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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) User Experience Design

Inês Araújo, 2020. BA (Hons) Information and Interface Design, UAL.
College
London College of Communication
UCAS code
I140
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years

BA (Hons) User Experience Design is a digitally focused, practice-based course. You'll explore user experience (UX) and user interface design (UID) for current and emerging technologies.

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

  • You will discover the significant role design has in crafting the digital interfaces, platforms and emerging technologies that impact our daily lives.
  • Learn to specialise in the use of a various techniques, methods and materials that enable you to be a hands-on creative practitioner and maker.
  • You will build interfaces using prototyping tools and web technologies, master and manipulate data with code and create sensor-driven interactive environments and artefacts.
  • You will be encouraged to develop as an individual and practitioner through challenging briefs and contact with highly skilled staff, numerous visiting lecturers and industry partners.
  • Throughout the course you will develop a rigorous foundation of knowledge and critical analysis skills that enable you to contribute to debates on contemporary issues in design and wider fields.

Open Days

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

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Follow

@uxdlcc

Course overview

BA (Hons) User Experience Design is a practice-based, enquiry-led course that explores human-centred experiences and context for user-informed design intervention.

You will develop as a creative individual, agile collaborator, and thoughtful practitioner by engaging with challenging briefs, emerging digital technology, peer learning and collaboration while interacting with expert staff, visiting lecturers and industry partners.

What to expect

  • Diverse perspectives: Underpinned by practical, theoretical and technical knowledge, you’ll gain critical analysis skills to develop your perspectives on contemporary visual, phenomenal, material, and cultural issues at the intersection of design, technology and humanities.
  • Communicating complexities: You'll develop techniques for organising and structuring content and functionality to support the communication of user experience to specific audiences, and learn how to apply visual elements, principles and systems as narratives to clearly communicate complex ideas.
  • Experiment and explore: You’ll experiment and iterate throughout the design process, engaging in meaningful enquiry, ideation, and prototyping. You’ll also explore visual communication for a range of user experiences and intervention scales using emerging technology and digital fabrication.
  • Research and enquiry: You'll conduct ethnographic research and contextual enquiry to inform the human-centred design process – analysing and synthesising qualitative data to reveal insights about users, needs and behaviour, along with experiential context.
  • Graduate destinations: By developing interdisciplinary, practical and transferable skills between digital and analogue media, you’ll produce solutions relevant to careers across the creative industries, or to further postgraduate study.

Industry experiences and opportunities

Throughout your studies, you’ll have opportunities to work on industry and live briefs that reflect the value of young designers, and be encouraged to take a critical and experimental approach. You’ll work with partners from the creative industries as well as professionals and experts from various fields that can benefit from user experience design. The course is in regular contact with businesses in the creative and technology sectors who are recruiting for graduate schemes and junior design roles.

Guest speakers are regularly invited to provide insight and advice to students, and there is also an opportunity for a short exchange with a European institution.

Mode of Study

BA (Hons) User Experience Design 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.

In common with all courses at the University of the Arts London, this course is credit-rated. The course is 3 years, levels 4-6. Each year requires you to achieve 120 credit points. To be awarded the BA (Hons) User Experience Design qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits. 

Year 1

Introduction to User Experience Design (20 credits)

This unit introduces you to the subject specialisms of BA (Hons) User Experience Design, as well as to effective learning and studentship at undergraduate level.

It will orientate you to the practices and knowledge needed to understand your discipline and help you to develop your skills for independent and collaborative learning, reflection and your own self development.

Visual Communication (40 credits)

This unit will introduce you to graphic design elements and principles, visual language, digital composition and systems thinking in the context of user experience.

You’ll apply visual communication in the context of designing for user experience and conveying clear and effective messaging for an intended audience.

Human-centred Design Process (40 credits)

This unit introduces the concepts and practices that shape the non-linear, human-centred design process for creative problem-solving.

