Application deadline

Winter semester: 15.07.

Summer semester: 15 Jan.

Usability Engineering, MSc

For product optimisers

Do you also find that far too many products are still far too complicated or difficult to use? Would you like to help develop products that meet users’ needs and expectations? Do you think that companies should, as a matter of principle, pay more attention to a good ‘user experience’?

Then come and study in our interdisciplinary environment and learn how you can improve the world of products. We’ll equip you with the necessary theoretical knowledge whilst showing you how to apply user-centred development methods in practice and integrate them into a company’s structures.

At a glance

Degree

Master of Science

A bachelor's degree is a first professionally qualifying degree. A master's degree builds on a bachelor's degree with a deeper study of specific areas and greater specialisation.

Study mode

Full-time

Our degree programmes differ in terms of duration, schedule and amount of practical experience depending on the chosen mode of study: full-time, part-time or dual study.

Standard study duration

3 semesters

How long it takes to graduate if everything goes according to plan. A semester is six months.

Entry requirements

Unrestricted admission (no Numerus Clausus)

Unrestricted: enrolment is possible for nearly every German Abitur; international qualifications require verification first. Restricted: slots are distributed via a selection process.

Campus

Kamp-Lintfort

All courses are offered at the designated campus.

Language of instruction

English

All courses and exams are offered in the language of instruction. Proof of proficiency may be required for admission.

Start of studies

1 September
1 March

The summer semester starts officially on 1 March, the winter semester on 1 September. The start of lectures varies.

Why study Usability Engineering, MSc at Rhine-Waal?

Two students are working together at a table with paper, pens and other stationery.

Turn frustration into flow

You’ll learn how to make apps and devices intuitive and easy to use – helping turn great ideas into successful products.

Three students are working together on a laptop and discussing what is on the screen.

Strong across disciplines

Psychology, design, technology and management: you’ll learn how to bring them all together – and become an expert at solving complex problems from every angle.

Four students are working together in the FabLab on a practical task.

Your Master’s degree for future careers

Usability is more than a trend – it’s essential. Our Master’s prepares you for a job market where experts in human–technology interaction are in high demand.

What makes this degree programme special?

Andrea Polk shares her experiences.

Portrait of Kumar Ritwik Roushan at the FabLab

Kumar Ritwik Roushan from India

“ Industry projects taught me to balance client expectations with real user needs.”

Portrait of Omotayo Lawal in the usability laboratory

Omotayo Lawal from Nigeria

“Testing with real users taught me where designs succeed — and where they fail.”

Omed Abed from Germany

“Building physical prototypes showed me how UX extends far beyond screens.”

Career opportunities and prospects: Alumni share their stories

Alumni Portrait Gowtham Rathinam Nedunchezhian

Graduate of the Usability Engineering, MSc degree programme

Alumni Portrait Sapna Handyal

Graduate of the Usability Engineering, MSc degree programme

Programme structure and content

With the Master’s in Usability Engineering, you’ll be well prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. You’ll learn to solve interdisciplinary and international challenges creatively – exactly the kind of skills companies are looking for.

The programme opens up new career paths beyond those offered by your Bachelor’s degree. Wherever interactive systems are designed and used, usability engineers are in demand. In short: wherever people interact with technology, you can make a difference.

The Master’s in Usability Engineering takes three semesters. During the first two semesters, you’ll explore everything from human–computer interaction and psychology to methods for analysis and visualisation. Lectures, seminars and hands-on sessions complement each other, so you can put what you learn straight into practice. You’ll also develop key skills in strategic management, usability consulting and audience-focused communication – giving you the tools you need for your future career.

In your third semester, you’ll complete your Master’s thesis under the supervision of a professor and, where possible, in collaboration with a company. This allows you to combine academic research with real-world projects and prepares you for a successful start to your career.

The English-taught Master’s in Usability Engineering prepares you for an international career. You’ll work with global standards, methods and real-world examples from industry and research, while developing your expertise entirely in English. This prepares you to work confidently on projects in international teams and gives you the opportunity to complete internships, collaborative projects or your Master’s thesis with partners around the world. At the same time, you’ll study alongside students and lecturers from across the globe and build valuable intercultural connections.

The Master’s in Usability Engineering is designed for computer scientists, psychologists and designers with experience in software development who want to build on their existing expertise and become specialists in usability engineering.

