**Lewis Bush, BA (Hons) Design Management, London College of Communication, UAL.**

College
London College of Communication Start date
September 2021 Course length
3 years UCAS code
W202

BA (Hons) Design Management offers a creative and experiential approach to the study of design, problem-solving, business and leadership, global cultures, innovation and sustainability.

We apply design thinking to live industry collaborations, addressing complex problems with empathy, insight, collaboration, agility, ethics and contextual intelligence. We believe that design management plays a strategic role in shaping better futures.

Apply to start in September 2021

This course has places available. If you’re a UK applicant, read our Guide to applying for a course starting this September and complete our self-apply form to make an application to UAL. If you’re an international applicant, complete our direct application form to apply. For a full list of UAL courses open for 2021/22 entry, visit the Courses with places available page.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

The only undergraduate design management course of its kind delivered at a world-leading creative institution located in central London, with excellent links to the creative and cultural industries.
A course with human-centred values, sustainability and design thinking at the core of subject delivery. Design thinking involves an approach to innovation and problem solving that takes into account “the needs of people, the possibilities of technology and the requirements for business success” (Tim Brown, IDEO).
Real-world multidisciplinary design projects - work with a diverse team of industry active educators, professionals, creatives, external collaborators and visiting practitioners.
Strong industry links - recent project briefs from design and branding agencies, non-profit organisations, research, strategy and marketing departments, start-ups, financial tech companies and competitions.
Opportunities for international exchanges with Paris College of Art (PCA), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU) and IADE European Design School in Lisbon, Portugal.
With over 95% graduate employment and postgraduate progression since 2015, with active alumni, we are a course that produces highly employable graduates, strategic thinkers, communicators, change makers and entrepreneurs.
A focus on developing leadership and entrepreneurial mindsets, emotional intelligence and design competencies especially to support final year students.

Open Days

To find out about how to apply to this course to start in September 2021, attend our online Clearing Open Day on Wednesday 28 July at 11am. Book your place now.

Course films

What is BA (Hons) Design Management?

We speak to Course Leader Mo-Ling, current students and graduates about their experiences.

Online Open Day

(Recorded November 2020)

Course Leader, Mo-Ling Chui, gives an overview of studying BA (Hons) Design Management.

Student voices

Kristin Hall

Graduate stories

Kristin is a graduate from BA (Hons) Design Management. Kristin works in local government as a policy designer, and also as a freelance creative manager.

Valentine del Giudice

Graduate stories

Since graduating a few years ago Valentine has gone on to develop her own app, SSShake, which is an international cross-disciplinary network growing at a rapid pace.

Amelia Lyng

Student voices

Amelia tells us about her final year project which was an app developed around sustainability.

Judea Faith

Student voices

Judea tells us about her project aimed to get local people involved in place making in Elephant and Castle.

Natalie Combes

Student voices

Natalie talks to us about her final year project focused on memory and photography.

Rebecca Kassab

Student voices

Rebecca talks us through their final project 'Oldepreneurs'.

, DIY catalogue, 2016. Image © Lewis Bush
, VR prototype, major projects 2017. Image © Lewis Bush
, Oldepreneurs hipster toolkit by Rebecca Kassab, 2017. Image © Lewis Bush
, Interactive lounge at BA (Hons) Design Management and Cultures final show, 2017. Image © Lewis Bush
, GeoGenius, a game by Stella Adamidou, 2017. Image © Lewis Bush
, Ordinary Goods by Judea Chung. Reimagining the global corner shop, degree shows 2019. Image © Lewis Bush

, Wearable tech project, Talia Donoghue. Image © Lewis Bush
, GeoGenius, a game by Stella Adamidou, 2017. Image © Lewis Bush
, Process books and portfolios, degree shows 2019.
, Wellbeing Hub, Gabriela Dittrichova, degree shows 2019. Image © Lewis Bush
, Amalie Lyng, Grateful. Analogue version of digital app, degree shows 2019. Image © Lewis Bush
, Juliana Robilard, BA (Hons) Design Management, London College of Communication, UAL.

