Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience
Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science program in ...
Bachelor of Design in User Experience Design (Co-op)
Brantford
INTAKE: Jan, May & Sept
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Design in User Experience Design (Co-op) program at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in the field of user experience (UX) design. This interdisciplinary program integrates principles from design, psychology, computer science, and business to prepare students for careers in creating intuitive and user-friendly digital products and services.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Bachelor of Design in User Experience Design (Co-op) program at WLU covers a wide range of topics essential for UX design professionals. Courses focus on design theory, human-computer interaction, information architecture, usability testing, and interaction design principles. Students also learn technical skills such as prototyping, wireframing, and user interface (UI) design, as well as foundational knowledge in psychology, research methods, and project management.
Research Focus: Wilfrid Laurier University emphasizes research in user experience design, with faculty and students actively engaged in research projects that explore emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in the field. Research areas may include user-centered design methodologies, accessibility and inclusivity in digital design, the impact of technology on human behavior, and the psychology of user interaction. Students have opportunities to participate in research initiatives, collaborate with faculty mentors, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in UX design.
Industry Engagement: The Bachelor of Design in User Experience Design (Co-op) program at WLU fosters strong connections with industry partners to provide students with valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities. Through co-op placements, students have the chance to work with leading companies, design agencies, startups, or tech firms, gaining practical experience in UX design projects under the guidance of experienced professionals. Industry partnerships also enable students to stay current with industry trends, tools, and practices, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the demands of the job market.
Global Perspective: The Bachelor of Design program at Wilfrid Laurier University incorporates a global perspective by exposing students to diverse cultural contexts, international design trends, and global user needs. Courses may explore cross-cultural design principles, global user research methodologies, and the impact of globalization on digital product design. Additionally, students may have opportunities to engage in international collaborations, study abroad programs, or design projects with a global focus, helping them develop a broader understanding of user experience design in a global context.
Location
Brantford
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
CAD 32251
Application fee: CAD$ 80 + Applying through OUAC 105F Portal charges CAD$ 156 + International Charges CAD$ 10
Academic Requirements: International undergraduate applicants are typically required to have a minimum academic average of 70% or its equivalent in their secondary school studies.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: An overall band score of 6.5, with no individual band score less than 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 83 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- PTE: A minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English.
- DET: A minimum score of 120 on the Duolingo English Test.
Wilfrid Laurier University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
International Student Entrance Scholarships: Wilfrid Laurier University offers several entrance scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and are available for both undergraduate and graduate students. The value of these scholarships varies, with some covering a significant portion of tuition fees.
President's Gold Scholarship of Distinction: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional incoming international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement. Recipients of this scholarship receive a renewable award that covers a significant portion of their tuition fees.
International Student Scholarship: The International Student Scholarship is awarded to international undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence and are entering their first year of study at Wilfrid Laurier University. The scholarship amount varies based on the student's academic achievements.
In-Course Scholarships: Wilfrid Laurier University also offers in-course scholarships for international students who have completed at least one year of study at the university. These scholarships are based on academic performance and may be awarded to students who have achieved a certain GPA or have excelled in specific areas of study.
Faculty-specific Scholarships: Some faculties and departments within Wilfrid Laurier University may offer scholarships and awards specific to their respective fields of study. These scholarships may be available to international students based on academic performance, leadership, or other criteria determined by the faculty or department.
External Scholarships and Partnerships: In addition to the university-specific scholarships, international students at Wilfrid Laurier University can also explore external scholarships and funding opportunities. The university has partnerships with various organizations and agencies that offer scholarships to international students, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
It is important to note that scholarship eligibility and application processes may vary, and some scholarships may have specific requirements or deadlines.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Design in User Experience Design (Co-op) from Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) opens up a plethora of exciting career opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of user experience (UX) design.
UX Designer: As a UX designer, graduates can create intuitive, user-friendly digital products and interfaces. They focus on understanding user needs, conducting research, and designing wireframes and prototypes. UX designers work closely with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the final product meets user expectations and business objectives.
UI Designer: UI designers specialize in creating visually appealing and interactive user interfaces for digital products. They translate wireframes and design concepts into pixel-perfect mockups, paying close attention to typography, color schemes, and branding guidelines. UI designers collaborate with UX designers and developers to ensure a seamless user experience across all touchpoints.
Interaction Designer: Interaction designers focus on designing the interactive elements and behaviors of digital products, such as buttons, menus, and animations. They use principles of cognitive psychology and human-computer interaction to create engaging and intuitive user interactions. Interaction designers work closely with UX and UI designers to prototype and iterate on interaction designs.
Usability Analyst: Usability analysts evaluate the usability and effectiveness of digital products through user testing and research. They design and conduct usability studies, analyze user feedback, and identify areas for improvement. Usability analysts play a crucial role in optimizing the user experience and informing design decisions based on empirical data.
UX Researcher: UX researchers investigate user behavior, preferences, and needs through qualitative and quantitative research methods. They conduct interviews, surveys, and usability tests to gather insights into user motivations and pain points. UX researchers collaborate with designers and stakeholders to ensure that design decisions are informed by user research findings.
Product Manager: Product managers oversee the development and launch of digital products, serving as the bridge between the business, design, and development teams. They define product requirements, prioritize features, and make strategic decisions to align product development with user needs and market demand. Product managers collaborate closely with UX designers to create user-centric products that drive business success.
Content Strategist: Content strategists develop strategies for creating and delivering content that enhances the user experience across digital platforms. They plan the structure, tone, and messaging of content to meet user needs and business goals. Content strategists collaborate with UX designers and stakeholders to ensure that content supports and enhances the overall user experience.
Digital Product Manager: Digital product managers oversee the entire lifecycle of digital products, from ideation to launch and beyond. They define product roadmaps, set goals, and prioritize features based on user feedback and market trends. Digital product managers work closely with UX designers to ensure that product features and functionalities align with user needs and expectations.
