Interaction Design TGIDE | Malmö University

Programme, bachelor’s level

180 credits

Malmö | daytime | 100%

1 September 2025 - 4 June 2028

Apply by 15 April

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How to apply

International students

Full tuition fee: 515,000 SEK

EU/EEA students are generally not required to pay tuition fees.

Admission rounds

Tuition fees

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About the education

Interaction design is an exciting field at the leading edge of technology innovation. Interaction designers aim to create experiences with products, services and environments which are not just useful and usable, but very often pleasurable, expressive and desirable. Learning interaction design is a matter of building a repertoire of methods, skills and theoretical perspectives. Importantly, you also develop a sensitivity to the critical role of stakeholders in design, the implications of design in society and your own sense of interaction aesthetics.

What is interaction design?

Interaction design is an exciting field at the cutting edge of technology innovation. Interaction designers aim to create experiences using products, services and environments that are not just useful and functional, but often expressive and desirable.

Learning interaction design is a matter of building a repertoire of methods, skills and theoretical perspectives. Importantly, you will also develop a sensitivity to the critical role of stakeholders in design, the implications of design in society, and your own sense of interaction aesthetics.

Innovative, considered and well-executed design adds value to products and services. Interaction designers seek to understand the people and situations they are designing for, and, drawing on their mastery of interactive technology and forms of interactivity, design artefacts and experiences to improve situations.

During the programme, we will conduct extensive research, sketch, prototype and test — not just to get the right design, but to get the design right. Designers very often take the role of advocate for the user, and are skilled in mediating complex issues and relationship with stakeholders involved in the design and production process.

Interaction design at Malmö University

Interaction design starts with new students every autumn semester. This programme at Malmö University is not like other digital-design related educations. We set ourselves apart in three main ways:

The design of interaction

We understand interaction design as part of the tradition of design, with a focus on the design of interactivity — not just how an artefact looks or what it does, but how it responds and how it feels to use. Exploring and expressing interactivity requires technical skills. As such, you will have to opportunity to acquire and develop basic programming skills throughout the programme. We teach programming in a way that is relevant for interaction design and that any motivated student can learn. You will prototype interactive experiences across a range of devices and platforms, including for web and mobile.

The products and services interaction designers create are not just software. We have a strong tradition and world-class facilities for working with physical formats, and you will learn techniques such as laser-cutting and 3-D printing. Together with basic electronic skills and a microprocessor, you will be able to develop concepts related to the Internet of Things, wearables and other forms of smart products.

You won’t just make good-looking mock-ups, you'll bring your ideas to life.

Responsible, sensitive design

To design is to make a change in the world; whether the designer intends to or not, their work has wider implications. Our education instils a responsible, sensitive design approach which takes issues of ethics and sustainability seriously, and focuses on design with human values in mind. Moreover, at Malmö University we have a strong tradition in participatory design approaches, designing not just for users but with users and other stakeholders. Interaction design can be done not just for commercial purposes but also to serve and challenge the pressing societal issues of our time.

Research-based teaching

At Malmö University, you will not only pick up the applied skills of an interaction designer — conducting fieldwork, programming, making mock-ups, creating concept videos, and so on — you will also engage with cutting-edge forms of interactivity and deep, theoretical perspectives on design and interaction. You will develop reflective, critical approaches, understanding not only how to create, but also when and why (or why not). This is particularly important in a technology-related field such as interaction design, where developments happen quickly and practitioners need to be able to make sense of new technologies and shifting practices.

Study abroad, internships and electives

The fifth term is an elective term. That means you can choose to take a course in a completely different topic but you can also choose to immerse yourself in a specialisation of your choice. Alternatively, by choosing to do an internship, you can experience the professional practice of interaction design and gain valuable industry connections. A further alternative is to study abroad, which can be an excellent opportunity to expand your personal and academic horizons.

Degree Project

The programme's sixth and final semester consists of a thesis. You will undertake a major independent project, the content and quality of which is equivalent to the input level for master's degree studies.

This programme leads to a bachelor's degree in Interaction Design.

