Master in Design for Immersive Experiences and XR
Master in Design for Immersive Experiences and XR
GO BEYOND SURFACES. BUILD EXPERIENCES.
GO BEYOND SURFACES. BUILD EXPERIENCES.
The Master in Design for Immersive Experiences and XR (MDes) is a 10-month, full-time, in-person program in Madrid that trains students to create interactive, human-centered immersive experiences across physical and digital spaces. Using a hands-on, studio-based approach, students work with XR, spatial computing, human-computer interaction, real-time graphics, sound and motion design, and AI, building a portfolio that blends storytelling, technology, and experience design.
Ideal for designers, technologists, and creative professionals, the program emphasizes hybrid environments, embodied interaction, inclusive narratives, and social impact. Students gain industry exposure through learning trips to Barcelona and Namur, connecting with leading festivals like OFFF and KIKK and international creative studios.
Offered by IE School of Architecture and Design, MDes provides global faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and a network of professionals shaping the future of immersive experiences.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
FROM THE ACADEMIC DIRECTOR: INSIDE THE MASTER IN DESIGN FOR IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES AND XR
FROM THE ACADEMIC DIRECTOR: INSIDE THE MASTER IN DESIGN FOR IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES AND XR
CONNECTED TO INDUSTRY FROM DAY ONE
CONNECTED TO INDUSTRY FROM DAY ONE
KIKK Festival
A top European festival for digital and creative culture; students attend with PRO Passes, gaining access to talks, networking, and immersive exhibitions, with future opportunities to exhibit their own work.
OFFF Festival
A major international event in Barcelona for digital artists and studios; students attend via an Industry Immersion Trip, joining masterclasses and studio visits in creative technology and immersive design.
XR4Europe
A key European XR network and Horizon Europe partner; provides students access to EU-level projects, guest lectures, and events, expanding their professional exposure in immersive technologies.
Madrid in Game
An initiative by the City of Madrid supporting the interactive media sector; connects students with the local creative tech ecosystem through events and collaboration opportunities.
Venture Lab
IE University’s startup accelerator, offering students mentorship, resources, and support to develop entrepreneurial projects in immersive and interactive design.
EY STUDIO+
The experience design and innovation practice within Ernst & Young; connects students with real-world applications of XR and AI through industry challenges, guest experts, professional events, and potential employability opportunities within a global business transformation ecosystem.
THE STUDIO APPROACH
THE STUDIO APPROACH
The studio-based Master in Design for Immersive Experiences & XR is grounded in making, testing, and collaboration.
BUILD
Develop immersive installations, XR environments, and interactive systems using Unity, Unreal Engine, TouchDesigner, spatial computing platforms, sensors, and AI-assisted workflows.
ITERATE
Refine projects through structured critique and real-world testing. Improvement is measured through clarity, experiential quality, accessibility, and sustainability.
CO-CREATE
Faculty, partners, and collaborators shape your process. Feedback extends beyond the classroom into festivals, labs, and industry environments.
CLEAR COMMITMENTS, REAL OUTCOMES.
CLEAR COMMITMENTS, REAL OUTCOMES.
AT A GLANCE: THE MASTER IN DESIGN FOR IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES & XR
AT A GLANCE: THE MASTER IN DESIGN FOR IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES & XR
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
- Designers entering immersive experience design and XR design.
- Creative technologists strengthening design intent and experience craft.
- Architects, spatial designers, and 3D artists expanding into real-time environments.
- Professionals repositioning into creative technology.
- Hybrid profiles and diverse entry points are supported.
WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?
- Immersive design as a cultural and technical medium.
- You will create and prototype interactive worlds using Unity, Unreal Engine, TouchDesigner, and spatial computing, grounded in human-computer and embodied interaction.
- Projects integrate interactive installations, generative AI, and responsible, inclusive design. Tools support experience, behavior, and impact, not just code.
HOW WILL LEARNING HAPPEN?
- Studio modules move from research to prototype to refinement.
- Projects are tested, critiqued, and improved.
- Partner briefs and public-facing activations shape development.
- The emphasis remains on building functioning immersive systems with measurable progress.
WHAT ARE LONG-TERM CAREER OPPORTUNITIES?
- Immersive technologies increasingly operate across cultural institutions, public space, gaming ecosystems, retail environments, and education platforms in cities such as Barcelona and Madrid.
- Organizations seek designers who understand spatial computing, real-time environments, and embodied interaction.
- The Master in Design for Immersive Experiences & XR supports adaptability through portfolio proof, technical fluency, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and responsible design integration.
OUR LAB ECOSYSTEM
OUR LAB ECOSYSTEM
Our facilities and partners operate as a cohesive ecosystem with hands-on experience and industry impact, supporting design for immersive experiences and XR (MDES).
- Saúl NúñezSenior Manager of Global Recruitment
ANY DOUBTS?
Please contact our program specialist for personalized advice on your specific case.
Frequently Asked questions
Frequently Asked questions
What is immersive experience design?
Immersive experience design focuses on creating interactive environments that integrate spatial design, real-time 3D systems, narrative, and human-computer interaction to shape presence and participation.
What is XR design?
XR design refers to Extended Reality design, including virtual, augmented, and mixed reality environments built through spatial computing and interactive technologies.
Do I need coding experience?
Prior coding experience is not required. Technical fluency develops through structured studio production and guided experimentation.
Which tools are taught?
Unity, Unreal Engine, TouchDesigner, spatial computing systems, real-time 3D engines, interactive sensors, and AI-assisted workflows.
What kind of portfolio will I graduate with?
A portfolio including immersive installations, XR prototypes, and interactive real-time systems demonstrating conceptual clarity and execution.
What careers align with this program?
Immersive experience designer, XR designer, creative technologist, real-time 3D designer, interaction designer, immersive installation designer, and innovation-focused roles across culture, entertainment, education, retail, and technology sectors.