BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces

College

LCC

Start date

September 2021

Course length

3 years

UCAS code

W2T5

Apply

Become a leader in the field of spatial experience design. This professionally focused design course will equip you with the specialist skills and knowledge to create unique interior spaces, retail experiences, 3D installations and creative events.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

Join innovative design professions: you’ll learn to design 3D experiences for a broad range of commercial, cultural and public organisations.
Explore cutting-edge practices: you’ll learn how to integrate innovative technologies such as projection mapping and augmented reality into the design of branded spaces.
Redefine sustainable practices: you’ll explore the power of design to transform and enrich people’s experiences in a socially and environmentally conscious mindset.
Develop your professional and international networks: you’ll work on live briefs with students from other disciplines, professional designers and organisations in the UK and abroad. Previous clients include MUZA in Malta and the Stanley Kubrick archive in London.
Develop your 3D design knowledge and skills: you’ll learn a broad range of spatial and experiential design methods. Skills include digital software, 3D making, laser cutting and 3D printing technologies.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will be on Thursday 19 November.

Find out more about studying BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces

We speak to Course Leader Valerie Mace, current students and graduates about their experiences.

How to apply for BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces

Course Leader Valerie Mace talks through how to apply to BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces.

Student work

Public installation to transform the experience of an unused space between building by Joanna Sawicka, Angelika Wresinska and Yingru Liang.
Immersive installation for Greenpeace, highlighting the problem of plastic pollution in the ocean. Visualisation by James Cox.
Sensory design course workshop and exhibition for the London Design Festival.
A course workshop to transform the identity of a building facade using projection mapping.
Discover edible insects. Experiential retail space for Crunchy Critters by Qiongzi Zhu.
AR immersive retail space for Catapult Future Cities by Yiping Zhang.
Exploring privacy. Installation design schematics by Qiongzi Zhu.
You are what you eat. Immersive exhibition space and food experience by Jennifer Nibbs.
Ride the Waves for United by Blue. Retail installation exploring the process of making fabric from recycled plastic bottle by Jennifer Nibbs.

Graduate Stories: Anna Koroleva

Anna is a graduate from BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces. She now works as a 3D Designer on high profile projects for George P. Johnson, the world's premiere experience marketing agency.

Graduate Stories: Julia Janosa

Meet Julia, now Senior Interior Designer at Temza in London.

Student Voices: Lynette Wang

Lynette talks to us about her project, centred around social and sustainable design.

Student voices: Calvin Lok

Calvin talks us through his project for the Design for Branded Spaces pathway, Spatial Design.

Student Voices: Myrle Scarborough

Myrle talks us through her degree show designs for a community centre in Brixton.

London College of Communication’s Design School explores social innovation and sustainability at LCC x London Design Festival

Staff and students at London College of Communication have explored the role of design in ‘visioning’ the possible futures of 2030.
BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces collaborative project: space and place in the Kubrick Archive

Students from BA Design for Branded Spaces of year 2 participated in an Stanley Kubrick archive workshop.
Watch: Meet interior designer Julia Janosa

Meet Julia Janosa, a graduate from BA (Hons) Spatial Design. Julia is now Senior Interior Designer at Temza in London.
BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces students work with National Museum of Art Malta to address social and climate issues

London College of Communication BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces students travelled to Valletta to collaborate with MUŻA, the National Museum of Art in Malta.
See all stories

Facilities

A tutor operating one of the woodworking machines.

Image © Vladimir Molico

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.

Image © Ana Escobar

The Digital Space

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

View all facilities at LCC

Course overview

The course offers a distinctive opportunity to learn how to design experiential spaces, 3D installations and creative events. It is aimed at students who are interested in working as creatives in spatial experience design, brand experience design, event and production design, exhibition design and public art.

You will experiment with creative technology, multi-sensory design, storytelling techniques, interaction principles to design experiential spaces and environments.
You’ll incorporate sustainable and human-centred design principles to develop intelligent ways to communicate future needs and provide solutions to future challenges.
Design and cultural theories underpin design practice to enable you to critically explore the global and local design and cultural contexts.

What can you expect?

Innovation, curiosity, creativity and the articulation of ideas through experimentation are central to the course experience. We’ll encourage you to see things differently and to design solutions that are unique to you both in concept and realisation.

You’ll 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’ll be taught by an inspiring community of experienced designers and specialists, in addition to visits from guest professional designers. You’ll also benefit from key thinkers and practitioners working across boundaries and at the cutting edge of their disciplines.

Work experience and opportunities

Professional and collaborative practice is integrated into the course and offers an opportunity for you to work with live briefs and collaborate with students from other disciplines, designers and organisations.

An optional Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) also enables you to spend a year in work experience in the UK or abroad between year 2 and 3 of the course. 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.

