User Experience Design Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

Digital technologies play an important role in all areas of daily life. Modern societies need experts who know exactly how to design and develop usable interactive products. The Master's in User Experience Design (UXD) is an interdisciplinary Master's programme that combines the topics of Computer Science, Design and Usability Research. 

In the Master's programme in User Experience Design, you will acquire up-to-date knowledge of interaction design, human factors & ergonomics as well as multimodal and multisensory human-computer interaction. Mobile prototyping and interface solutions for augmented & virtual reality are just as much a part of the programme as design strategy and management or a critical reflection on user experience. In a broader context, you will be enabled to think and write scientifically and will be able to participate in or lead complex projects in an international context. 

With our English-language UXD Master's programme, you will be optimally prepared for future tasks in an international media and technology environment.

1) FULL-TIME STUDIES

Semester One

• Research Methods in HCI (5 ECTS)
• Interaction Design (including Practical) (6 ECTS)
• Multimodal, Interactive Systems (including Exercises) (6 ECTS)
• Project Natural User Interfaces (5 ECTS)
• Agile Project Management (3 ECTS)
• Elective (5 ECTS)

Semester Two

• Mobile UX Prototyping (5 ECTS)
• Critical UX Reflections (3 ECTS)
• Augmented/Virtual Reality Applications (including Practical) (7 ECTS)
• Design Strategy and Design Management (5 ECTS)
• Project (5 ECTS)
• Elective (5 ECTS)

Semester Three

• Master's Thesis (28 ECTS)
• Master's Thesis Seminar (2 ECTS)

2) PART-TIME STUDIES

Semester One

• Research Methods in HCI (5 ECTS)
• Interaction Design (including Practical) (6 ECTS)
• Agile Project Management (3 ECTS)

Semester Two

• Critical UX Reflections (3 ECTS)
• Augmented/Virtual Reality Applications (including Practical) (7 ECTS)
• Design Strategy and Design Management (5 ECTS)

Semester Three

• Multimodal, Interactive Systems (including Exercises) (6 ECTS)
• Project Natural User Interfaces (5 ECTS)
• Elective (5 ECTS)

Semester Four

• Mobile UX Prototyping (5 ECTS)
• Project (5 ECTS)
• Elective (5 ECTS)

Semester Five and Six

• Master's Thesis (28 ECTS)
• Master's Thesis Seminar (2 ECTS)

For more information, please turn to the pages of the legal department for statutes of this course.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree with either 210 ECTS credits or 180 ECTS credits plus proof of compensation for the missing skills is required.
• The detailed study and examination regulations of our Master's on User Experience Design (UXD) can be found on the pages of the legal department of this course. In Article Three, the qualification requirements are described in detail. In Article Four, our assessment test (with regard to programming interactive systems, interaction design and practical experience) is described.
• For application, we ask for a copy of the degree certification as well as of the transcript of records / grade sheet. Provisional certificates and transcripts as available are accepted. However, in case of admission the final certificate must be shown at registration/enrolment.
• Please follow the link to Master's application at THI from abroad for detailed information.

Please check for yourself whether your Bachelor's degree programme or qualification meets the requirements according to the statutes on the aptitude test (version dated 19 February 2024), Article One (2).

We would like to point out that you cannot be admitted without programming AND design skills (both basic to advanced; either acquired in your first degree or outside in practical work) as well as practical professional experience.

Please follow the link for more details on the Master's application: https://www.thi.de/go/international-applicants-m-en.

In addition, we have an FAQ section on our website, where the most important questions around the application process, scholarships, etc. for applicants are addressed: https://www.thi.de/en/studies/application/master-application#c6162.

Students from abroad should also check here: https://www.thi.de/en/studies/application/masterapplication-from-abroad.

All students will have to pay a student union fee of 82 EUR per semester.