BA (Hons) Design Management student commended in Mary Kay x ARTSTHREAD Challenge

Second-year student Julia Pitulska discusses her winning idea, her passion for design strategy, and highlights from her time at LCC so far.
Staff and students from BA (Hons) Design Management ask: ‘What if we designed for empathy and tolerance?’ at IAM Weekend 2020

Taha Safadi discusses the inspiration behind his team’s (dis)Connected Lives project, as well as highlights from his degree experience.
BA (Hons) Design Management students celebrated as 'the next generation of changemakers' at the RSA Student Design Awards

Megana Mikučiauskaitė, Atlana Puntigam, Alec Strobel and Bryan Branco were recognised for their CoFood Initiative, which supports prisoners to develop new skills and build relationships.
Watch: Meet policy designer Kristin Hall – BA (Hons) Design Management

Meet Kristin Hall, a graduate from BA (Hons) Design Management. Kristin works in local government as a policy designer, and also as a freelance creative manager.
See all stories

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.
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.

Course overview

On BA (Hons) Design Management you will gain valuable insights into how design management is expanding in complex and changing contemporary contexts, while applying your skills and knowledge through a diversity of live projects.

The key areas of creative practice, business/management, and cultural research come together in this curriculum to develop innovative and critical thinkers.

You'll have access to the College’s extensive range of resources; from academic support, student employment and UAL extracurricular opportunities, to technical workshops, like printmaking, 3D and digital media.

What can you expect?

Seminars to investigate the role of design in society, networks, business, organisations, cultures and contexts that give design its multiple meanings.
Practical projects and workshops, to provide immersive experiences of the design process: from research methods to defining and reframing problems, developing briefs, brainstorming, prototyping, testing, delivery and assessing effectiveness.
Theory, frameworks and strategic tools drawn from a broad range of design, business and humanities disciplines mean that you'll build your practice with hands-on projects, crits and collaborations.
Collaboration - live projects and collaborative involvement with industry.
Management skills: communication, presentation, critical reflection, scoping briefs, live research and feedback, budgeting, time management, team working.
Design principles: visual thinking, ideation, working with multiple mediums (print, objects, images, video, sound, web) and exhibitions.
Student Exchanges – The course has a strong global emphasis through its cross-cultural approach to course content, projects and international partnerships. You will have the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus Programme, which is a European student exchange programme offering students the possibility of studying in another European country for one or two terms. We have an Erasmus agreement with the Design Management course at Paris College of Art and an international exchange with Hong Kong Polytechnic University BA Advertising Design and Study Abroad placements with Northeastern University in Boston, USA and others. You will also be encouraged to undertake online collaborations internationally.
Industry Projects – There is an emphasis on strategic and socially engaged design and real-world projects with agencies, research and strategy organisations, non-profits and councils.

Work experience and opportunities

We are industry-focused and regularly set projects that enable you to work with professionals, diverse organisations and companies.

Recent collaborations have included projects with Human After All, Rufus Leonard, Two Igloos, WaterAid, Southwark Council, Ourscreen and the BFI (British Film Institute), 11FS and Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Students have the opportunity to apply for the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) and the chance to take part in initiatives such as Talent Works.

Design management embraces a multiplicity of roles including project manager, account manager, brand manager, researcher, strategist, studio and office manager, service designer, strategic designer; art director, business manager, as well as Public Relations communications, marketing, business development, human resources, Corportate Social Responsibility (CSR) and operational roles.

With highly employable students and graduates, we are organisers, designers, researchers, thinkers, doers and makers, motivators, facilitators, provocateurs, life-long learners, strategists, activists and entrepreneurs.

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.

Mode of study

The course is 3 years, levels 4-6. Each year requires you to achieve 120 credit points. Years 1 and 2 must be passed to enter into Year 3. Your degree is attained through full completion of the third year. To be awarded the BA (Hons) Design Management qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.

You will be expected to commit an average of 40 hours per week to your course, including teaching hours and independent study.

Contact us

For queries relating to the Coronavirus outbreak, read our Coronavirus guidance for prospective students.

To register your interest and receive information and updates about studying at UAL, please complete this form.

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for or to ask a question, please contact us.

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.

Year 1

Introduces foundational knowledge, essential skills and practices to explore the breadth of disciplines, connections and convergences of design, business and cultures. We position the discipline of design management in historical, socio-economic and cultural contexts.

Introduction to Design Management (20 units)
Creative Industries and Economy (20 units)
Design Principles (20 Units)
Contextual and Theoretical Studies 1 (20 units)
Locating Design Management Practices (40 units)

Year 2

The second year will consolidate and expand on your experience with a number of industry briefs that encourage collaborative working and development of professional competencies.

