Master of Science - User Experience Design (Msc) (Coursework) at WLU - Wilfrid Laurier University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-10-30

Program overview

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Program overview

The Master of Science (MSc) in User Experience Design at Laurier is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to launch a successful career in UX. This program emphasizes practical, professional learning, enabling students to build a strong CV and a job-ready portfolio. With a focus on human-centered design, students learn to address design challenges based on user needs and feedback. The program is offered in person at the Brantford campus and can be completed in as little as 16 months. Graduates are prepared for in-demand roles such as UX Designer, Product Manager, and Accessibility Specialist, making this program a valuable investment in your future.

Program structure

The MSc in User Experience Design offers two options: a coursework option and a co-op option. Here’s a brief overview of each:

Coursework Option: Typically completed in four terms (16 months).
Co-op Option: Typically completed in five terms (20 months), including an eight-month co-op placement.

Both options are full-time and start in September. Students in the co-op stream must select this option at the time of application. The program structure allows students to:

Start building their portfolio from the first term.
Work on real projects with clients from various sectors.
Engage in hands-on training that emphasizes practical skills.

This multidisciplinary curriculum prepares graduates to excel in diverse industries by focusing on UX theory, research, design thinking, and emerging technologies.

Featured Experiences

The MSc in User Experience Design program offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Hands-on training with real clients from industry, government, and community organizations.
A competitive-entry, eight-month co-op opportunity for students who choose the co-op stream.
Access to immersive technologies, including virtual reality and augmented reality.
Collaboration with multidisciplinary faculty who are professionals in the field.
Opportunities to work on client projects in the final semester for coursework students.

These experiences not only enrich the educational journey but also prepare students for real-world challenges in the UX field.

Career Options

Graduates of the MSc in User Experience Design can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

UX Researcher: Conducts research to understand user needs and behaviors, informing design decisions.
Interaction Designer: Focuses on creating engaging interfaces that facilitate user interaction with products.
Information Architect: Organizes information in a way that enhances usability and accessibility.
UX/UI Designer: Combines user experience and user interface design to create visually appealing and functional products.
Product Manager: Oversees the development of products, ensuring they meet user needs and business goals.

Other potential roles include UX strategist, usability analyst, accessibility specialist, and service designer. The demand for UX professionals continues to grow across various industries, making this degree a valuable asset for career advancement.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2026-10-30

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Master of Science (MSc) in User Experience Design program at Laurier has specific academic requirements for prospective students. To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

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.

It is important to note that this program is designed for students with little to no previous experience in User Experience Design. Therefore, graduates of Laurier’s BDes in UXD, and those who have completed Laurier’s Minor in UXD, are currently not eligible for admission to this program.

For international students, the following additional requirements apply:

Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work are required. This includes transcripts for all past and current post-secondary education for which academic credit was earned, including transfer credits and exchange programs.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

International applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow for study permit processing time. For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

English proficiency, both written and oral usage, is essential to pursuing graduate studies at Laurier. If your undergraduate degree was taught in a language other than English, you must provide evidence of English proficiency prior to admission.

If your previous degree was completed in a different country, but the language of instruction was English, you do not need to complete an English proficiency test. Instead, you will need to provide an official letter from your prior institution indicating that the degree was completed in English. This letter can be uploaded to our system along with your other supplemental documents.

Laurier accepts the following English language proficiency tests and scores:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
- TOEFL iBT/TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Tests written prior to January 2026: minimum score of 83, with minimum skill scores of 20 in each of the skills tests (speaking, writing, reading, and listening). Tests written January 2026 forward: a score of 4.5 or higher with a minimum of 4.0 in each section band.
- Paper-based TOEFL: minimum of 560.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS, IELTS Online): academic – minimum score of 6.5 with no band score below 6.0.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic, PTE Academic Online): minimum score of 59.
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL, CAEL Online): minimum score of 70.
English for Academic Success (EFAS) program: Level 400 with a minimum final score of 75%.

Note: the Duolingo English Test (DET) is not accepted for admission to graduate programs at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!