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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts


College
London College of Communication
UCAS code
W280
Start date
September 2023
Course length
3 years

BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts is a practice-led, dynamic and exploratory course examining the relationship between people and experiences through experimental technologies and processes.

Apply to start in September 2023 

This course has places available. Read our Guide to applying for a course starting this September through UCAS Extra. For a full list of UAL courses open for 2023/24 entry, visit the Courses with places available page.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will take place on Friday 16 June. Book your place.

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Follow

@IntDesArts

Course overview

BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts is a multidisciplinary design course, working with multiple mediums to craft purposeful communication and experience. Students are encouraged to actively play as they pursue projects through a core methodology of research, testing and iterative prototyping.

This is a practice-led course that explores the communicative potential of physical experience. Focusing on the relationships between people, designed objects and experiences, students will work with interaction, narrative and moving image, alongside processes such as design prototyping, film-making, coding and physical computing.

You will develop a personal perspective from which to answer complex design problems, embracing approaches such as critical design and exploring design for social change.

What to expect

  • Working within the philosophy of 'high-tech, low-tech and no-tech', students are encouraged to pursue projects that put people at the centre of their design and arts practice. As well as developing personal work, students have the opportunity to regularly collaborate with local communities on long-term human-centred projects.
  • Our specialist studios are constructed as a designer’s playground that will nurture and encourage creativity and learning, through the formation of a community of practice. There is also access to traditional media such as letterpress, printmaking and photography.
  • Drawing on a tradition of dynamism, exploration, prototyping and experimentation, students on BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts are taught that the only boundaries are those set by the imagination and that creative ideas hold sway over technology.
  • Students on the course understand that design impacts the world at large and that they have a responsibility for the wider issues of sustainability and social inclusiveness.

Industry experience and opportunities

You will graduate from the course able to approach industry with the confidence of being able to negotiate many specialisms across the full media spectrum. You'll leave with a wide range of technical, intellectual and design skills that will ensure that you're ready to work in this challenging and exciting area of contemporary design.

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) Interaction Design Arts runs for 93 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 33 weeks.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

In 2019, UAL declared a Climate Emergency. In response, LCC's Design School set an ambitious Sustainability Action Plan in place to fully embed responsible practices within 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) Interaction Design Arts qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits. 

Year 1

Introduction to Interaction Design Arts (20 credits) 

Through academic reflection, writing and practical workshops, this unit will equip you with essential skills that will give you the confidence to navigate through the course and College and to help you begin to develop a personal approach to your work.

Exploration and Play (40 credits) 

​​Focuses on learning and discovery through practical activities and projects. It introduces core design principles and explores play as a method of research, experimentation and design.

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 1 (20 credits) 

Through academic writing, lectures and seminars, this unit introduces you to histories, theories and debates in relation to information and interface design and visual and material culture.

High Tech, Low Tech, No Tech (40 credits) 

Introduces you to design through materials, prototypes and diegetics. This media-agnostic unit invites you to consider technologically and materially appropriate design solutions to studio projects.

Year 2

Desire Lines and Affordance (40 credits) 

​This unit is intensive and designed to introduce you to subject specific processes and techniques involved in interaction and design. It deals with design in the lived environment; how people and users interact with the world around them and encourages you to reach beyond the studio for research and inspiration.

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 2 (20 credits) 

Through academic writing, lectures and seminars in this unit, you will have the opportunity to further contextualise various aspects of art and design theory in its broadest sense, by focusing on specific options.

Professional Practices (20 credits) 

​This unit seeks to extend your knowledge of the creative, cultural and design industries, providing you with opportunities to work on live project as you continue to develop your design practice in mixed-discipline and collaborative teams.

Expanded Cinema and Physical Computing (40 credits) 

This unit is designed to further aid and develop the work and concepts introduced in the previous unit. The unit encourages you to experiment and push new media and technologies to their limits. The unit is also highly spatial and technical, looking at programming, sensors and computing in a real-world context.

Year 3

Route A:

Major Studio Project (60 credits) 

The Major Studio Project is undertaken by all third year students and generally consists of three individual briefs, which you chose. It is the culmination of the course and provides you with the opportunity to utilise all of your practical, critical and analytical skills in the realisation of projects related to the development of your individual portfolio.

Minor Studio Project (20 credits) 

The Minor Studio Project is self-initiated; emphasising research and the identification of appropriate intellectual and practical methodologies to support your outcomes.

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 (40 credits) 

This unit is the culmination of the Contextual and Theoretical Studies component of the course. It provides you with the opportunity to utilise all your knowledge and analytical skills related to visual theory, in the realisation of a self-determined extended piece of writing of 8,000-10,000 words.

Route B:

Major Studio Project (60 credits) 

The Major Studio Project is undertaken by all third year students and generally consists of three individual briefs, which you chose. It is the culmination of the course and provides you with the opportunity to utilise all your practical, critical and analytical skills in the realisation of projects related to the development of your individual portfolio.

Minor Studio Project (2x 20 credits)

The Minor Studio Project is self-initiated; emphasising research and the identification of appropriate intellectual and practical methodologies to support your outcomes. One Minor Studio Project is undertaken by all third year students.
If you decide to do the Route B (CTS 3 unit of 5000 words instead of 10,000), you will do two of these Minor Studio Projects.

