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) 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.
Information Visualisation and Typography (40 credits)
This unit introduces you to the foundational practice of graphic design and specifically the practice of information visualisation and typography.
You will be introduced to how formal graphic elements such as geometric forms and shapes are combined to produce meaningful visual messages in the broader context of visual communication.
Animation and Coding for the Web (40 credits)
This unit introduces you to the practices of designing and coding for the web.
You will be introduced to the fundamental skills of web technologies, including how to work with various media, define typography, create structured and responsive layouts and control transitions and animations.
In addition to this you will be introduced the digital skills required to create user interfaces using modern HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
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.
It will 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
Interactive Data Visualisation Studio (40 credits)
This unit introduces you to interactive data visualisation both technically and conceptually building upon the long-established practice of information design. You will interrogate selected data sets and produce interactive visualisations that enhance understanding and communication.
UX/UI Studio (40 credits)
You will be introduced to the user experience design process that incorporate comprehensive user research and analysis, interface design, prototyping and user testing in the context of digital design.
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 will 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)
Year 3
There are two pathway options in term one and two of Year 3. One route involves an 8,000 – 10,000 word piece of written work (Route A), or the other route combines a 4,000 – 5,000 word piece of written work plus a Competition Project (Route B).
Digital Design Portfolio: Routes A and B (40 credits)
This unit involves building on your two years’ experience of developing design responses to various challenges and briefs through a series of self-initiated projects.
These will reflect the particular skillset you have developed and are a chance to position yourself in the field of design and form your identity as a designer by creating a public-facing online portfolio of your work.
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, and provides 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 will be presented with a range of briefs selected from design awards schemes and other calls for entry to established arts festivals or residencies.
Major Digital Studio: Routes A and B (40 credits)
This unit involves the creation and the production of a self-directed major project. You will develop a rigorous project proposal that will consider your individual experiences and skills - both practical and theoretical - gained over the last three years.
This project will form an important part of your design portfolio and is usually displayed at your 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).
