UX Design Courses
Explore courses tailored for Beginner, Intermediate, and Senior UX Designers.
Beginner Level
The primary goal for aspiring UX designers at the beginner stage is to build a strong foundation in the fundamental principles, processes, and tools of the field. Education at this level focuses on establishing a solid understanding of the user-centered design philosophy and the iterative nature of the UX design process, often aiming to make learners job-ready for entry-level positions.
Google UX Design Professional Certificate
Google (via Coursera)
Topics: End-to-end UX process, Research, Personas, Journey Maps, Wireframing, Prototyping, Testing, Portfolio, AI
Audience: Beginners, No prerequisites
Format: Online, Self-paced
Duration: ~6 months (10 hrs/wk)
Cost: ~$300 ($49/month sub)
Certification/Outcome: Google Pro Cert, Portfolio, Potential College Credit, Employer Network
User Experience: The Beginner's Guide (Ex.)
Interaction Design Foundation (IDF)
Topics: UX definition, Roles, Methods, Portfolio Intro, Design Thinking
Audience: Beginners, Aspiring Designers
Format: Online, Self-paced
Duration: ~8 weeks (~24 hrs total)
Cost: $180-$264/year ($15-$22/month)
Certification/Outcome: IDF Course Cert, Portfolio elements
User Experience Design Fundamentals (J. Natoli) (Ex.)
Udemy
Topics: UX Process, Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, User Psychology
Audience: Beginners
Format: Online, Self-paced
Duration: ~10 hours total
Cost: $15-$30 (sale price)
Certification/Outcome: Certificate of Completion (Limited recognition)
Microsoft UX Design Professional Certificate
Microsoft (via Coursera)
Topics: Design Thinking, Research, IA, Prototyping, Testing, Wireframing, Accessibility
Audience: Beginners, No prerequisites
Format: Online, Self-paced
Duration: ~3-6 months
Cost: ~$300 ($49/month sub)
Certification/Outcome: Microsoft Pro Cert, Portfolio elements
Intermediate Level
Once a designer has grasped the fundamentals and gained some practical experience, the intermediate stage focuses on deepening expertise, mastering more complex techniques, and potentially beginning to specialize. Learning at this level builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired earlier, delving into more nuanced aspects of interaction, information structure, user psychology, and research.
User Research Methods, IA/IxD Paths (Ex.)
Interaction Design Foundation (IDF)
Topics: Adv. Qual/Quant Research, Usability Testing, IA Methods, IxD Patterns, Mobile UX, Accessibility, Agile UX
Audience: Intermediate Designers
Format: Online, Self-paced
Duration: Variable (e.g., 9 wks / ~32 hrs)
Cost: $180-$264/year ($15-$22/month)
Certification/Outcome: IDF Course Certs, Specialized Skills
Individual Courses (e.g., Usability Testing, IxD) + UX Cert
Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g)
Topics: Deep dives (Testing, IxD, IA, Web UX, Analytics, Psychology), Research-based practices
Audience: Intermediate/Advanced Profs
Format: Live (Virtual/In-Person), Full-Day
Duration: 5 Full Days (basic Cert)
Cost: $3,600 - $6,400+ (basic Cert)
Certification/Outcome: NN/g UX Cert (5 exams), Deep Specialization
IA Course, Research Path, IxD Skills (Ex.)
Uxcel
Topics: IA Principles, Navigation, Content Org., Research Methods, IxD Principles, UX Writing, Skill Tracking
Audience: All Levels (Intermediate)
Format: Online, Self-paced, Interactive
Duration: Variable (e.g., IA ~4 hrs)
Cost: $96-$288/year ($8-$24/month Pro)
Certification/Outcome: Uxcel Pro Certs, Skill Graph, Targeted Skills
User Experience Research and Design Specialization
Coursera (U. Michigan)
Topics: Research Methods, Prototyping, Evaluation, IxD, User-Centered Design Principles, Empathy Mapping
Audience: Intermediate Learners
Format: Online, Self-paced
Duration: ~3-6 months
Cost: ~$300 ($49/month sub)
Certification/Outcome: Coursera Specialization Cert, Portfolio elements
Senior Level
For senior UX professionals (typically with 5+ years of experience), the focus of learning and development shifts significantly from hands-on execution towards strategic thinking, leadership, and demonstrating business impact. Education at this level often moves beyond standard technical courses to encompass specialized workshops, leadership programs, coaching, and advanced certifications that address the complexities of influencing product strategy, managing teams, and driving design maturity within an organization.
UX Management: Strategy & Tactics
Interaction Design Foundation (IDF)
Topics: Team Mgmt, UX Maturity, ROI, Agile/Lean UX, Process Mapping, Strategy
Audience: Senior Designers, Leads, Managers
Format: Online, Self-paced
Duration: ~8 weeks (~28 hrs total)
Cost: $180-$264/year ($15-$22/month)
Certification/Outcome: IDF Course Cert, Management/Strategy Skills
UX Master Certification / Mgmt Specialty
Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g)
Topics: Broad UX Expertise (Master), Deep Mgmt Skills (Specialty), Strategy, Research, Leadership
Audience: Experienced Professionals
Format: Live (Virtual/In-Person), Full-Day
Duration: 15 Days (Master) / 5+ Days (Specialty)
Cost: $10,000+ (Master) / $3,600+ (Specialty)
Certification/Outcome: NN/g Master Cert / Specialty Recognition, Premier Credential
UX Strategy
Bunnyfoot
Topics: Business Strategy Alignment, Business Models, Research Integration, Competitor Analysis, Monitoring
Audience: Experienced Profs, Leaders
Format: Intensive 1-Day (Live/Remote)
Duration: 1 Day
Cost: ~$750 + VAT (£595)
Certification/Outcome: Certificate of Completion, Practical Strategy Skills
Service Design Leadership Lab
Service Design Network (SDN)
Topics: Leading Self/Team/Org in Service Design, Empowerment, Mindset, Peer Learning
Audience: Service Design Leaders, Senior UX/SD
Format: Structured Modules, Interactive, Peer
Duration: ~2 Months + Follow-up
Cost: Premium (Not Specified)
Certification/Outcome: Advanced Service Design Leadership Skills, Network
Senior-to-Leader Program
Mags Hanley
Topics: Leadership Dev, People/Business/Strategy/Practice, Coaching, Stakeholder Mgmt, ROI
Audience: Mid-Career Designers -> Leaders
Format: Ongoing Workshops + Group/1:1 Coaching
Duration: 2 Years (Quarterly Modules)
Cost: $249-$349/month
Certification/Outcome: Leadership Skills, Defined Style, Personalized Support
Service Design Course
Uxcel
Topics: Service Design Principles, Process, Research, Ideation, Prototyping, Implementation
Audience: Advanced Learners
Format: Online, Self-paced, Interactive
Duration: ~4 hours total
Cost: $96-$288/year ($8-$24/month Pro)
Certification/Outcome: Uxcel Cert, Service Design Knowledge