In addition to tuition fees, students face the following fixed monthly living costs:

- Health insurance: approx. 150 EUR

- Liability insurance: approx. 10 EUR

- Accommodation: approx. 500 to 650 EUR

- Internet and mobile phone: approx. 25 EUR

- Food: approx. 200 to 300 EUR

- German TV/radio fee: approx. 19 EUR

- Public transport (Deutschlandticket 2026): approx. 43 EUR

Beyond these fixed costs, additional expenses will vary depending on individual needs, such as travel to visit family or participation in leisure activities. 

Additionally, don’t forget potential unforeseen costs, such as the need for a new laptop or mobile phone, etc.

Usually, non-EU students are required to provide proof of sufficient financial means with a blocked account for visa purposes. It should contain approx. 992 EUR per month for up to 12 months.

Whether you can work alongside your studies depends on several factors. At the beginning, it is advisable to focus on your studies and adjust to a new academic and cultural environment. Studying abroad can be challenging due to different learning cultures and the need to catch up on course content.

International students are required to take part in a programme preparing them for the German labour market.

A good command of German at least B2 level is essential for employment opportunities. Students are therefore encouraged to invest time in learning German.

After the first year, students may consider taking on a part-time job. Specialist skills are required to work as a student trainee.

Furthermore, non-EU citizens only have a limited work permit in Germany (see Study and work).

There are different scholarship opportunities for enrolled students in Germany. However, it is very important to understand that scholarships are highly competitive, limited in number, and never guaranteed. Students must ensure they can finance their studies independently and should not rely on receiving a scholarship. Most programmes focus on excellent academic performance, personal engagement, or specific qualifications; financial need is often not the main criterion. Some national scholarships also require German language skills (often B2 level).

THI offers its own scholarship opportunities for international students once a year, announced through the university’s communication channels. Deutschlandstipendium, for example, supports high-performing, committed students regardless of their financial situation.

Also, there are several major national foundations with extensive selection processes for which the university provides guidance and support.

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt provides a comprehensive range of counselling and career services, including workshops designed to prepare students for the German labour market. These cover key topics such as application training, CV writing and interview skills.

After graduation, our graduates stay connected with the university and their study group through the Alumni Network.

For further information, please visit our website: https://www.thi.de/en/university/university-profile/organisation/career-service-student-counselling

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt does not run any student residence halls / dorms. You will have to start looking for accommodation on your own as soon as possible. At least 500 EUR per month should be budgeted for accommodation.

Here are some facts about finding accommodation in Ingolstadt or Neuburg.

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) is an institution that specialises in business and technology and is characterised by innovative study concepts and modern facilities. We are currently training over 8,500 students in more than 75 study programmes in engineering, computer science, business, life sciences and sustainability.
Our students will graduate as sought-after specialists and managers. An extremely dynamic and successful region with a distinctly strong economic structure provides for excellent framework conditions. The relatively small student body guarantees individual guidance, a familial atmosphere, and close cooperation between students and professors.
One of the core features of studying at our university is its orientation towards practical application. Internships and projects, as well as continuous cooperation with regional companies, are fundamental components of every study programme.
The Ingolstadt campus was completed in 1999, and a new tract of buildings opened in 2014. In 2021, the Neuburg campus opened its doors with its Faculty of Sustainable Infrastructure. Modern equipment and facilities create an atmosphere that adds to students' success and enjoyment. Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt is proud of its commitment to offer the highest possible level of quality in research and education. It is possible to explore Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt by visiting the interactive 360° THI campus tour.

The campus is only a short walk from Ingolstadt's appealing old city. The view from the lecture halls is of a castle and other medieval buildings. Ingolstadt lies in the centre of Bavaria, one of the most prosperous German federal states, and it is only an hour by car from the metropolitan areas of Munich and Nuremberg. The opportunities to take part in leisure activities in the area – which is close to the Alps as well as to the beautiful Altmühl valley – are unlimited. With the headquarters of Audi (the international automotive company) and a large number of innovative corporations in the city, Ingolstadt is proud to be one of the strongest economic regions in Germany. Opportunities to participate in sports activities are provided by the university as well as by various amateur and competitive sports clubs. Bavarian charm and the Bavarian way of life – including summer evenings in beer gardens and the diverse cultural events on offer – make daily life in Ingolstadt particularly attractive for students.