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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Design for Climate Justice

Floating tropical garden in a pink sky.
HWE, Pharez Aouad, BA (Hons) Graphic Media Design.
College
London College of Communication
UCAS code
W910
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years

On BA (Hons) Design for Climate Justice, develop your skills and understanding of visual communication design while learning how to address both contemporary and future environmental and social challenges.

Course suspended for 23/24 entry

Please note that this course is suspended for recruitment to 2023/24 entry. Contact us if you have any questions about the course.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • Visual communication design for good: You’ll develop your own responsible design practice, enabling you to imagine and implement new futures for a world committed to climate and social justice.
  • Codesigning with nature: You'll explore, experiment and create visual design outcomes informed by nature and natural systems to communicate the impact of climate change and the urgent need for action.
  • Design activism: By utilising design methods and critical thinking, you’ll develop creative work that inspires others to engage with climate justice while sparking debate on climate change and the role of design.
  • Multiple voices and global perspectives: You’ll learn how to respond to the collective impact of the Climate Crisis and its inequalities through ethical, inclusive and collaborative design practices influenced by indigenous and Global South perspectives.
  • Professional futures: You'll learn future-facing skills that will increasingly be in demand by companies, charities and public bodies who need designers to communicate both challenges and opportunities in response to the Climate Crisis.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will be on Saturday 21 October. Book your place.

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Course overview

BA (Hons) Design for Climate Justice explores multiple knowledges and voices to emphasise the urgency of responding to the climate crisis through design. On this course, you’ll learn how to draw on visual communication to champion the ‘…representation, inclusion, and protection of the rights of those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change…’ (UNICEF, 2022).

We recognise that the climate crisis has global impacts and that these don’t affect people and ecosystems in equal measure. BA (Hons) Design for Climate Justice is founded on an acknowledgement of both the historic and current responsibility of countries in the Global North for the climate emergency, and also advocates for those who have done the least to contribute to the climate crisis but are most affected.

We also recognise the privileged position of the designer, and that to avoid widening social inequalities through creative practices, our design learning and teaching must engage with climate justice debate and reflect on traditional Western and Eurocentric approaches.

Working with the Design School disciplines of graphic design, illustration, data visualisation and interaction design, you’ll learn how to uncover, unravel, and creatively communicate existing complexities, as well as future challenges. You’ll also explore the potential for design to have positive agency, whilst being immersed in diverse and inclusive ways of doing and knowing that support global perspectives, nature-centred designing and multiple voices.

Ultimately, you’ll experiment with and evolve visual communication skills, design approaches and theories that will enable you to interrogate, integrate, originate, advocate, narrate and educate in ways that help inform a more equitable and sustainable society.

Year 1 will develop your foundational understanding of climate emergency and the working definition of climate justice, alongside building visual communication skills and creative strategies.

Year 2 will nurture communication and experiential design approaches that will enable you to preserve, restore and regenerate with others, and also provides an opportunity to explore ethical professional practices.

Year 3 will support you to consolidate your knowledge and practice by exploring your own voice as a creative communicator and ‘citizen designer’.

What to expect

  • Design for good: You’ll gain a solid grounding in design principles while learning how visual communication can be ethically created and used for positive eco-social change.
  • Technical skills: You will build a range of visual communication skills across research, ideation, and production before applying these techniques to real-world contexts.
  • Design narratives: You will develop the critical skills needed to articulate ideas and visual storytelling in ways that support multiple voices, and promote equality, diversity, inclusivity, climate action and social justice.
  • Contextual understanding: You’ll build contextual knowledge that draws on design activism, responsible frameworks/principles and nature to inform your designing.
  • Collaboration and leadership: Working with peers and external partners, you will develop teamwork, participatory design and changemaking skills.

Industry experience and opportunities

Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in live projects, respond to client feedback, and develop a portfolio of projects to demonstrate your ethical and professional practice, and commitment to design for positive change.

Additionally, you’ll also 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) Design for Climate Justice runs for 93 weeks in full-time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 31 weeks.

Contact us

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

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework, and we have worked to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Racial and Social Justice Principles into 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. Years 1 and 2 must be passed to enter into Year 3. Your degree is attained through full completion of the third year.

Year 1

Introduction to Design for Climate Justice (20 credits)

This unit aims to introduce you to your course and its subject specialism of designing for climate justice, as well as to effective learning and studentship at undergraduate level.

Visual Communication Principles (40 credits)

This unit introduces visual communication design skills and principles that will enable you to interrogate, decipher and communicate ecological and social issues from multiple, interconnected perspectives.

Design Futures (40 credits)

You’ll be supported to develop methodologies for understanding, imagining and challenging paradigms through conceptual design and futures thinking, and be introduced to ‘Theory of Change’ practices that will help you plan, manage and evaluate the designing process.

