In May this year I wrote excitedly about an application to complete a Masters at UCL. Whilst I knew there was a good chance my application would be turned down I was hoping for a small miracle. Unfortunately I learnt soon afterwards that my application would be turned down. The reasons were never given, but to be fair to UCL I could have inquired myself. Due to disappointments at the time, I simply wanted to to move on.
Four months later and I can report that my Kingston University application – for a MSC User Interaction Design – has been accepted. While the programme officially started in September I’ll be starting in January 2010. To say I’m happy would be an understatement. I’m ecstatic. Finally I can put a lot of what I’ve learnt (through passive and active self discovery) about designing great user experiences into formal practice – a systemic approach.
You also cover a systematic approach to designing interaction – one that is explicit, knowledge based and creative – and various kinds of user interface technology.
Kingston University programme description.
I’ve met my tutor via email and he’s prescribed a programme that should see me cover all the required modules in two years. The programme includes: Research Methods (1 & 2), User Factors, Experience Design (1 & 2), Usability Engineering plus three optional modules before concluding with a final project.
So, it’s going to be a busy two years while I juggle a full-time job, a family, cycling with my Masters. I’ll be making necessary adjustments in my day-to-day schedule like dropping competitive cycle racing and reducing the amount of networking functions I attend whilst including necessary time to study. My priorities for the next two years are: Family, Work and MSc. I’ll be scheduling extra time to manage my studies, including: lunchtimes, evenings and weekends.
Roll on January 2010…
Excellent news, Rob!
I’m really, really envious of everything you’re going to learn but also remember what it was like doing my part-time Master’s and then an OU course last year. You’re going to be busy, as you say, but it will be worth it when you’re done.