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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Design Management

Exhibition view of student work.
Lewis Bush, BA (Hons) Design Management, London College of Communication, UAL.
College
London College of Communication
UCAS code
W202
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years

BA (Hons) Design Management empowers its students by working with 3 key areas of design management: production, facilitation and strategy. We focus on understanding, creating, and communicating design processes through design-led research.

Re-approval

Please note this course is undergoing re-approval. This is the process by which we ensure the course continues to provide a high-quality academic experience. During re-approval there may be some changes to the course content displayed on this page. Please contact us if you have any questions about the course.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • Multidisciplinary and process-driven: We apply 3 cornerstones of production, facilitation and strategy to address complex design challenges with empathy, insight, agility, ethics and contextual intelligence. We offer a creative and experiential approach to the study and practice of design, problem-solving, business and leadership, global cultures, innovation and sustainability. Understanding and finessing a multidisciplinary and process-driven technique is the route to success at undergraduate level.
  • Strong industry links and collaboration: We engage in live industry collaborations, with input from and design briefs set by design and branding agencies; non-profit organisations; research, strategy and marketing departments; start-ups and financial tech companies. We encourage our students to proactively develop their industry connections throughout their studies with research-focused networking and both employ and invite industry professionals to share their experiences in guest lectures and critiques.
  • Excellent graduate employment and postgraduate progression: With an active network of recent alumni, we are a course that produces highly motivated and employable graduates with a future-focused skill set.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will be announced soon.

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Course overview

On BA (Hons) Design Management you will gain valuable insights into how design management is expanding in complex and changing contemporary contexts, while applying your skills and knowledge through a diversity of live projects. 

The key areas of creative practice, business/management, and cultural research come together in this curriculum to develop innovative and critical thinkers.

You'll have access to the College’s extensive range of resources; from academic support, student employment and career opportunities, to technical workshops, like printmaking, 3D and digital media. 

What to expect

  • Seminars to investigate the role of design in society, networks, business, organisations, cultures and contexts that give design its multiple meanings.
  • Practical projects and workshops, to provide immersive experiences of the design process: from research methods to defining and reframing problems, developing briefs, brainstorming, prototyping, testing, delivery and assessing effectiveness.
  • Theory, frameworks and strategic tools drawn from a broad range of design, business and humanities disciplines mean that you'll build your practice with hands-on projects, crits and collaborations.
  • Collaboration –  live projects and collaborative involvement with industry.  
  • Management skills – communication, presentation, critical reflection, scoping briefs, live research and feedback, budgeting, time management, team working.
  • Design principles: visual thinking, ideation, working with multiple mediums (print, objects, images, video, sound, web) and exhibitions. 
  • Student Exchanges – The course has a strong global emphasis through its cross-cultural approach to course content, projects, and international partnerships. You will have the opportunity to participate in a student exchange programme that offers students the possibility of studying in another country for one or two terms. We have an agreement with IADE Lisbon and BA Advertising at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Design.
  • Industry Projects – There is an emphasis on strategic and socially engaged design and real-world projects with agencies, research and strategy organisations, non-profits and councils. 

Industry experience and opportunities

We are industry-focused and regularly set projects that enable you to work with professionals, diverse organisations and companies. Recent collaborations have included projects with Human After All, Rufus Leonard, Two Igloos, WaterAid, Southwark Council, Ourscreen and the BFI (British Film Institute), 11FS and Dulwich Picture Gallery. 

Design management embraces a multiplicity of roles including project manager, account manager, brand manager, researcher, strategist, studio and office manager, service designer, strategic designer; art director, business manager, as well as Public Relations, marketing, business development, human resources, Corportate Social Responsibility (CSR) and operational roles.

Students have the opportunity to take part in initiatives such as Talent Works. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake the Diploma in Professional Studies or the Diploma in Creative Computing between Years 2 and 3 to enhance your learning experience and employability skills.

Mode of study

BA (Hons) Design Management runs for 93 weeks in full-time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 31 weeks.

Course units

We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework, and we have worked to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Racial and Social Justice Principles into the curriculum and in everything we do.

