Design for Performance and Interactions

Design for Performance and Interactions at University College London is an innovative MA programme that explores the dynamic relationship between design, technology, and human interaction. This multidisciplinary course is aimed at students who are passionate about creating engaging, effective, and meaningful experiences through design, focusing on performance and interaction across various media and contexts. The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling students to develop innovative solutions for complex design challenges in areas such as digital media, live performance, interactive environments, and user-centered design.

Throughout the course, students will investigate the principles of human-computer interaction, user experience design, spatial design, and performance studies, gaining a deep understanding of how design influences human behavior and societal outcomes. The programme emphasizes experimental approaches, encouraging students to push boundaries and explore new forms of expression and interaction. They will learn through a combination of lectures, workshops, collaborative projects, and industry collaborations, ensuring they acquire both creative and technical competencies.

The programme also offers opportunities for students to engage with current issues in immersive media, interactive storytelling, and performative design through live projects and research. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on the social, cultural, and technological implications of their work, fostering a nuanced perspective on the role of design in shaping performance and interactions in contemporary society. Graduates will be equipped with a versatile skill set suitable for careers in digital media, interactive arts, performance technology, user experience design, and beyond. With expert guidance from UCL’s world-renowned faculty, students will develop a unique portfolio of work that demonstrates innovative thinking and technical proficiency. This programme prepares students to become leaders in the evolving fields of performance design and human-computer interaction, contributing to advancements in how we design experiences that are engaging, inclusive, and impactful.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The programme offers a wide combination of specialist modules and an interdisciplinary core. The core modules enable you to acquire the skills and concepts you will need to work effectively across multiple disciplines. They link traditional UCL subjects in new ways, and explore the conceptual and methodological differences between arts and science subjects.
You will study a modern foreign language throughout your degree and you can also undertake an internship, giving you the chance to integrate your studies with your future aspirations.

Possible internships include businesses, non-government organisations and voluntary organisations. Our students have achieved internships with, for example, Accenture, Goldman Sachs, Norton Rose Fulbright, the UN, Reuters, the Wellcome Trust, Horniman Museum and Gardens and many other organisations and businesses.

You will choose a major and a minor pathway on application. Your pathways determine the subjects in which you will specialise. We offer two arts pathways and two sciences pathways.
Cultures (Humanities and Arts): Anthropology, Creative Writing, Cultural Studies, Design and Visualisation, Drawing Methodology, Film and Documentary Film-Making, History, History of Art, Languages, Literature, Philosophy
Societies (Social Sciences): Archaeology, Economics, Geography, History, International Relations, Philosophy, Political Economy, Politics, Sociology
Health and Environment (Sciences): Anthropology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedicine, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Geology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Psychology, Science and Technology Studies, Synthetic Biology 
Sciences and Engineering (Sciences): Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Science and Technology Studies, Statistics

A levels

Grades

A*AA-AAA

Subjects

A mixture of arts/humanities/social sciences and sciences/Mathematics. Major pathway requirements: Cultures or Societies: two arts/humanities/social sciences plus one science/Mathematics; Sciences and Engineering: Mathematics and one other science plus one arts/humanities/social science; Health and Environment: Chemistry or Biology, and one other science or social science plus one arts/humanities/social science.

For more information about A level subject classification, see the BASc website at: www.ucl.ac.uk/basc/prospective/application/alevels

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade B. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

38-39

Subjects

A score of 18-19 points in three higher level subjects with a mixture of arts/humanities/social sciences and sciences/Mathematics. Major pathway requirements: Cultures or Societies: either one higher level subject from groups 4 or 5 and two higher level subjects from groups 1, 2, 3, 6; or three higher level subjects from groups 1, 2, 3, 6 and two standard level subjects from groups 4 or 5, with grades of 6 in each. Sciences and Engineering: to include higher level Mathematics at grade 6 and a further higher level subject from groups 4 or 5 plus one higher level subject from groups 1, 2, 3, 6. Health and Environment: to include higher level Chemistry or Biology at grade 6 and a further higher level subject from groups 3, 4 or 5 plus one higher level subject from groups 1, 2, 3, 6.

The financing options for the Design for Performance and Interactions programme at University College London (UCL) encompass a range of funding opportunities tailored to both domestic and international students. Students are encouraged to explore several sources of funding to support their studies, including government-funded grants, scholarships, bursaries, and loans. For UK students, the UK Government provides Student Loan funding, which covers tuition fees and living costs, with repayment options commencing after graduation once certain income thresholds are met. International students are advised to seek scholarships or sponsorships specific to their home countries or through UCL’s own funding schemes.

UCL offers a variety of scholarships for postgraduate students, including the UCL Graduate Support Scheme, which provides partial fee waivers and maintenance grants to eligible students, and the Bartlett School of Architecture scholarships, which are dedicated to students enrolled in design-related programmes. Additionally, external organizations and industry partners sometimes provide funding opportunities, particularly for students demonstrating excellence or financial need.

Students can also consider private loans or sponsorships from employers or organizations supporting their professional development. It is also recommended to investigate the possibility of research or teaching assistantships, which offer remuneration in exchange for work on academic projects, although availability varies and may be competitive.

Prospective students should consult the university’s official funding database and the specific programme page for detailed and current information about available funding, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines. Planning finances early is vital due to the competitive nature and limited availability of certain funding sources. Furthermore, students are advised to explore external funding bodies, government schemes, and country-specific financial aid options to maximize their funding prospects. Ultimately, a combination of scholarships, loans, personal savings, and external sponsorships may be necessary to fully finance the costs associated with the programme at UCL, ensuring a comprehensive financial plan is in place before commencing studies.

Design for Performance and Interactions at University College London is a comprehensive program that explores the intersection of design, technology, and user experience. This program focuses on equipping students with the skills necessary to create engaging, functional, and innovative interactive systems and products. Emphasizing a user-centered approach, it combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enabling students to develop interactive experiences across various media and platforms. The curriculum includes courses on user interface design, human-computer interaction, digital media production, prototyping, and user research. Students learn to incorporate principles of psychology, ergonomics, and aesthetics into their designs to enhance usability and engagement. The program encourages experimentation with emerging technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and IoT devices, preparing students for the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Collaboration is a key aspect of the program, with students working in teams to tackle real-world challenges posed by industry partners and research projects. This practical approach helps develop skills in project management, teamwork, and communication. Graduates of the program go on to careers in UX/UI design, product development, digital innovation, and interactive media, working in sectors such as entertainment, education, healthcare, and e-commerce. The program is delivered by faculty members who are experts in design research, human factors, and digital media, ensuring a rich learning environment. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, design studios, and technological resources that facilitate hands-on experimentation and innovation. Furthermore, the university’s location in London provides unique opportunities for industry engagement, internships, and exposure to a diverse creative community. The program aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills, preparing graduates to lead and innovate in the field of interactive design. Admissions requirements typically include a portfolio demonstrating creative and technical abilities, and applicants are encouraged to have a background or interest in design, computing, or related disciplines. Overall, Design for Performance and Interactions at UCL is an ideal program for individuals passionate about shaping the future of digital interactions through innovative design practices.