BA (Hons) - User-Experience and User-Interface (UX/UI) Design

In today’s digital age, UX/UI Design is crucial in shaping our interactions with technology. If you want to be at the forefront of this revolution and keen to develop your creative and technical digital skills, then this course is a gateway to a fulfilling UX/UI career. You’ll learn how to champion user-centred design by crafting forward-thinking, intuitive digital interfaces for exceptional user experiences of new or existing products or services.

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Course Overview

This practical, digital-focused course covers creative applications, visual and interaction design, research methods, and critical thinking. You’ll gain expertise in shaping UX/UI design, creativity harnessing technology with aesthetics from concept through to delivery.

Our specialised arts campus offers hands-on design experience with access to industry standard facilities like 3D workshops, photography studios, and AV resources. You’ll collaborate within our creative community, fostering teamwork and mirroring the professional environment.

This course, taught by industry experts, offers insights into real-world design challenges and solutions. Regular guest speakers provide industry perspectives, bridging the gap between academia and the professional world.

On this course you will...

Learn how to create user-friendly digital products and services, which are essential skills in today's technology-driven world. The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on refining your skills in UX/UI Design.
Be equipped with the knowledge and techniques to enhance the user experience of existing products and services. This is a critical aspect of modern design, as businesses strive to provide seamless and enjoyable interactions for their users.
Learn how to apply research methodologies and evaluation techniques to your UX/UI Design projects, ensuring that your designs are based on solid evidence and user feedback.The programme fosters critical thinking and research skills.
Have access to a variety of resources, including 3D workshops, digital and analogue photography facilities, and user AV resources. These resources enrich your learning experience and provide you with hands-on opportunities to explore different aspects of design.
Be able to expand your network and gain valuable insights into the industry. The programme encourages collaboration and professional engagement. Guest speakers from the industry regularly visit, providing insights into real-world practices and bridging the gap between academia and the professional world.

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Key Details

Recruiting toUK / RoI / Settled in UK
EU / EEA / International
Course LocationCarlisle - Brampton Road
UCAS CodeW290
Delivery StyleIn-Person
Course DurationFull-time: 3 Years
Course Start PointSeptember 2024
AwardBA (Hons)
More informationProgramme Specification
Prospectus
Open DaysCarlisle - Brampton Road
All

Minimum entry requirements

104-120

UCAS Tariff points

Tuition fees

£9,250

UK | year

£13,575

International | year

Course Structure

What you will learn

The programme offers a comprehensive exploration of designing digital products and services with user-friendliness at its core. This structured three-level programme explores creative applications, practical methodologies, research techniques, and critical thinking within the dynamic realm of UX/UI Design. The programme is designed with hands-on experience as its foundation, fostering a culture of collaboration that mirrors professional settings and nurtures essential teamwork aptitude. The integration of Work Integrated Learning ensures a seamless alignment of the programme with students' future vocations and aspirations.

The programme promotes an in-depth understanding of UX/UI Design concepts, contextual dynamics, research methodologies, analytical knowledge, and tangible skills. Graduates emerge with a solid understanding, specialised proficiencies, and the self-assurance to excel in careers spanning UX/UI Design and beyond, or to embark on further academic studies.

Year one

In year one students cultivate foundational skills essential to UX/UI Design. Strategic thinking, manipulation of design elements, and adept usage of digital tools mark this stage. Understanding the nuanced language of UX/UI Design and its application in forging compelling user experiences is emphasised. Successful completion of Level 4 enhances students' prowess in dissecting and evaluating UX/UI Design solutions.

Introducing Visual Communication
Introduction to UX Design
Digital Skills and Technologies for the Web
Cultural Contexts
Collaborative Practice

Year two

Year two, the programme widens its scope to encompass the holistic context of the UX/UI Design industry. Here, you will grapple with legal, ethical, and contextual dimensions of the field. Critical evaluation of projects is coupled with an exploration of the multifaceted role of the UX/UI designer and the paramount role of research in shaping the creative trajectory. Level 5 encourages you to combine your insights into a tangible portfolio in preparation for your final year.