As part of this initiative, we’ve shaped our courses around social and environmental sustainability principles that ensure learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip you with the understanding, skills, and values to foster a more sustainable planet.  Our aim is to change the way our students think, and to empower you to work towards a sustainable future. 

The course is 3 years, levels 4-6. Each year requires you to achieve 120 credit points. Years 1 and 2 must be passed to enter into Year 3. Your degree is attained through full completion of the third year. To be awarded the BA (Hons) Design Management qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits. You will be expected to commit an average of 40 hours per week to your course, including teaching hours and independent study.

Year 1

Introduction to Design Management (20 units)
Creative Industries and Economy (20 units)
Design Principles (20 Units)
Contextual and Theoretical Studies 1 (20 units)
Locating Design Management Practices (40 units)

Introduces foundational knowledge, essential skills and practices to explore the breadth of disciplines, connections and convergences of design, business and cultures. We position the discipline of design management in historical, socio-economic and cultural contexts.

Year 2

Professional Practices (20 credits)
Marketing Communications and Cultures (20 credits)​
Design Thinking and Doing (20 credits)
Contextual and Theoretical Studies 2 (20 credits)
Design Management and Change (20 credits)
Interdisciplinary Projects and Practices (20 credits)

The second year will consolidate and expand on your experience with a number of industry briefs that encourage collaborative working and development of professional competencies.

Gaining knowledge and learning through doing, you will explore design management roles and mindsets in a diverse range of social, cultural and industry contexts.

Year 3

The final year allows you to self-direct and pursue your interests through supported independent study. It will encourage confidence and self-inquiry to choose your future path within the industry, or progress onto postgraduate study. 

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 (40 credits)

This unit is a 8000-10,000 word thesis on a subject of your choice in negotiation with your tutor.

Leadership and Futures (20 credits)

In this unit, the class produces an industry facing event on a relevant contemporary theme. You consider your career path as you develop a professional profile, portfolio of work and action plan for the future.

Major Project (60 credits)

This unit is the culmination of your degree. It consists of two collaborative industry projects and a larger independent self-initiated project to enable you to develop greater rigour in the design process, project management skills, and delivery and presentation of your design project.

Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3

Between Years 2 and 3 of your course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following qualifications:

Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) (Optional)

An optional, year-long learning opportunity which enables you to develop your professional skills by undertaking time out for industry experience. Supported throughout the year by academics, you’ll build on the knowledge gained on your course in a range of national or international locations, and graduate with an additional qualification of Diploma in Professional Studies.

Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)

Between Years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Design Management (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Studio-based learning activities
  • Workshop and seminar learning
  • Lectures/large group learning
  • Academic tutorials
  • Self-directed learning
  • Co-design and co-curation
  • Outside speakers and visits
  • Assessed assignments

Online Open Day

Course Leader, Robert Urquhart, gives an overview of studying BA (Hons) Design Management.

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

  • Let's Talk Circular
    Let's Talk Circular, Gemma Louisa Adeler-Bjarno Holdaway, 2023 BA (Hons) Design Management, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Re-imagining Waste Management in the Philippines
    Re-imagining Waste Management in the Philippines, Andrea Concha, 2023 BA (Hons) Design Management, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Art Site London
    Art Site London, Alexandra Hochguertel, 2021 BA (Hons) Design Management, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Future Neighbour
    Future Neighbour, Megana Mikuciauskaite, 2021 BA (Hons) Design Management, London College of Communication, UAL
  • my.SKINSAGE - Transparency in Sustainable Beauty
    my.SKINSAGE - Transparency in Sustainable Beauty, Jemma Hussey, 2021 BA (Hons) Design Management, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Systems design: holistic healthcare in Hong Kong
    Systems design: holistic healthcare in Hong Kong, Christy Ho, 2021 BA (Hons) Design Management, London College of Communication, UAL

Course films

What is BA (Hons) Design Management?

We speak to Senior Lecturer Mo-Ling, current students and graduates about their experiences.

Graduate stories

Kristin Hall

Kristin is a graduate from BA (Hons) Design Management. Kristin works in local government as a policy designer, and also as a freelance creative manager.

