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
Master of Science
Full-time
3 semesters
Unrestricted admission (no Numerus Clausus)
Kamp-Lintfort
English
1 September
1 March
Why study Usability Engineering, MSc at Rhine-Waal?
What makes this degree programme special?
Andrea Polk shares her experiences.
Career opportunities and prospects: Alumni share their stories
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 2.5 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.
Insights
Campus
Kamp-Lintfort Campus
Related degree programmes
Student information
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.
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
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 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.
Contact
Programme Assistant
Ms Petra Kastowsky
Tel: 02842/908259821
petra.kastowsky(at)
Office hours (room number 02 00 455)
Monday–Thursday: 10.00–12.15 and by appointment
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 13.30–15.00 and by appointment