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 1 (20 credits)

You’ll be introduced to histories, theories and debates in relation to both visual and material culture and Design School specialisms.

Year 2

Professional Practices (20 credits)

You’ll develop your creative attributes such as ‘making things happen’, showcasing your talents to others and navigating change, whilst also expanding your knowledge of the creative, cultural and design industries.

Nature-Centred Designing (40 credits)

This unit aims to support you in questioning the value hierarchy of living and non-living things, and to both critically consider and creatively communicate more-than-human perspectives.

Collaborative Climate Narratives (40 credits)

You’ll explore the role of visual communication design in explaining and envisioning contemporary climate-related narratives that stem from understanding creative, ethical and just systems of collaboration.

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 2 (20 credits)

This unit will broaden and further develop your knowledge and understanding of the historical, social, practical, environmental, theoretical and cultural ideas, practices and phenomena of contemporary culture, design, art and media.

Year 3

Design for Climate Justice Major Project (60 credits)

You’ll be invited to plan, direct and resolve a visual communication personal project, where you’ll take a proactive lead in designing for climate justice.

Building a Changemaker’s Portfolio (20 credits)

This unit will help you realise your potential to become an industry changemaker by supporting you to gain self-confidence and nurture your professional practices. In turn, this will enable you to catalyse and drive change within an organisational context.

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 (Route A) (40 credits) OR

You’ll have an opportunity to bring together your skills, knowledge and understanding to generate an extended piece of academic writing which draws on critical reflection and inquiry into design as a discipline.

Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3 with Practice (Route B) (40 credits)

Drawing upon the knowledge and analytical skills that you’ve acquired in relation to visual culture and critical theory, you will be prompted to develop written work accompanied by ‘designer-ly’ outcomes that expand upon your research, its concepts and critical analysis.

Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3

Between Years 2 and 3 of your course you will also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following qualifications:

Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) (Optional)

This additional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.

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 will graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Design for Climate Justice (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Interactive lectures
  • Seminar discussions  
  • Hands-on workshops  
  • Peer-led seminar learning  
  • Individual and group tutorials  
  • Guest speakers
  • Study trips ands visits
  • Technologies to enhance learning  
  • Co-design and collaborations
  • Self-directed learning

Online Open Day

(Recorded November 2022)

Facilities

  • Red light indicating recording is taking place.
    Image © Vladimir Molico

    Lens-Based and Audio-Visual

    The facilities in this area include Design Block Photography, Black Box Project Space, AV and Live Events.

  • 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

    Creative IT hub set up with specialist creative software for specialisms such as Post-production and 3D modelling.

  • A tutor in the process of producing a print.
    Image © Lewis Bush

    Printmaking

    You’ll have access to workshops in techniques such as etching, screen printing, photo lithography and embossing.

Course Stories

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 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; Geography or Environmental Science, 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

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 selection process involves the evaluation of a visual communication portfolio, along with the UCAS application (including an academic reference and personal statements) 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 sketchbooks): 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 (in particular with reference to themes around current environmental and social issues).

Apply now

Course suspended for 22/23 entry

Please note that this course is suspended for recruitment to 2022/23 entry. Contact us if you have any questions about the course.

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

  • University code: U65
  • Course code: W910

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 design for climate justice 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.

Course suspended for 22/23 entry

Please note that this course is suspended for recruitment to 2022/23 entry. Contact us if you have any questions about the course.

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
  • Course code: W910

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 design for climate justice 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.

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 will be asked to submit a portfolio (maximum 20 images) that will enable us to review your familiarity with visual communication tools in expressing your ideas.

Your portfolio should consist of diverse examples of your work, annotated to explain your reasoning, and capturing how you have visualised or creatively communicated themes that really matter to you.

The portfolio can include examples of finished work, experimentation and/or examples of processes from your sketchbooks.

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

Throughout BA (Hons) Design for Climate Justice, you’ll develop your understanding of how to visually communicate experiences with nature, co-design with stakeholders, and maintain responsible practice while being adaptable and prepared to address complex problems. This experience will put you in a great position to navigate a future employment market increasingly focused on responding to climate crises.

Demonstrating passion, enthusiasm and curiosity, you'll be prepared to challenge the status quo, reshape solutions to some of the world’s major challenges, and use design as an agent of change at both systemic and local levels.

Studying this course will enable you to consider a variety of career paths within organisations that connect experiential designs with nature, such as:

  • Social design agencies
  • Environmental design agencies
  • Creative agencies.

You might decide to use your creative skills through roles that blend visual design with decarbonisation and social justice at:

  • Ethical marketing organisations
  • Not-for-profit design organisations
  • Social enterprises.

Some graduates may also decide to launch their own freelance careers.