Career opportunities

Given the growing prominence of good design, interaction designers find themselves in demand. Governmental agencies also value interaction designers in designing and improving access to public services. With an education in interaction design you may be suited for a number of different roles beyond interaction design, including user experience design, user interface design, service design, digital design, web design and much more.

With a focus on teaching contemporary technologies and methods as well as forward-thinking perspectives from research, you will adapt well to a changing labour market and be well-suited to continue your education through a master’s programme. During your education, you will gain collaborative experience with industry partners as well as your own peers, by working on a variety of different briefs through which you will develop your project management skills.

Our students have gone on to careers in leading companies such as Anima Connected, Arduino Verkstad, BitCraze, Cybercom, Fjord, IBM, IDEO, inUSE, Massive Entertainment, Sony Mobile, TetraPak, Topp, Ustwo and Visma.

Courses within the programme

Start autumn 2025 | Malmö full-time

Autumn 2025 - Semester 1

Spring 2026 - Semester 2

Autumn 2026 - Semester 3

Spring 2027 - Semester 4

Autumn 2027 - Semester 5

Elective semester

Spring 2028 - Semester 6

Syllabus autumn 2025

Earlier syllabuses

Entry requirements and selection

Here you can find the entry requirements, as well as how the available study places are distributed between applicants in the selection.

If you have any questions about general admission, you are welcome to contact us.

Contact form

Entry requirements

General entry requirements + English 6.

Selection

66% Upper Secondary Grades - 34% Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test (SweSAT)

Please note that the SweSAT is a test only available in Swedish, and is in no way mandatory for admission.

Shaping the future of technology through design

Julian Friedrich, originally from Germany, graduated from the bachelor's programme in Interaction Design in 2024. With a passion for traveling and language learning, he was drawn to studying in an international environment, which ultimately led him to Sweden.

Shaping the future of technology through design

Discovering Interaction design

After finishing high school, Julian was uncertain about which field to pursue. He knew he wanted to work with technology but also felt a strong pull toward creative disciplines. At the time, he wasn’t even aware that Interaction Design existed.

– I was completely unsure about what to study, but I knew I wanted something that combined technology and creativity. When I discovered Malmö University and its international atmosphere, the Interaction Design programme stood out with its mix of design, computer science, ethnography, and technology innovation, he explains.

A programme that combines theory and practice

Julian describes his experience in the programme as both enriching and rewarding. He appreciated Malmö University’s modern facilities, particularly the Interaction Design studio overlooking the harbour, where students could fully immerse themselves in their design work.

– The University provides a great learning environment with open and bright spaces, easily accessible by bike or public transport. The library has a welcoming atmosphere, and the well-equipped workshop with 3D printers, laser cutters, and woodworking machines was incredibly useful for prototyping, he says.

The programme introduced students to a wide range of Interaction Design topics, from research and prototyping to programming, Arduino, and Service Design. A strong theoretical foundation in Human-Computer Interaction, combined with hands-on projects, helped Julian develop both practical and analytical skills.

– We didn’t just focus on making things – we also learned to engage critically with academic literature and develop strong arguments in our writing, which has been invaluable for me as a designer.

A highlight of his studies was the opportunity to do an internship as part of a research project on public e-service innovation in Scandinavia. The thesis project also stood out as a culmination of everything he had learned.

– Being able to choose my own thesis topic, combined with great supervision, made it a fun and rewarding way to complete my degree. It also helped me build a strong portfolio, opening many career opportunities.

Meeting expectations and finding inspiration

Before starting, Julian wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the programme but anticipated a hands-on approach with plenty of opportunities to create and build. His expectations were definitely met.

– We did a lot of physical prototyping and worked with Arduino, which was not only fun but also really insightful.

One of the most valuable courses for him was IxD in Society, where students collaborated with real stakeholders from Malmö’s public sector.

– I was particularly drawn to Service Design, and this course introduced me to participatory design – a tradition deeply rooted at Malmö University. The idea of giving people an active role in shaping the services and products that impact their lives resonated with me, he explains.