Graduates find work as spatial 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, Bankside Urban Forest, Tinker, Snarkitecture, Mona Kim Design.

Some graduates will go onto to study at postgraduate level at London College of Communication and beyond.

Diploma in Professional Studies

The Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) is an optional year-long learning opportunity, allowing you to undertake a variety of internships and professional experiences for a whole academic year in Year 3, as part of a four-year degree. 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.

Course structure

The academic year for this course is divided into 2 blocks.

The 1^st block is of 15 weeks’ duration from late September to mid-February. In accordance with the University timetable, there will be a four week holiday in December.

The 2^nd block is also of 15 weeks’ duration from mid-February to the end of June with a four week holiday for Easter.

Mode of study

BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces runs for 90 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 31 weeks.

Course units

In 2019 UAL declared a Climate Emergency and pledged to ‘make sustainability a required part of the student learning experience’. In response to the climate and ecological crisis the Design School set in place an ambitious Sustainability Action Plan to fully embed responsible practices within the curriculum and in everything we do. As part of this initiative we have updated our course handbooks against a set of social and environmental sustainability principles to ensure that learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip students with the understanding, skills and values to foster a more sustainable planet. Our aim is to change the way students think and to empower them 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) Design for Branded Spaces qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.

Year 1

Introduction to Design for Branded Spaces (20 credits)
Brand Space Design (40 credits)
Contextual and Theoretical Studies 1 (20 credits)
Interactions in Branded Spaces (40 credits)

In the first year, you’ll learn the principles of spatial experience design, brand identity, software skills, making and new technologies, alongside essential skills and knowledge to navigate through the course and College environments.

You’ll be introduced to key research and design methods, analogue and digital design tools and techniques, and the contexts that will give you the confidence to generate and articulate design solutions.

Year 2

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 and critical skills to collaborate and work on live projects while developing your knowledge of professional practices.

You’ll further extend your knowledge of spatial experience design into narrative space and use forecasting tools and techniques to learn how to anticipate future scenarios where design is a catalyst for change.

You’ll also develop a broader knowledge and understanding of historical, social, practical, theoretical and cultural developments.

Year 3

Design for Branded Spaces Major Project (60 credits)
Entrepreneurial Practices (20 credits)
Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 (40 credits) OR Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 with Practice (40 credits)

The third year aligns with your desired progression after the course. You’ll apply creative design, critical thinking, technical knowledge and the skills developed in years one and two into an extended personal design project.

You’ll 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’ll also expand your knowledge of professional practices.

Learning and teaching methods

Collaboration
Self-directed learning – independent study on and off site
Research
Interactive lectures
Large group learning
Hands-on workshops
Peer-led seminar learning
Individual and group tutorials
Guest speakers
Study trips
Technologies to enhance learning

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

Staff

Valerie Mace

Course Leader, BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces

Greg Messiah

Senior Lecturer, BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces

Dr Nela Milic

Senior Lecturer and Year 2 Contextual and Theoretical Studies Coordinator

Lucy Thornett

Lecturer, BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces

Associate Lecturers

Irene Martin

Christopher Lutterodt-Quarcoo

Kasia Piechota

How to apply

Opportunities for all

We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.

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 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, 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

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

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 but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English Language Requirements (International/EU)

IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English language requirements page).

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.

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.

Making your application

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.

Apply for this course though Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), where you'll need the following information:

University code: U65
Course code: W2T5

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

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 15^th January for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Deferring your place

This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.

If you are an EU offer holder, it is important to consider that, from 2021-22, you may be charged International fees, which are higher. Read our Coronavirus guidance for prospective students for details.

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.

Erasmus

For further information on Erasmus and UAL exchange schemes, please visit the Erasmus and Non-Erasmus Exchanges section on the UAL website.

International applicants may apply through either of the following routes:

Through one of our official representatives in your country
Through UCAS
Through a direct application

If you are applying through UCAS you will need the following information:

University code: U65
Course code: W2T5

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

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, and for further advice for international applicants, please visit the UAL International Application page.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 15^th January for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Immigration history check

International applicants, whether applying online via UCAS or through a UAL representative or by direct application, you will need to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. If you do not complete the check, we will not be able to proceed with your application.

Deferring your place

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

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.

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 Track. 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 come to London College of Communication 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.

Requesting feedback

This course receives a high number of applications, and we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview.

If you would like to request feedback – please email lcc.ukeu@arts.ac.uk if you are a Home or EU applicant, or lcc.international@arts.ac.uk if International. 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

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 (2020/21).

Tuition fees for undergraduate degree courses have been set at £9,250 per year for full-time study. This applies from the 2019/20 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

£22,920 (2020/21).

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.

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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.