User Experience Design (B. Sc.)

Nowadays, the success of a product mainly depends on how well it can be used or handled. Manufacturers attach increasing importance to product design and arousing the right emotions in buyers. The degree course in UXD provides precisely this much sought-after qualification. The aim is to make the man-machine interface as effective as possible for a particular user by means of user centred design. The focus is on the user experience with the product in terms of technology (programming), design and conception (usability).

Degree
Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.)
Duration
7 Semesters
Start of studies
Winter
NC
Yes Admission information

Accreditation
Yes
Dual Study
Yes
Language
German

With a standard study period of seven semesters, the programme was developed to address changing requirements in the area of product development, usability and marketing – also with regard to aspects such as values, emotions, cultural differences/problems, etc.
The term ‘user experience’ includes all aspects of what the user experiences when using a product or when interacting with a product, computer programme or service. This term has grown in importance enormously since the internet and smartphones (with apps) have become more widespread.

The job profile of a ‘User Experience Designer’ is geared towards making the use of a product (often software, IT systems or websites) as pleasing and as straightforward as possible based on a user-centred approach, thereby achieving a positive impact on the user.
The UX designer considers visual design on the one hand but also information architecture (What information am I looking for? How do I find the information? What is the optimum path through a website?) and information design (How do I present the information?).
A UX designer provides the link between product development, IT/implementation, visual and audio design, ergonomics, marketing/branding, trends etc.

The diverse fields of application of UX design has led to a need for university graduates who have a basic knowledge of design as well as the ability to create IT user interfaces. The course in User Experience Design gives students precisely this background, while also allowing them to acquire interdisciplinary knowledge in the fields of IT, design, psychology, business administration, communication studies and the social sciences.
The standard period of study for the bachelor’s degree course is seven semesters. The course breaks down into two degree phases. The first phase comprises two theoretical study semesters while the second phase builds on this basis over an additional fourth semester (both theory and practical work) as well as a practical fifth semester.

Curriculum

1. Semester

Einführungsprojekt

Softwarentwicklung 1

Mathematik

Gestaltung 1

Typografie und Skizzieren

Englisch

2. Semester

Grundlagen der Informaik

Softwareentwicklung 2

Statistik

Gestaltung 2

Informationspsychologie

3. Semester

Webtechnologien

Software Engineering

Design von Mensch-Maschine-Schnittstellen

Technik der Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion

Grundlagen der Betriebswirtschaft und des Gründertums

4. Semester

Webdesign und Webusability

Produktdesign

Computergrafik / 3-D-Design

Prinzipien der Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion

Projektmanagement

5. Semester

Vorbereitendes Praxisseminar PLV 1

Praktikum

Nachbereitendes Praxisseminar PLV 2

Informations- und Medienkompetenz PLV 3

6. Semester

7. Semester

Electives

Seminar Bachelor's Thesis

Bachelor's Thesis

Quick Info

Applying for a degree course
Students may only begin their degree in the winter semester.
Registration dates
Applications for this degree may be submitted through the online application system from 2 May to 15 July, 2024.
Admission requirements
Please find all information on admission and application on our Bachelor application pages
Admission requirements for international students
If you wish to study at a German University, you need a so-called Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB), or higher education entrance qualification. This is a secondary school-leaving certificate that corresponds to the German Abitur and entitles you to study.
Students from abroad must apply for admission from the university of their choice. For your application, you will require for a Bachelor's degree:
- a school-leaving certificate (also known as "university entrance qualification", e.g. High School Diploma, Matura, A-Levels, Bachillerato, Atestat, baccalauréat)
  or
- proof that you have passed the university entrance examination (if required in your home country)
(Source: German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD, July 2016)

The area of user experience design is very exciting and highly dynamic. In order to be successful, a UX designer has to be active in the community and make a name for themselves. We recommend that students should write about their degree assignments and other projects during their degree course, for example in the relevant online media, in a blog or on Twitter: this will enable them to build up a “portfolio” (rather like an application dossier) for later job applications. This of course also includes networking with like-minded individuals at UX events such as BarCamps, local UX meet-ups and LinkedIn groups, as well as commenting on blog posts. The best way to break into this area is by means of interaction, discussion and dialogue.

FAQs

The course offers the opportunity to design products and services creatively and technically to improve people's daily lives. It combines artistic design with technical know-how and psychological understanding to create useful and aesthetically pleasing solutions. The demand for UX experts is high. This opens up career prospects.

No. No prior knowledge of programming or design is required. The course is designed to provide basic knowledge in both areas so that you can develop the necessary skills and knowledge over the course of your studies.

The course is a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) with a corresponding focus on technical aspects. You need technical skills in order to be able to implement the design solutions. You will learn these in the course of your studies along with design, psychology, conception, usability and economic principles.

The number of study places is limited. This means that the admission requirements can change from year to year. You can find up-to-date information on the application process on our website.

If you have a passion for creative design, enjoy solving problems, want to improve people's lives and are interested in how people interact with technology, the User Experience Design course is right for you. The course is ideal for designing innovative and user-friendly solutions that provide real added value for people.

The basic concepts of programming and software development are learned using the Java programming language. HTML, CSS and JavaScript are added for web development. In the further course of the degree course, there may be other programming languages depending on the project and focus.

Absolutely. You can spend the practical semester in a foreign company or even study semesters abroad. Our network of more than 160 partner universities worldwide already offers a wide selection. You will be supported by our International Office. The intercultural experience and new professional perspectives are valuable additions to your academic and personal development.

Yes, you can also complete a Master's degree in User Experience Design with us. It follows on seamlessly from the Bachelor's degree and offers ideal conditions for further specialization in the field. The Master's course is taught in English and therefore also offers a good opportunity to come into contact with many international students.

Contact options for prospective students

Apply online

Program director

Programme director UXD (B.Sc.)
Prof. Ingrid Stahl
Phone: +49 841 9348-2341
Room: A101
E-Mail: Ingrid.Stahl@thi.de

More contact options

Academic Advisor UXD (B.Sc)
Prof. Dr. Christian Sturm
Phone: +49 841 9348-3794
Room: B004
E-Mail: Christian.Sturm@thi.de

Student Ambassador UXD
Cora Unger

Study Ambassador User Experience Design
Melina Deeg

Module Handbook

The module handbook contains information on prerequisites, contents, learning outcomes, ECTS points, duration, work load, literature, references of the offered modules and lectures.

Module handbook Bachelor User Experience Design

Study and Examination Regulations

Study and examination regulations (SPO) deal with judicial matters concerning your study course. Please turn to the pages of the legal department for Statutes of this course.

For any questions on requirements, exams regulations and more, please turn to the Service Center Study Affairs.