Skills that shaped his future

The programme offered a strong mix of practical and theoretical elements.

– One of the most useful practical skills I gained was coding in JavaScript. With AI tools available today, knowing the basics opens endless opportunities. We also learned to use Figma, which I now use all the time.

On the theoretical side, Julian particularly appreciated the programme’s emphasis on critically engaging with academic literature.

Continuing his journey in design

After graduating with his bachelor's degree in Interaction Design, Julian decided to continue his education with a master’s degree in design. He is currently studying Product-Service System Design at Politecnico di Milano in Italy.

– I strongly believe that the high quality of the Interaction Design programme created this opportunity for me. Looking at the diverse career paths of Interaction Design alumni, I’m excited to see how I can make an impact as a designer.

Advice for future students

Julian believes the programme is ideal for those who are curious about technology and its increasing role in society and who want to take an active role in designing the future.

– If you’re interested, I recommend taking the free-standing course in Interaction Design, it’s a great way to see if the programme is the right fit for you.

For those already enrolled, his best advice is to take full advantage of the freedom offered in projects.

– Shape your assignments around what you’re passionate about. Be curious, engage in discussions, and learn from both your teachers and fellow students. The more you invest in your education, the more you’ll get out of it, he adds.

From sewing and crocheting to Interaction Design

Róza Zoltowska, 21 years old and originally from Poland, is in her second year of the bachelor's programme in Interaction Design. Her interest in creative, craft-based projects has been present since childhood, when she engaged in everything from sewing and crocheting to ceramics.

From sewing and crocheting to Interaction Design

– There is something special about transforming raw materials into something unique, she says.

Finding the perfect education

After high school, Róza was uncertain about which path to take. She was interested in graphic and interior design but realised she wanted a more technical dimension to her studies. At the same time, she felt that a purely technical education wasn't the right fit.

– I grew up with the idea that technology was 'for boys,' which probably influenced me more than I realised, but when I read about the interaction design programme, it just felt right. It combined creativity with technology in a way I hadn't seen anywhere else.

She discovered the programme by chance while searching for design degrees in Europe. Sweden wasn't even on her original list, but when she stumbled upon Malmö University and started reading about the city and the programme, she was immediately interested.

– Malmö felt like an inspiring place with its mix of cultures and creative atmosphere. I decided to apply – and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, she says.

A blend of theory and practice

Róza describes the programme as a perfect balance between practical work and theory.

– We work a lot with projects and constantly get to apply what we learn in practice. After each project, we also write a reflection where we analyse our design choices and connect them to theoretical concepts. This means we don’t just create – we understand why we create in a certain way.

The teaching approach is interactive, with a strong emphasis on discussions, seminars, and group critiques rather than long lectures.

– It makes learning so much more engaging because we are constantly applying theory in practice.

A programme that challenges and develops

For Róza, the most rewarding part of the programme is that it continuously challenges her and pushes her to learn new things.

– Every course includes projects that often feel a bit intimidating at first, but that challenge is what makes it so exciting. I’m forced to try new tools and methods, and that helps me grow.

Her favorite course so far has been Interactivity, which changed her perspective on design and made her notice interactions she had previously taken for granted.

– We worked a lot with sketches, prototypes, and experiments, which allowed me to learn in a more hands-on way. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Engagement and community

Her expectations for the programme have been more than met, and Róza has appreciated the supportive environment.

– The teachers are truly engaged and encourage us to explore our own ideas. This isn’t a programme where you just follow a set plan – we have a lot of freedom to shape our own projects, she says.

Advice for prospective students

For those considering applying to the programme, Róza has a clear piece of advice:

– Take advantage of the freedom in the projects! You have the opportunity to shape your assignments based on your own interests, so dare to explore what you’re passionate about.

She also emphasises the importance of being active in discussions and group work, as much of the learning happens through collaboration.

– Be curious, stay engaged, and take the chance to learn from both teachers and fellow students. The more you invest in the programme, the more you get out of it, she concludes.