Design for Performance and Interaction MArch

15 Months On Campus Masters Program

University College London

Program Overview

The Design for Performance & Interaction MArch at UCL invites you to design experiences rather than static objects. It’s perfect if you’re excited by the idea of combining architecture, performance, technology, and storytelling to create installations, interactive environments, or live experiential work.

Curriculum Structure

Across 15 months, you move from exploration to invention. Early on, you join design clusters, take part in hands-on workshops, and build your foundation through modules like Introductory Design Workshops, Theory Introduction, and Skills Portfolio.

As you progress, you develop Preliminary Projects, experiment with interaction and performance techniques, and work closely with tutors to refine your ideas. Everything leads into your Final Project and Design Thesis Report, where you design, prototype, and present your own performance-driven or interactive installation at a public exhibition.

Focus Areas

Interactive architecture, immersive environments, performance design, robotics, sound, spatial computing, prototyping.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll learn to design for dynamic experiences, create and prototype interactive installations, combine digital tools with creative performance methods, and articulate a clear, research-led artistic vision.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This MArch isn’t a traditional RIBA/ARB Part 2 pathway, but it prepares you for emerging careers in interactive and performance design, installation art, and technologically driven creative practices.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

As part of the world-leading Bartlett School of Architecture, you’ll study in a globally recognised environment known for creativity, experimentation, and strong graduate opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In this MArch, you don’t just design on paper — you make and perform. You’ll experiment with interactive systems, motion, sound, and performance in real-world settings, learning by doing in small cluster-led groups with close guidance from tutors. Based at Here East, you’ll have access to cutting-edge labs, tools, and interdisciplinary expertise that bring your creative ideas to life.

Hands-on opportunities include:

Interactive technology: Work with motion capture rigs, multi-channel sound systems, robotics, and interactive computing to prototype responsive installations.
Skills workshops: Build expertise in both digital and analogue methods, integrating hardware and software for dynamic design projects.
Cluster-led projects: Collaborate in small teams with shared research interests, guided by two tutors, to develop and test design-research projects.
Public exhibition & performance: Present your final project at the Bartlett Fifteen Show or live demo events, showcasing your interactive installations and performances.
Field trips: Gain creative inspiration and exposure to different cultural and environmental settings.
Interdisciplinary resources: Work alongside experts in electronics, computation, performance studies, and architecture through the Interactive Architecture Lab.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this MArch leave with a unique combination of design, performance, and technical skills, opening doors to careers such as interaction designer, performance architect, experiential designer, or creative technologist. Many also find roles in immersive media studios, research labs, or as consultants for events and interactive installations.

UCL supports your career journey in several ways:

Career support: Access to UCL Careers and Bartlett’s specialist services, including portfolio advice, networking events, and workshops tailored to creative and built-environment sectors.
Graduate outcomes: A high proportion of Bartlett graduates secure work or continue studies within 15 months of graduation.
Industry connections: Strong links with design, technology, and architecture firms give opportunities to collaborate, showcase work, and build professional networks.
Long-term value: While not a traditional RIBA/ARB Part 2, the degree equips you with highly sought-after skills in interactive and performance-driven design.
Global opportunities: Alumni work internationally across creative, research, and technology-driven sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MArch, you could pursue a PhD in interactive systems, performance architecture, or immersive media. Alternatively, you could continue with postgraduate diplomas or specialized master’s programs in human-computer interaction, spatial computing, or digital performance, building further on your technical and creative expertise.