Digital Studio
User Experience in a Connected World
Competition Response
User Behaviour and Interactive data visualization
UX Studio Project

Year three

In year three the programme empowers students to immerse themselves in self-assigned projects, project management, and industry networking, further enhancing expertise. Specialisation beckons in areas such as user research, interaction design, visual aesthetics, and beyond, with trends like artificial intelligence and virtual reality on the itinerary. The culmination of Level 6 involves curating a portfolio showcasing your UX/UI Design projects, underpinned by the application of communication theory across diverse scenarios. The successful completion of Level 6 gives you not only with competence but also with the conviction to embark on enriching careers in UX/UI Design, related trajectories, autonomous projects, or further academic studies

Collaborative Response
Independent Research Paper
Final Major Project

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

The programme employs a comprehensive range of teaching and assessment methods to maximize skill development, including lectures, tutorials, tailored feedback, seminars, discussions, and crits involving both tutors and peers. Self-directed study enriches learning opportunities, further complemented by E-Learning platforms such as Blackboard, granting access to invaluable resources. Assessment focuses on innovative projects, nurturing critical thinking proficiencies. The emphasis lies in nurturing graduates who are self-reliant and adept, facilitated by dedicated learning environments, preparing you for s successful careers in the dynamic realm of UX/UI and to pursue further studies.

How you will be assessed

Our practical assignments, authentic assessment, and comprehensive formative feedback mechanisms ensure that students not only produce high-quality work but also develop the ability to respond to the evolving demands of the UX/UI industry.
Assignments are centred around practical projects and portfolio building, reflecting the nature of UX/UI careers. These assignments not only encourage creativity and dedication but also enable you to apply your skills to authentic industry briefs.
All assessment integrates formative feedback at all stages of the learning process. Regular advice and guidance are provided while your work is in progress. This feedback loop encompasses individualised, peer-to-peer, and group tutorials.

Career Outcomes

As a graduate you will have developed a range of transferable skills through your degree, such as research, design, coding, and communication. These skills can be applied to a range of roles within the User-Experience and User-Interface (UX/UI) Design industry. UX/UI designers are employed in a wide range of industries, including technology, finance, education, healthcare and retail. Additionally, as a graduate you may choose to pursue further study, such as a Masters, or a professional qualification in Digital Marketing.

Overview

104-120 UCAS Tariff Points, You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the UCAS tariff table.

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

A-levels: BCC-BBB

T-levels: P (C+) – M. All subjects are accepted for entry to this course

Access to HE: 30 Credits at Distinction, 6 at Merit and 9 at Pass 

CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: B

OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: MMM - DDM

Scottish Highers: BBBC - AABB 

Irish LC Highers: B1, B2x3 – A2, B1x3 

Alternative routes: If you don't think you'll meet the criteria for direct application to this course, check out our Integrated Foundation Year programmes.

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.

Where you have received a conditional offer subject to achieving particular grades/UCAS tariff scores, and do not quite meet these scores, please try not to worry, where vacancies exist our Admissions specialists will review your whole application again and take account of any mitigating circumstances and reassess your suitability for the course.

Selection Criteria

As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to this programme. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this programme and reflect upon any experience you have gained.

Contextual Admissions

Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study. For some individuals, the disadvantages they have experienced in their life mean that they have not been able to demonstrate their full academic potential. Where a person lives and their personal circumstances can all affect their educational attainment.

We take this context into account and look for an applicant’s potential when making admission decisions. The University of Cumbria will make offers at the bottom of any UCAS Tariff range to applicants that live in postal code regions with the lowest participation in Higher Education (Polar 4 quintile 1 – you can check your postcode here), applicants that are estranged from their parents, are care leavers or have caring responsibilities or are in receipt of or received free school meals during their secondary education. Attendance at our Masterclasses and Summer Schools will also allow applicants to receive an offer lower within the tariff range. (T&Cs apply).

Contact ugadmissions@cumbria.ac.uk for more information.

Returning to Education

If you are over 21 and returning to study after being in relevant employment for a minimum of 3 years and do not meet the published entry requirements for Year 1 of our degree courses, please do not assume you are not qualified to join us. Our experienced Admissions and Academic staff will review your prior qualifications and professional experience to support your application.

Language requirements

Please follow the link to check language requirements for this programme here.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

2024 - 2025

£9,250 - UK
£13,575 - International

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000..

Student Finance

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year. Additional costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. Although such features are usually ‘optional’ extras within the programme, this is likely to cost around £50-£60.

Books and Journals

Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.

Other

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.

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Location
Carlisle - Brampton Road Campus
Located just outside the city, right on top of Hadrian's Wall, the Brampton Road campus is full of history, buzzing with excitement, creativity, and a sense of endless possibility. The home of creators, entertainers, rule breakers, and change-markers.
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BA (Hons) - User-Experience and User-Interface (UX/UI) Design