and most of the short single-subject courses. 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.
"Together with fun and talented people here, we’re trying to push the limits of technology and enable experience that might have not been possible before. "