You’ll confront the roles of ambiguity, empathy, iteration, and ‘learning-from-failure' to innovate solutions informed by users, while design activities will challenge you to understand and find inspiration from users, ideate based on user insights, and develop solutions that meaningfully address user needs.

Contextual and Theoretical Studies (20 credits)

This unit introduces you to histories, theories and debates in relation to user experience design and visual and material culture.

You'll focus on the development of 20th- and 21st-century ideas in design, and explore the common themes and cross-fertilisations that occur between theory and culture.

Year 2

Enquiry in Design for User Experience (40 credits)

This unit introduces you to interactive data visualisation, which both technically and conceptually builds upon the long-established practice of information design.

You'll interrogate selected data sets and produce interactive visualisations that enhance understanding and communication.

Digital Products: Prototype and Realisation (40 credits)

You’ll experiment and iterate in the design process to prototype user experiences within the context of digital products.

You'll consider a range of methods and materials as you explore the practice of ’making-as-enquiry', along with the role of digital fabrication for the rapid prototype of digital products and experiences.

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 2 (20 credits)

The aim of this unit is to develop broader knowledge and understanding of the historical, social, practical, theoretical and cultural ideas, practices and phenomena of contemporary culture, design, art and media in its broadest sense (from architecture to sound design).

You'll have the opportunity to further contextualise aspects of art, media, design and social theory by focusing upon a specific option and by writing a Thesis Proposal.

Professional Practice (20 credits)

This unit gives you the opportunity to collaborate with design students from other courses on a live industry brief.

Year 3

There are 2 pathway options in Term 1and Term 2 of Year 3. One route involves a longer piece of written work (Route A), while the other route combines a shorter piece of written work and a Competition Project (Route B).

Craft of the Creative Proposal (40 credits)

In this unit, you’ll develop your ability to work in a self-directed context and craft a project proposal for creative study in a practical user experience design topic of your choice.

You’ll articulate the rationale and significance of your research question, and demonstrate the validity of proposed methods that shape your project. You'll engage in initial planning activities that consider the scope, scale, and limitations for effective project management, which will be realised in the following unit.

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3: Route A (40 credits)
or Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3: Route B (20 credits)

These units are the culmination of the Contextual and Theoretical Studies component of your course. They will provide you with the opportunity to utilise the knowledge and analytical skills acquired in relation to visual culture and critical theory in the realisation of a self-determined piece of written work.

Competition Project: Route B (20 credits)

If you elect to undertake a (Route B) 20-credit dissertation, this unit offers the chance to engage in an additional selected design competition project.

You'll be presented with a range of briefs selected from design awards schemes and other calls for entry to established arts festivals or residencies.

Final Project: Routes A and B (40 credits)

This unit marks the realisation of your creative proposal developed in the previous unit. You’ll engage in a human-centred design process and apply practical, theoretical and technical knowledge to hone the skills necessary to realise and communicate a design solution.

This project outcome is an important part of your design portfolio, and is usually displayed at the annual graduate exhibition.

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) User Experience Design (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Self-directed
  • Independent study
  • Collaborative, peer learning

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

  • The Sentiment of Flowers
    The Sentiment of Flowers, Mara Vuic, 2023 BA (Hons) User Experience Design, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Graduate Showcase: Amara Belton
    Amara Belton, 2021 BA (Hons) Information and Interface Design, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Listen To Me
    Listen To Me, Jeyna Lim, 2021 BA (Hons) Information and Interface Design, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Lost and Found: Celebrating the Trans-Cultural
    Lost and Found: Celebrating the Trans-Cultural, Christine Zhang, 2021 BA (Hons) Information and Interface Design, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Testosterone Poisoning
    Testosterone Poisoning, Justas Bendaravicius, 2021 BA (Hons) Information and Interface Design, London College of Communication, UAL
  • MOD3L
    MOD3L, Gabriel Quinton, 2021 BA (Hons) Information and Interface Design, London College of Communication, UAL

