Six Branded Spaces That Designers Will Love
BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces is a new course at LCC that explores the relationship between people, spaces and design. Technological advances h […]
London College of Communication
BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces
College
LCC
Start date
September 2018
Course length
3 years
UCAS code
W2T5
Course summary
Applications closed 2018/19
Applications for 2018/19 entry to this course have now closed.
BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces is a professionally focused interdisciplinary design course that will equip you with the specialist skills and knowledge to create multi-sensory, interactive, scenographic spaces, events and experiences.
Five reasons to apply
- Be part of an expanding field: You will learn to design innovative solutions for a broad range of contexts placing you at the forefront of the rapidly expanding field of experiential design.
- Cutting-edge discipline: BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces offers dynamic and wide ranging opportunities to integrate design practices across a wide range of commercial, cultural, public and urban contexts.
- Leader in its field: The course is future facing and critically engaged. You will learn how to explore the power of design to transform and enrich audiences’ experiences in a socially and environmentally conscious mindset.
- Professional networks: You will work on live and collaborative briefs with clients and project partners such as brands and organisations, work with students from other disciplines and designers and design studios. Students can also apply for the Diploma in Professional Studies to spend a year working in industry between year 2 and 3.
- Knowledge and skills: You will learn research and design methods alongside digital skills, materials and technologies, to develop your contextual knowledge and advance practices of design for branded spaces creative disciplines.
Student work
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Image © Joanna Sawicka, Angelika Wresinska and Yingru Liang -
Image © James Cox -
Image © Valerie Mace -
Image © Valerie Mace -
Image © Valerie Mace -
Image © Joanna Sawicka, Angelika Wresinska and Yingru Liang -
Image © Kinza Khan -
Image © Kajsa Lilja -
Image © Joanna Sawicka, Angelika Wresinska and Yingru Liang
Student voices: Calvin Lok
Calvin talks us through his project for the Design for Branded Spaces pathway, Spatial Design.
Student voices: Priyansha Jain
Priyansha talks us through her branded space project in the LCC Degree Shows 2016.
Student blogs
Latest news
New Course Discourse // BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces
Words by Kelly Thomas In the latest instalment of our New Course Discourse blog series exploring LCC’s exciting new undergraduate and postgraduate cou […]
Facilities
3D Workshop
View images and find out about the range of tools and technologies on offer.
Printing and Finishing
Discover our printing techniques, from Lithographic Printing to Print Finishing and Bookbinding.
The Digital Space
The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.
Course details
BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces recognises the need for innovative experiential spaces that connect brands with the desires and imagination of consumers, customers, visitors and audiences. It is aimed at students who are interested in working as creatives in brand experience design, event and production design, exhibition design, public art or retail design.
Students experiment with narrative techniques, interaction principles and emergent technologies to design immersive spaces with deliberate atmospheres and brand values. Designs incorporate sustainable and human-centred principles while speculative design techniques are used to develop intelligent ways to anticipate future needs and provide solutions to future challenges. Design and cultural theories underpin design practice to enable students to critically explore the global and local contexts of design for branded spaces.
Professional Practice and an optional Diploma in Professional Studies also provide a platform that connect students with industry practices and professional contexts. We believe it is important for students on the course to have access to a network of professional organisation, design practitioners and industry focused project briefs.
Graduates find work as experience designers, in a creative design or events agency, within a brand in-house design team, as designers in an interior or architectural practice, as independent designers for retail, exhibitions, events or public art or as part of a design collective, working with other creatives on projects across the world.
Examples of design for branded spaces in industry include YourStudio, Dalziel & Pow, Wonderland Agency, Greyworld and Bankside Urban Forest in London, Tinker in Holland, Snarkitecture in New-York, Mona Kim Design in Paris, Wonderwall in Japan and BBH Singapore. We also work with the D&AD, an organisation that promotes design and creativity around the world.
Some graduates will go onto to study at postgraduate level at LCC and beyond.
What can you expect?
Innovation, curiosity, creativity and the articulation of ideas through experimentation are central to the course experience. We will encourage you to see things differently and to design solutions that are unique to you both in concept and realisation.
You will develop your creativity and design knowledge through a range of practical and theoretical design practices. A lively studio culture is enhanced by contextual studies and the development of professional practice skills – essential in the competitive workplace.
You will be taught by an inspiring community of experienced designers, technical specialist and theorists, in addition to visits from guest lecturers. You will also benefit from key thinkers and practitioners working across boundaries and at the cutting edge of their disciplines.
Diploma in Professional Studies
The Diploma in Professional Studies is an optional placement year in industry between the second and third year of the course. It is a managed year of professional experience, largely undertaken in the design profession, in a variety of national and international locations. Successful candidates are selected on a competitive basis from academic performance and studentship, successful completion of the DPS bridging studies and by portfolio and proposal.
Please view the Diploma in Professional Studies Programme Specification (PDF 164KB) for more details.
