This double-degree master’s program offers a unique opportunity to study Human-Computer Interaction and Design with a focus on creating the next generation of immersive, human-centered technologies. Delivered collaboratively by leading universities and industry partners across Europe, the program brings together expertise from academia, industry associations, and companies at the forefront of Augmented, Virtual, and Extended Reality (AR/VR/XR). Alongside your deep technical major, you will also complete a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, equipping you with the skills to turn ideas into impactful solutions.
Immersive technologies are transforming how we work, learn, and communicate, from supporting surgeons with precise visualizations to creating inclusive, emotionally rich digital experiences. The HCID/XR program prepares you to design and develop sustainable, accessible, and innovative interactive systems for domains such as healthcare, education, culture, and entertainment. You will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools and collaborate on projects that combine human, technical, and business perspectives.
As interaction moves beyond screens to gestures, speech, gaze, and spatial input, the program emphasizes designing for users’ social and cognitive behavior in real contexts. Depending on your chosen pathway, you may specialize in areas such as AI-driven XR applications, multi-sensory design, adaptive systems, or advanced visualization. Graduates are equipped to become innovators and leaders in the XR field, shaping immersive systems that are inclusive, efficient, and grounded in human experience.
Why should I apply?
As interaction moves beyond screens to gestures, voice, gaze, and spatial input, immersive and human-centred design is becoming the next frontier of digital innovation. The HCID/XR Master’s places you at the forefront of this transformation.
You will study with Europe’s top universities and industry partners, working on real projects that link design research, technology, and entrepreneurship. Learn to create intuitive and sustainable XR systems for healthcare, culture, education, and entertainment - and understand their broader social and ethical implications.
The programme goes beyond theory: you will prototype immersive applications, collaborate with XR startups and research labs, and gain the skills to lead in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital fields.
Be part of EIT Digital’s European innovation ecosystem, connecting you with companies, research centres, and fellow students who will become your professional network and collaborators in shaping the future of immersive technology.
Is this programme for me?
If you are passionate about designing technologies that enhance human experience, this programme is for you. It welcomes applicants with a Bachelor of Science degree - or in their final year of study - in fields such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Interaction Design, Cognitive Science, or Engineering.
Ideal candidates are curious about AI-driven XR applications, adaptive systems, multisensory design, or cross-device experiences and want to connect technical expertise with creativity and entrepreneurship.
Applicants with relevant professional or research experience in HCI, UX, or XR development are also encouraged to apply, provided this is clearly described in their motivation letter.
How is the programme structured?
All EIT Digital Master School programmes follow the same scheme:
- Students study one year at an ‘entry’ university and one year at an ‘exit’ university.
- The first year is similar at all entry points, with a focus on basic courses that lay the foundation for the chosen technical programme. Students are introduced to business and management during this first year. During the second semester, a design project is combined with business development exercises to demonstrate how technology can be transformed into a successful business with optional elective courses. Students are taught how to prepare and present a convincing business plan.
- In between the first year and the second year, students participate in the EIT Digital 2-week Summer School programme that addresses business opportunities within a socially relevant theme.
- The second year offers a specialisation and a graduation project. The graduation project includes an internship at a company or a research institute and cumulates with a Master thesis having a strong innovation and entrepreneurship dimension.
- Graduates receive degrees from the two universities and a certificate awarded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
To learn more about the I&E minor please click here.
Universities
By joining the HCID/XR programme, you can choose to study at two of the following universities:
Careers
During your second year, you will complete an internship integrated with your master’s thesis, working directly with XR companies, digital health startups, or research labs. This hands-on experience allows you to apply your skills in real-world contexts, tackle industry challenges, and build valuable connections across Europe.
Graduates are equipped for roles such as:
- XR Interaction Designer / Developer
- Human-Centred Product Designer
- UX / Service Designer for immersive systems
- AI & XR Researcher or PhD candidate
- VR/AR/XR Game Developer
- Consultant
Entrepreneur or startup founder in immersive technologies HCID/XR graduates are valued for combining technical expertise, design sensitivity, and entrepreneurial vision - a rare profile sought by leading tech companies, creative studios, and research institutions.
Fees and funding
The EIT Digital Master School is a fee-paying programme, with a range of attractive scholarships and funding options available to support students. See details on fees and funding options here.
EIT Digital has its own funding scheme that provides for three types of scholarships:
- Scholarships of Excellence - Full tuition fee waiver and monthly allowance (based on average living costs in the study country)
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Half tuition fee waiver
This funding scheme is only available to EU Member States nationals (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs) and nationals from listed EEA countries and countries associated to the Digital Europe Programme.
You apply for scholarships during the application process in the application portal.
Please note that besides the scholarships offered by EIT Digital, EU and non-EU students may also be eligible for other scholarships, grants or financial aid offered by our partner universities. Check all of our Scholarships and Additional Financing Options here.
How and when to apply
Ready to take the next step? Find all the details on how and when to apply to the master’s programme, including deadlines, and requirements.
Learn more about the application process.
The programme is developed and delivered under European Union‘s Digital Europe Programme Project no. 101225600.