Student work

  • Kimberley-Tan-Blindspotting01.png
    Blindspotting by Kimberley Tan, BA (Hons) User Experience Design.
  • Kristina-Iankova-Journey-to-the-Centre-of-the-Internet-brochure.jpg
    Journey to the Centre of the Internet brochure by Kristina Iankova, BA (Hons) User Experience Design.
  • Kristina-Iankova-Journey-to-the-Centre-of-the-Internet-Installation.jpg
    Journey to the Centre of the Internet installation by Kristina Iankova, BA (Hons) User Experience Design.
  • Mai-Elamin-Exhibit-min-1-scaled.jpg
    Stand for Sudan exhibit by Mai Elamin, BA (Hons) User Experience Design.
  • BAIID5ImageJohnFassWeb.jpg
  • Mateusz-Gryta.jpg
    Mateusz Gryta, 2020. BA (Hons) Information and Interface Design, UAL.
  • Winona-Sarah-Er.jpg
    Winona Sara Er, 2020. BA (Hons) Information and Interface Design, UAL.
  • BAIID4ImageJohnFassWeb.jpg
  • Vishal-Mayo.jpg
    Vishal Mayo, 2020. BA (Hons) Information and Interface Design, UAL.
  • Fabio-Amelia-Dance-Score.jpg
    Behind the scenes of Fabio Amelia’s DanceScore project. A system designed as an easy and quick way of creating a visual representation of a dance choreography.

Course playlist

Hauntology

Work by Luke Whetton.

Paintings and Books

Work by Ying-Ting Chiu.

Exposing Unsecured CCTV Interface Film

Work by Fisnik Islami.

Student voice: Kimron Bansel

Graduate Kimron Bansel talks through her final major project and her time studying at London College of Communication.

Student voice: Giulia Monterrosa

Meet Giulia Monterrosa, a recent graduate of BA (Hons) User Experience Design. Here Giulia explains her project and talks about her time on the 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.

  • Student reading a book in between two bookshelves in the Library
    Students in the Digital Space. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    The Digital Space

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

  • Students using the computers in the Digital Space
    Student in Creative Technology Lab, 2020. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Tim Boddy

    Creative Technology Lab

    A multi-purpose space that supports students with: Creative Coding, Physical Computing, Projection Mapping, Games, and Virtual Reality.

Staff

Contextual and Theoretical Studies Coordinator

Dr Ian Hague

Visiting Lecturers

Teaching on BA (Hons) User Experience Design is complemented by visiting lectures from a range of industry practitioners working across the design spectrum. Previous guest lecturers so far have included the likes of Max Gadney from design agency After the Flood and Hem Patel of Signal Noise.

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 direct 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)
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subject: Digital and Creative Media, Film and Production, Computing)
  • 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, along with the details on your UCAS application (including the academic reference and your personal statement) will be assessed against the following criteria:

  • Visual language: quality of structure, use of line, shape - 2D or 3D, form, scale, space, light, colour, texture and time.
  • Ideas generation: quality of ideas and thought process, expression of design thinking.
  • Research and its application (including images from sketch books): evidence of investigation and use of appropriate resources.
  • Materials, media exploration and experimentation; experimentation and testing of materials to achieve outcomes.
  • Contextual awareness and its influence on the portfolio; understanding and application of subject knowledge and context.

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:

I140

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:

I140

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 unfinished pieces as well as work from completed projects to demonstrate your developmental process
  • incorporate visual research, sketchbooks, or journals that provide valuable insights into your creative process
  • demonstrate your interest, skills and enthusiasm for the field.

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

Careers include:

  • Interface Designer
  • UX/UI Designer
  • Digital Designer
  • Interactive Designer
  • Information Designer
  • Motion Graphic Designer
  • Digital Producer
  • Digital Project Manager
  • Digital Creative
  • Digital Art Director
  • Usability Consultant
  • Creative Technologist
  • Communications Writer
  • Social / Media Planner
  • Head of Design / Creative Director
  • Editorial Designer
  • Design Researcher