Course structure
The academic year for this course is divided into 2 blocks.
The 1st block is of 15 weeks’ duration from early October to mid-February. In accordance with the University timetable, there will be a four week holiday in December.
The 2nd block is also of 15 weeks’ duration from mid-February to the end of June with a four week holiday for Easter.
Course units
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) Design for Branded Spaces qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.
Year 1
Units summary:
- Introduction to Design for Branded Spaces (20 credits)
- Interactions in Branded Spaces (40 credits)
- Contextual and Theoretical Studies 1 (20 credits)
- Branding and Spatial Identity (40 credits)
In the first year, you will learn principles of experiential spatial design, brand values and interaction, alongside essential skills and knowledge to navigate through the course and College environments.
You will be introduced to key research and design methods, analogue and digital design tools and techniques, and the theories and debates that will give you the confidence to generate and articulate design solutions.
Year 2
Units summary:
- Spatial Experiences and Narratives (40 credits)
- Professional Practices (20 credits)
- Collaborative Projects (20 credits)
- Contextual and Theoretical Studies 2 (20 credits)
- Branded Spaces Futures (20 credits)
The second year provides you with the opportunity to apply and expand your practical, critical and analytical skills to collaborative and live projects while developing your knowledge of professional practices.
You will further extend your knowledge of experiential spatial design into narrative space and utilise forecasting tools and techniques to learn how to anticipate future scenario where design is a catalyst for change. You will also develop a broader knowledge and understanding of historical, social, practical, theoretical and cultural developments.
Year 3
Units summary:
- Design for Branded Spaces Major Project (60 credits)
- Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 (40 credits)
or - Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 with Practice (40 credits)
- Entrepreneurial Practices (20 credits)
The third year aligns with your desired progression after the course. You will apply creative design, critical thinking, technical knowledge and the skills developed in years one and two into an extended personal design project, with the opportunity to take part in an international design competition.
You will apply your knowledge and analytical skills related to culture and critical theory to the realisation of a self-initiated piece of written work, with the option to integrate with practice. You will also expand your knowledge of professional practices.
Teaching and learning methods
The BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces is a practice-based professionally oriented course, which combines theory and practice in a project-led curriculum using interdisciplinary perspectives. The curriculum has a professional focus with a strong emphasis on the development of branding and experience design practices for brand spaces mediated by technologies, strategic thinking and speculative design methods.
The course reflects current knowledge, debates and issues within the discipline and also explores future developments, providing students with the ability to anticipate future needs. The course incorporates professional practices and strategic thinking, which combined with an innovative and entrepreneurial mind-set, gives students the knowledge, confidence and competitive edge they need to successfully follow their career path.
The course will use innovative pedagogies to enhance the student’s education development such as; maker faires/spaces, design thinking pedagogies, and by using personal learning networks as means of connecting with relevant professional practitioners.
It also is taught using active teaching and learning methods, interactive lectures and large group learning, hands on workshops and peer-led seminar learning, individual and group tutorials, self directed learning, guest speakers, study trips, formative and summative assessment.
The course places an emphasis on collaborative practices, especially but not exclusively in year 2, where students can have the opportunity to work with students from other courses at LCC and other colleges/universities in the UK and abroad as well as with selected organisations/business/designers on live projects.
The course will implement the use of technologies to enhance learning. Moodle is used as a primary platform and complemented by UAL Teaching and Learning Exchange recommended apps.
Self-directed learning: students engage in independent study time, on or off site, to research, write and prepare for weekly activities and assignments, and to extend their subject knowledge and connections.
Assessment methods
The course outcomes are assessed using the following assessment methods:
- Practical project work.
- Computer based activities
- Prepared writing
- Responses to case studies
- Oral presentation
- Personal presentations of prepared work
- Simulations and role plays
- Workshop based activities
- Written research projects
- The creation of a portfolio of collection of work, which may contain a number of different elements
Course structure
The information outlined is an indicative structure of the course. Whilst we will aim to deliver the course as described on this page, there may be situations where it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, for example, because of regulatory requirements or operational efficiencies, before or after enrolment. If this occurs, we will communicate all major changes to all applicants and students who have either applied or enrolled on the course.
Please note that due to staff research agreements or availability, not all of the optional modules listed may be available every year.
In addition, the provision of course options which depend upon the availability of specialist teaching, or on a placement at another institution, cannot be guaranteed. Please check this element of the course with the course team before making a decision to apply.
Webpage updates
We will update this webpage from time to time with new information as it becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, use this register your interest form.
How to apply
This section includes information on how to apply, course entry requirements, selection criteria, information about interviews and portfolio advice.
Applications for 2018/19 entry for this course are now closed. Applications for 2019/20 entry will open in Autumn 2018.
You must apply through Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), where you’ll need the following information:
- University code: U65
- Course code: W2T5
- There is no campus code for LCC
Go to 'Apply' from the UCAS home page, where you will be able to register and create a password that gives you unique access as you complete your application form. London College of Communication (LCC) courses are listed under University of the Arts London.