To be eligible for admission, you need to meet the following requirements:

A professionally qualifying university degree (BSc) in a relevant subject
An overall grade of at least 2.0 in your first degree
At least 210 ECTS credits or, ideally, a standard period of study of seven full-time semesters. If your Bachelor’s degree comprises fewer than 210 ECTS credits, you may be able to complete additional modules to make up the difference. Preparatory semesters do not count towards this requirement.
Proof of sufficient English language proficiency (at least C1 CEFR or equivalent) if your first degree was not taught in English

Important: To successfully complete the Master’s programme, you need a total of 300 ECTS credits.

Application process

You can apply for Master’s programmes via Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences application portal. There you will find all the relevant information you need for your application and will be guided through the process step by step.

Admission requirements are assessed on a case-by-case basis for all Master’s programmes. You can then download your letter of acceptance or rejection from the Application portal.

Did you complete your school-leaving qualifications outside of Germany? If so, you’ll need to apply via uni-assist. The platform will guide you step by step through the application process. Your documents will then be checked by uni-assist and, provided you meet the admission requirements, forwarded to Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences for a final decision and the issuance of a decision letter. You will then be informed by email.

Any questions?

Our Central Study Advisory Service will be happy to advise you on choosing a degree programme as well as admission and entry requirements.

Central Study Advisory Service

Insights

Three students are working at computer workstations in the computer lab.

Three students are sitting together in front of a laptop, discussing their work.

The professor is sitting with three students in a discussion group in a seminar room.

Four students are sitting in a small discussion group, chatting amongst themselves.

A student is working in a laboratory with a piece of technical equipment next to a silver torso model.

Several students are working together at a table with paper, pens and colourful sticky notes.

The professor is sitting relaxed in a chair, chatting to someone outside the frame.

Two students are working together at a table with paper, pens and other work materials.

Campus

This degree programme is available at

Kamp-Lintfort Campus

Friedrich-Heinrich-Allee 25, 47475 Kamp-Lintfort

Plan route More about the campus

Related degree programmes

Student information

Three students are working at several monitors in the control room

Already studying Usability Engineering? Find all the key information you need for your studies here.

Useful links

All about your studies

Bridging courses are intensive courses designed to help you prepare for your degree before your studies begin. Participation is voluntary and no credit points are awarded. You can use the courses to refresh your existing knowledge and fill in any small gaps before starting your studies.

The courses are held before the start of the winter semester, usually in September. The upcoming course programme will be available at the link below in due course.

Bridging Courses

Just started your studies? Find everything you need to get off to a great start here.

University-wide information for first-year students

University-wide infos

Faculty-specific information for first-year students

Faculty-specific infos

Module catalogues

Module catalogue for students first enrolled in or after SoSe 2026

Module catalogue for students first enrolled in or before WiSe 2025-26

Curricula

Curriculum for students first enrolled in or after SoSe 2026

Curriculum for students first enrolled in or before WiSe 2025-26

Course plans

Course plan for students first enrolled in or after SoSe 2026

Course plan for students first enrolled in or before WiSe 2025-26

The office of the examination board is the central point of contact for all questions and inquiries regarding examinations at your Faculty (Faculty of Communication and Environment).
Office of the Examination Board

On their website you will also find an overview of your first points of contact for various examination-related matters.
Overview

There is also a central Examinations Service for the entire University. It handles the administrative implementation of decisions made by the Examination Board and manages examination-related processes.
Examination Service

Links and Downloads

Examination schedules
Examination regulations

Your Faculty of Communication and Environment and the University’s central services offer advice and support throughout your studies – whether you need help with academic matters or personal challenges.

Advice and support services offered by the Faculty

Do you have any questions about your degree programme or exam-related matters? Are you experiencing issues with lecturers, or are you looking for personalised advice? Here you’ll find an overview of the key points of contact within the Faculty of Communication and Environment.

Services offered by the Faculty

Central advisory services

The university’s central advisory services are here to support you with a wide range of topics during your studies and beyond. Whether you need help with finding academic literature, developing a business idea, dealing with mental health challenges, studying with children or a disability, or have questions about anti-discrimination, you’ll find the right contacts and support for different situations in your studies and everyday life.

Central counselling services

Central student services

The Central Student Services team is your main point of contact for organisational and administrative questions about your studies. They can help you with applications and admission, enrolment and deregistration, re-registration and leaves of absence, changing degree programmes, as well as questions about semester fees, certificates or health insurance notifications.

Student Services

Studying at Rhine-Waal University and thinking about spending a semester abroad or doing an internship overseas?

Semester abroad

The University and your faculty offer plenty of ways to make the most of student life. Whether you’re interested in the library, university sports, music or other activities, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to learn, connect with others and get involved.