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 (20 credits) 

This unit is the culmination of the Contextual and Theoretical Studies component of the course, and provides you with the opportunity to utilise all your knowledge and analytical skills related to visual theory in the realisation of a self-determined extended piece of writing of 4,000-5,000 words.

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) Interaction Design Arts (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures/large group learning
  • Workshop and seminar learning
  • Academic tutorials
  • Self directed learning
  • Outside speakers and visits
  • Assessed assignments

Online Open Day

Course Leader, Joel Karamth, gives an overview of studying BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts.

Graduate showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Graduate Showcase

  • Ephemera
    Ephemera, Laura Belli, 2021 BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Queer Chutzpah
    Queer Chutzpah, Lokesh Saini, 2021 BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Gospel in a BOKX
    Gospel in a BOKX, Haram Yu, 2021 BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts, London College of Communication, UAL
  • PAINTING OR PHOTOGRAPHY?
    PAINTING OR PHOTOGRAPHY?, Lucía Carrascoso , 2021 BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Ambivalence
    Ambivalence, SoYoung Kim, 2021 BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts, London College of Communication, UAL

Course playlist

Find out more about studying BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts

We speak to Course Leader Joel Karamath, current students and graduates about their experiences on the course.

The Joy of Sets workshop

A collaborative workshop between students on BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts and Scene Everything design duo, Joseph Popper and Nick Mortimer.

Student voices

Marta Ilacqua

Marta's interactive installation, Radical Soundscape, investigates the sensitivity of plants.

Lokesh Saini

Lokesh’s project ‘Queer Chutzpah’ is a series of portraits that reflects on the intersectionality of gender, sexuality and body image through the lens of South Asian Queer identity.

Katarzyna Sosnowska

Katarzyna’s short documentaries are about 3 Polish people who have experiences of immigration and their continued relationship with Poland.

Hyemin Kim

Graduate Hyemin’s interactive media installation invites people to revisit their infancy and forgotten creativity.

Dan Beaven

Graduate Dan talks about the projects he exhibited, as well as his time studying on the course and being part of a community at LCC.

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.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

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

£25,970 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

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, Media).
  • 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 3 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

Places available 2023/24 

This course has places available for 2023/24 entry. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

Apply for this course through Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS):

  • University code: U65
  • Course code: W280

London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 GMT on 25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Personal statement advice

This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in interaction design arts, and that you have thought carefully about why you want to study on this course.

You can demonstrate this through your previous work experience or study, personal experience and your ambitions for personal development as a student at LCC.

You should ensure it is written clearly, and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the team by demonstrating your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it will help you in the future.

State what you personally would bring to the course, and explain what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
  • Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

Referral to alternative UAL courses

The University operates a cross-referral system, where applicants can be considered for and offered a place on an alternative course, if the admissions tutor feels they are more suited to that course. If you wish to opt out of the cross-referral process you can do so at the application form stage.

Places available 2023/24 

This course has places available for 2023/24 entry. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

There are 2 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course:

You must apply through UCAS, where you will need the following information:

  • University code – U65
  • UCAS course code – W280

London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.

Further information on applying via UCAS is provided on the University Applying through UCAS page.

For full details on the application process, visit the Undergraduate Application page, and for further advice for international applicants, please visit the UAL International Application page.

Immigration history check

You will be asked to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. We will not be able to proceed with your application until you have submitted your completed Immigration History Form.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 GMT on 25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Personal statement advice

This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in interaction design arts, and that you have thought carefully about why you want to study on this course.

You can demonstrate this through your previous work experience or study, personal experience and your ambitions for personal development as a student at LCC.

You should ensure it is written clearly, and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the team by demonstrating your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it will help you in the future.

State what you personally would bring to the course, and explain what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
  • Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

If you are an International applicant and studying outside the UK, please complete your Direct application and then contact us via your UAL Portal to ask to be considered for Year 2/Year 3.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Referral to alternative UAL courses

The University operates a cross-referral system, where applicants can be considered for and offered a place on an alternative course, if the admissions tutor feels they are more suited to that course. If you wish to opt out of the cross-referral process you can do so at the application form stage.

Study abroad applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student.

Visit the Study Abroad page for details of how to apply.

After you apply

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

If you have achieved or expect to achieve the standard entry requirements we will consider you for a place on the course.

We make our offers based on the strength of the whole application, and therefore don’t routinely invite applicants to interview.

International applicants may be invited to an online interview. Interview details will be sent via the UAL Portal.

Please add @arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL.

Portfolio advice

Your portfolio of work is the most important part of your application, and you must clearly evidence development work as well as work from completed projects.

You are required to present a portfolio with a maximum of 20 images that you consider would help support your application.

What happens next?

We will advise you of your application outcome through UCAS Hub. If you are an International applicant and have applied directly or through an agent, we will notify you through the UAL Portal.

We invite all offer holders to attend one of our online Offer Holder events. This is your opportunity to meet the academic team and fellow offer holders, find out more about the course, and get a taste of what it will be like to study here.

Requesting feedback

This course receives a high number of applications. Unfortunately, we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview. We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf. If you would like to request feedback  please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.

Careers

Careers include:

  • Interaction Designer
  • Exhibition Designer
  • Design Researcher
  • Futures Foresight Researcher
  • Service Designer
  • Products R&D
  • Digital Designer
  • Interactive Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Producer
  • Project Manager
  • Creative (General)
  • Art Director
  • Communications Writer
  • Social / Media Planner
  • Head of Design / Creative Director
  • Creative Technologist