We have recently made changes to our application process for Home/EU applicants. To find out more, view the Undergraduate Application Process page.
Erasmus
For further information on Erasmus and UAL exchange schemes, please visit the Erasmus and Non-Erasmus Exchanges section on the UAL website.
Deferrals
Deferring an Offer
If you are offered a place for 2018/19 but wish to defer to 2019/20, information on how to do this and who to contact can be found in your offer letter.
International applicants will have to pay a deposit in order to defer.
In all cases, deferred places will be held for one year.
Making a Deferred Application (during 2018/19 for entry in 2019/20)
Home/EU applicants are permitted to make a deferred application. International applicants are not permitted to make a deferred application.
Applications for 2018/19 entry for this course are now closed. Applications for 2019/20 entry will open in Autumn 2018.
International applicants may apply through either of the following routes:
- Through overseas representatives in your country
- Through UCAS
- Through a direct application
Further information on applying via UCAS is provided on the Applying through UCAS page.
For full details on the application process, visit the Undergraduate application page.
Study Abroad applicants
International undergraduate students can apply to join BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student.
Visit the Study Abroad page for details of how to apply.
Deferrals
Deferring an Offer
If you are offered a place for 2018/19 but wish to defer to 2019/20, information on how to do this and who to contact can be found in your offer letter.
International applicants will have to pay a deposit in order to defer.
In all cases, deferred places will be held for one year.
Making a Deferred Application (during 2018/19 for entry in 2019/20)
Home/EU applicants are permitted to make a deferred application. International applicants are not permitted to make a deferred application.
Entry requirements
Home/EU/International
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 minimum entry requirements for this course are:
64 UCAS tariff points gained at GCE Advanced (A) Level or equivalent. (A-level subjects studied may include: English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences). Ideally your A-levels will be achieved at grade C or above.
Or
One subject at A-level achieved at grade C or above PLUS Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3/4).
Alternatively you will be considered if you have achieved a minimum of 64 UCAS tariff points from one of the following qualifications:
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- UAL Extended Diploma in Art and Design
- Access to HE Diploma
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
- Equivalent EU or Non-EU qualifications
Additionally you will have achieved passes at grade C or above in at least three GCSE subjects including English.
If you are applying on the basis of your previous experience, you should apply as normal via UCAS. You will then be guided by the admissions team on next steps of the AP(e)L process, through either Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL).
If you have successfully completed year 1 of a degree course at another institution and wish to continue your studies at LCC, you can identify the point of entry as year 2 on your application, and consideration will be given by the course admissions tutor.
Language Requirements (International/EU)
All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability when you enrol.
- IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills.
- You can check you have achieved the correct IELTS level on our language requirements page.
Student selection - what do we look for?
As part of your application, you will be asked to submit a full portfolio of work. We make our offers based on the strength of the whole application, and therefore don’t routinely invite applicants to interview.
The course admissions tutors will review the following key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:
- Most importantly they will review your personal statement and the quality of the uploaded portfolio
- They will consider your qualifications (or projected results)
- They will review your academic or personal references
- International applicants may be invited to interview in person at LCC, or via Skype if overseas or unable to attend.
Personal statement advice
This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in design for branded spaces 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.
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.
Selection Criteria
The portfolio, along with the details on your UCAS application (including the academic reference and your personal statement) will be used by the course admissions tutors to assess your suitability 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.
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.
What happens next
We invite all offer holders to come to LCC, from January onwards, to attend one of our Offer Holder events. Offer holders will have the chance to meet the team, find out more about the course, and see our diverse and vibrant student community in action.
Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.
Fees & Funding
Home / EU fee
£9,250 (2018/19).
Tuition fees for undergraduate degree courses have been set at £9,250 per year for full-time study. This applies from the 2018/19 academic year, subject to changes in the law. Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students, in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Please visit our Undergraduate tuition fees page for more information.
International fee
£19,350 (2018/19).
Additional costs
In addition to tuition fees you are very likely to incur additional costs such as travel expenses and the cost of materials. Please read the information on our additional costs page.
Accommodation
Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost
Scholarships and awards
There are a number of scholarships and awards available to students on this course. Use our search tool to find out more information.
Careers and alumni
Designing for Branded Spaces is a thriving industry with employment opportunities worldwide. Amongst many creative professions, BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces graduates can work in:
- Brand Experience Design
- Commercial and Public Design for interiors
- Creative (general)
- Events and Production Design
- Exhibition Design
- Experience and Interaction Design
- Public Art and installation design
- Retail Design
- Spatial Experience Design
The Professional Practice unit in Year 2 and the Entrepreneurial unit in Year 3 will give you the vital skills and knowledge needed to launch your career.
You can apply for the Diploma in Professional Studies and spend a year working in the industry. This will enable you to gain experience, develop professional networks and actively prepare for your career after graduation. You may also want to progress onto MA courses at LCC, within the UK or abroad.