Gaining knowledge and learning through doing, you will explore design management roles and mindsets in a diverse range of social, cultural and industry contexts.

Professional Practices (20 credits)
Design Management and Change (20 credits)
Design Thinking and Doing (20 credits)
Contextual and Theoretical Studies 2 (20 credits)
Marketing Communications and Cultures (20 credits)
Interdisciplinary Projects and Practices (20 credits)

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.

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.

Year 3

The final year allows you to self-direct and pursue your interests through supported independent study. It will encourage confidence and self-inquiry to choose your future path within the industry, or progress onto postgraduate study.

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 (40 credits)

This unit is a 8000-10,000 word thesis on a subject of your choice in negotiation with your tutor.

Leadership and Futures (20 credits)

In this unit, the class produces an industry facing event on a relevant contemporary theme. You consider your career path as you develop a professional profile, portfolio of work and action plan for the future.

Major Project (60 credits)

This unit is the culmination of your degree. It consists of two collaborative industry projects and a larger independent self-initiated project to enable you to develop greater rigour in the design process, project management skills, and delivery and presentation of your design project.

Learning and teaching methods

Studio-based learning activities
Workshop and seminar learning
Lectures/large group learning
Academic tutorials
Self-directed learning
Co-design and co-curation
Outside speakers and visits
Assessed assignments

Assessment methods

Practical project work and digital activities
Prepared writing
Responses to case studies
Oral presentation
Personal presentations of prepared work
Simulations and role plays
Workshop based activities
Written research projects
Portfolio

Staff

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 directly 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, Humanities and Social Sciences).
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 for more information.

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/body of work, along with the details on your UCAS application (including the academic reference and your personal statement) will be assessed against the following criteria:

A strong interest in and appreciation of the subject area: Design Management and Cultures
An understanding of the need for a critical and analytical approach to the area of study
An approach suited to the demands of the course and the projected career futures
Ideas generation: quality of ideas and thought process, expression of design thinking

Personal statement advice

This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in the subject 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.

Making your application

Home International

Places available 2021/22

This course has places available for 2021/22 entry – complete our self-apply form to make an application. Applications for 2022/23 entry will open in Autumn 2021.

Please note that the guidance below relates to the main UCAS application process. The application process is different for students applying through Clearing. To find out more, read our Guide to applying through Clearing.

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

University code: U65
Course code: W202

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

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 29 January 2021 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

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, including how to request a deferral and by when.

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.

Places available 2021/22

This course has places available for 2021/22 entry – complete our direct application form to make an application. Applications for 2022/23 entry will open in Autumn 2021.

International applicants can 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: W202

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.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 29 January 2021 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 Management 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

You are invited to upload a sample of work (from school, college, employment, personal interests) to further demonstrate how you meet the student selection criteria. This can include essays, reports, projects, sketches, photography, other media or websites; anything you would like to share and help evidence your interests, conceptual thinking, research, ideas and understanding of subject knowledge and context.

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

Please upload a maximum of 20 images that you consider would help support your application.

Applicants from non-design backgrounds can include:

Descriptions of any professional projects
Documentation of work where possible including reports, presentations or research projects for which you have been responsible

Please note: If uploading any text examples as part of your portfolio/body of work, they should be saved as an image and then uploaded, or alternatively, the text can be pasted into an image title text box.

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 and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry. Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK resident nationals. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees.

From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, depending on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students.

International fee

£22,920 per year

This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 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 are currently charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about our tuition fees.

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Careers and alumni

BA (Hons) Design Management encourages the development of innovative design thinking and the exploration of your own creative vision. We aim to prepare you to graduate as active creatives who will use design as a driver for positive cultural, social, business and environmental change.

Career opportunities for graduates include:

Design consultants, managers, researchers, facilitators, entrepreneurs and project managers.
Careers within museums, galleries, auction houses, retail, journalism, publishing, education, advertising, marketing, arts administration, PR and events.
There are also opportunities to study for further professional qualifications or postgraduate degrees at LCC such as MA Design Management or MA Service Design.

BA (Hons) Design Management

Apply to start in September 2021

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

Open Days

Course films

Student voices

Student work

Course stories