Valentine del Giudice

Since graduating a few years ago Valentine has gone on to develop her own app, SSShake, which is an international cross-disciplinary network growing at a rapid pace.

Student voices

David Povilaika

David speaks about his project Tred, a networking app designed with young professionals in mind.

Amelia Lyng

Amelia tells us about her final year project which was an app developed around sustainability.

Judea Faith

Student voices

Judea tells us about her project aimed to get local people involved in place making in Elephant and Castle.

Student work

  • design-management-cultures-gallery-image-lewis-bush-600x900.jpg
    DIY catalogue, 2016. Image © Lewis Bush
  • ba-design-management-cultures-vr-headset-600x900.jpg
    VR prototype, major projects 2017. Image © Lewis Bush
  • ba-design-management-olderpreneur-lewis-bush-600x900.jpg
    Oldepreneurs hipster toolkit by Rebecca Kassab, 2017. Image © Lewis Bush
  • ba-design-management-lewis-bush.jpg
    Interactive lounge at BA (Hons) Design Management and Cultures final show, 2017. Image © Lewis Bush
  • ba-design-management-cultures-lightbox-image-lewis-bush-600x900.jpg
    GeoGenius, a game by Stella Adamidou, 2017. Image © Lewis Bush
  • corner-shop-dmc-judea-chung-lewis-bush.jpg
    Ordinary Goods by Judea Chung. Reimagining the global corner shop, degree shows 2019. Image © Lewis Bush

Course stories

Facilities

  • Student soldering in the Creative Technology Lab
    Student in Creative Technology Lab, 2020. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Tim Boddy

    3D Workshop

    View images and find out about the range of tools and technologies on offer.

  • A close-up of the moveable type available in the Letterpress area.
    Image © Lewis Bush

    Printing and Finishing

    Discover our printing techniques, from Lithographic Printing to Print Finishing and Bookbinding.

  • The Digital Space, London College of Communication.
    Image © Ana Escobar

    The Digital Space

    The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds from all over the world. The course attracts students who apply directly from A-level (or equivalent) or from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses, as well as mature students who may have previously worked in industry.

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

80 UCAS tariff points, which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications:

  • A Levels at grade C or above (preferred subjects include: English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences).
  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4).
  • Merit, Merit, Pass at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Art and Design, IT & Computing, Media).
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subject: Digital and Creative Media, Film and Production, Computing, Humanities and Social Sciences).
  • OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum 

And GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

If you do not meet these entry requirements but your application demonstrates additional strengths and alternative relevant experience, you may still be considered. This could include:

  • Related academic or work experience;
  • The quality of the personal statement;
  • A strong academic or other professional reference;
  • A combination of these factors.

Each application will be considered on its own merit. We cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

  • IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

All classes are taught in English. If English isn’t your first language, you will need to show evidence of your English language ability when you enrol. For further guidance, please check our English language requirements.

Selection criteria

The portfolio/body of work, along with the details on your UCAS application (including the academic reference and your personal statement) will be assessed against the following criteria:

  • A strong interest in and appreciation of the subject area: Design Management and Cultures
  • An understanding of the need for a critical and analytical approach to the area of study
  • An approach suited to the demands of the course and the projected career futures
  • Ideas generation: quality of ideas and thought process, expression of design thinking

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

Home students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W202

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

International students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W202

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit these via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum 20 pages
  • include samples of relevant work such as images, essays, reports, professional or research projects, sketches, photography etc. Whether you’re from a design or non-design background, we’re interested in seeing a wide range of work
  • demonstrate your interest, understanding and skills in design management.

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2024. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

BA (Hons) Design Management empowers you with the future-proof skillsets needed to become active creatives who can use design to drive positive cultural, social, business and environmental change.

Career opportunities for graduates include strategists, production managers, researchers, start-up founders, design consultants, entrepreneurs, marketing managers, designers and future organisational leaders.

There are also opportunities to study for further professional qualifications or postgraduate degrees at LCC, such as MA Design Management or MA Service Design.