Master of User Experience Design

User experience design is one of the largest growing design fields that addresses all aspects of user experience from understanding the perspectives of the users to the creation of the designs they interact with. User experience designers work across digital and physical media to improve the overall experience of design. User experience designers are skilled researchers, critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, and expert design practitioners.

The Master of User Experience Design (MUXD) is a one-year, full-time, 180 point master’s degree. It is aimed at industry professionals and recent graduates without an undergraduate qualification in media design—that is, it is a conversion Master’s degree.

The degree will build on the relevant skills you have developed during your professional careers or undergraduate university study, such as problem solving, critical thinking and verbal and written communication.

The programme starts in July each year.

This qualification is intended for recent graduates with non-design degrees or industry professionals wishing to enter the Interaction Design (IX) or User Experience (UX) fields from another discipline or profession.

Applicants should have an appropriate undergraduate degree with at least a B average, although consideration may also be given for relevant job experience.

Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. Victoria University of Wellington ranks in the top 1 percent of the world’s universities in 15 subject areas (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024). The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.

The University’s central location gives students access to a variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government, politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.  

Victoria University of Wellington at a glance

• 170+ subjects
• 18 undergraduate programmes
• 180 postgraduate programmes
• 40+ research institutes
• 4 libraries
• 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
• 140+ clubs and societies.
  
  

Top rankings

• 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
• #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest six-yearly assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
• Top 2 percent of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• Top 100 in the world in 10 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

Victoria University of Wellington consistently ranks among the world's best universities. In addition to receiving Five Stars Plus in the latest QS Stars audit, the University earned five stars in each of the eight audited categories: arts, employability, facilities, inclusiveness, global engagement, research, teaching, and library and information management.

Graduate outcomes*

• 96% of students employed within 6 months of graduating
• 76% were in full-time employment.

*Based on those who completed the 2022–2023 Graduate Destinations Survey.

Entry requirements

To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:

• a good command of the English language
• a good record of academic achievement.

Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.

If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:

• English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
• Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
• Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree.

Student support

The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.

Some of the support services include:

• help with international applications and admissions
• dedicated international student orientation and events
• a free arrival meeting service at the airport
• the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
• personal, cultural, and academic support and referrals
• Studentsafe insurance support
• student visa support.

Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular programmes such as the Wellington International Leadership Programme, which is also free to join.

The University’s campuses

We have three main campuses, each focused on specific areas of study. These are the Kelburn campus, Pipitea campus, and Te Aro campus, and they are all within walking distance from one another around Wellington city. Students may also be eligible for a free bus pass if they are travelling between campuses for classes on the same day.