Master of User Experience Design at WLU - Wilfrid Laurier University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-11-25

Program overview

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Program overview

The Master of Science (MSc) in User Experience Design at Laurier is a unique program designed to prepare students for a successful career in the rapidly evolving field of UX design. This program focuses on creating user-friendly digital products and services, enhancing usability, satisfaction, and emotional connection. Offered in person at the Brantford campus, students will engage in practical, professional learning, building a strong portfolio from day one. With a program length of 16 months, students will gain the skills necessary to thrive in various industries, including retail, healthcare, technology, and finance.

Program structure

The MSc in User Experience Design program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive education in UX design, emphasizing hands-on experience and practical learning. The program offers two streams: a coursework option and a co-op option.

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

Students will start building their portfolios from the first semester, working on real projects with clients from various sectors. The program also includes:

A competitive-entry co-op opportunity for those who select this option at the time of application.
Hands-on training in UX research, design thinking, immersive technologies, and ethical design practices.

This structure ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce with a strong CV and job-ready portfolio.

Featured Experiences

The Master of User Experience Design program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Co-op Opportunities: An eight-month co-op placement allows students to gain real-world experience and apply their skills in a professional setting.
Client Projects: Students work on real projects with industry, government, and community organizations, providing practical experience and networking opportunities.
Hands-on Training: The curriculum emphasizes practical skills through hands-on training in various areas, including UX research, prototyping, and usability testing.
Multidisciplinary Approach: The program incorporates diverse fields, preparing students to design for both digital and physical products.
Small Class Sizes: Students benefit from personalized attention and collaboration with faculty and peers.

Career Options

Graduates of the Master of User Experience Design program 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 enhance user interaction with products.
Information Architect: Organizes and structures information to improve usability and navigation in digital products.
UX/UI Designer: Combines user experience and user interface design to create visually appealing and functional products.
UX Strategist: Develops strategies to enhance user experiences and align them with business goals.
Service Designer: Designs services that improve user interactions and overall service delivery.
Usability Analyst: Evaluates products for usability and provides recommendations for improvement.
Accessibility Specialist: Ensures that products are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
Product Manager: Oversees the development of products, ensuring they meet user needs and business objectives.
Customer Experience Manager: Focuses on enhancing the overall experience customers have with a brand or product.

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

Visit WLU - Wilfrid Laurier University official website

Last updated on 2025-11-25

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Master of Science (MSc) in User Experience Design 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.
Applications are reviewed by the graduate program admissions committee, which considers prior postsecondary grades, a statement of intent, and letters of reference. Applications are reviewed holistically, and we are unable to pre-assess transcripts.

This program is designed and intended for students with little to no previous experience in User Experience Design. For this reason, graduates of Laurier’s BDes in UXD, and those who have completed the Minor in UXD, are currently not eligible for admission to this program.

For international students, it is important to note that:

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Students interested in the co-op stream must select that option at the time of application. The co-op option includes an eight-month co-op placement, and applications are reviewed by the graduate program admissions committee, which considers prior postsecondary grades, a statement of intent, and letters of reference. Academic references are preferred, and professional references will be considered in exceptional cases.

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

For the Master of User Experience Design program, the following English proficiency tests are accepted:

Cambridge Assessment English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 176 overall.
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): 70 overall; 60 in each band.
Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 120.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): IELTS Academic or IELTS Online score of 6.5 or higher, with a minimum of 6.0 in each band.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online score of 59 overall or higher.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Internet-based testing (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition): an overall score of 83 or higher with a minimum score of 20 in each component.

Accepted English Preparation Programs include:

Academic Transition Pathway (ATP) Program: Successful completion of ATP I, ATP II or ATP III.
Conestoga College’s English for Academic Studies: Level 4 with a satisfactory final score of 70%.
Kaplan International English School: Completion of Advanced Level (C1).
Renison University College’s English for Academic Success (EFAS): Level (400) with a satisfactory final score of 75%.
University of Guelph’s English Language Certificate Program: Advanced level 9 and 10 with a satisfactory final score of 75%.

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!