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BSc (Hons) User Experience Design
Farnham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) User Experience Design program at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) offers students a comprehensive exploration of the principles, methods, and techniques involved in creating seamless and user-centric digital experiences. This innovative program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills development, equipping students with the expertise needed to design intuitive, engaging, and effective user experiences across a variety of digital platforms and devices. Through a blend of design theory, user research, prototyping, and user testing, students learn to understand user behaviors, identify user needs, and design interfaces that optimize usability, accessibility, and satisfaction. The program emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, preparing students for careers in the rapidly evolving field of user experience design.
1. Comprehensive Curriculum: The BSc (Hons) User Experience Design program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics essential for success in the field. Students study human-computer interaction, design thinking, information architecture, interaction design, visual design principles, and usability testing methodologies. Through lectures, workshops, and studio projects, students develop a deep understanding of the principles and practices of user experience design, gaining insights into the role of design in creating meaningful and impactful digital experiences.
2. User Research and Analysis: A key aspect of the program is its focus on user research and analysis. Students learn to conduct qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather insights into user behaviors, preferences, and needs. They analyze data, create user personas, and develop empathy maps to understand the motivations and goals of target users. By integrating user research into the design process, students are able to design solutions that are user-centered and address real user needs.
3. Prototyping and Wireframing: The program emphasizes hands-on experience with prototyping and wireframing tools to translate design concepts into interactive prototypes. Students learn to create low-fidelity wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes using software such as Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma. Through iterative prototyping and user testing, students refine their designs, gather feedback, and iterate based on user insights, ensuring that the final product meets user expectations and objectives.
4. Accessibility and Inclusive Design: The program addresses the importance of accessibility and inclusive design in user experience design. Students learn to design interfaces that are accessible to users with diverse abilities, ensuring that everyone can access and use digital products and services effectively. They explore accessibility guidelines, best practices, and assistive technologies, incorporating inclusive design principles into their design process to create experiences that are usable and equitable for all users.
5. Industry Collaboration and Professional Practice: UCA fosters strong connections with industry partners, providing students with valuable opportunities for industry collaboration and professional practice. Through guest lectures, industry workshops, and design projects with real clients, students gain insights into the professional practice of user experience design and build a portfolio of work that demonstrates their skills and expertise. Additionally, students have the opportunity to undertake internships or work placements with leading design agencies, technology companies, or in-house design teams, gaining practical experience and industry exposure that enhances their employability upon graduation.
Location
Farnham
Score
IELTS: 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications:The minimum percentage required for undergraduate courses at UCA is average percentage of 60% in HSC.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: The minimum required overall score is usually between 6.0, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
- PTE Academic: The minimum required overall score is 56.
- TOEFL: The minimum required score is 80.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that entry requirements may vary across different programs and courses. Additionally, meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as the number of available places and competition for certain courses.
The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) recognizes the importance of providing financial support to students pursuing their creative arts education. University for the Creative Arts offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to help students with the costs of tuition fees and living expenses.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships: University for the Creative Arts offers Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and are open to both domestic and international students. The scholarship amount varies and can contribute towards tuition fees or living expenses.
International Scholarships: University for the Creative Arts offers scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The eligibility criteria, application process, and scholarship amounts may vary.
University for the Creative Arts Creative Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional talent and creative potential in their chosen field of study. The Creative Excellence Scholarships are available for various disciplines within the creative arts, such as fine arts, design, fashion, media, and more.
External Scholarships and Funding: University for the Creative Arts encourages students to explore external scholarship opportunities and funding sources. There may be scholarships offered by government organizations, charitable foundations, or industry associations that are applicable to creative arts students. University for the Creative Arts provides guidance and support to help students identify and apply for external scholarships.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary from year to year.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) User Experience Design program at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) are well-positioned to pursue exciting and diverse career opportunities in the rapidly expanding field of user experience (UX) design. Equipped with a strong foundation in design principles, user research methodologies, and practical skills in prototyping and usability testing, graduates have the expertise to create intuitive, engaging, and user-centric digital experiences across a variety of industries.
1. UX Designer: Graduates can pursue careers as UX designers, working for design agencies, technology companies, or in-house design teams. They are responsible for designing user interfaces, wireframes, and prototypes that optimize user satisfaction and achieve business goals. UX designers conduct user research, analyze user feedback, and iterate on designs based on usability testing results, ensuring that digital products and services meet the needs and expectations of target users.
2. Interaction Designer: Graduates can specialize in interaction design, focusing on creating intuitive and seamless interactions between users and digital interfaces. They design user flows, navigation systems, and interactive elements that enhance usability and engagement. Interaction designers collaborate with UX researchers, visual designers, and developers to create cohesive and user-friendly digital experiences for websites, mobile apps, and other digital platforms.
3. Information Architect: Graduates can pursue careers as information architects, organizing and structuring digital content to improve findability and navigation. They create sitemaps, taxonomies, and content hierarchies that make it easy for users to locate and access information within digital interfaces. Information architects play a crucial role in optimizing the information organization and user flow of websites, applications, and other digital products.
4. Usability Analyst: Graduates can work as usability analysts, evaluating the effectiveness and usability of digital interfaces through usability testing, heuristic evaluations, and user feedback analysis. They identify usability issues, propose design improvements, and advocate for user-centered design principles within organizations. Usability analysts play a key role in ensuring that digital products meet quality standards and deliver positive user experiences.
5. UX Researcher: Graduates can specialize in UX research, conducting qualitative and quantitative research to understand user behaviors, needs, and preferences. They design research studies, collect and analyze data, and generate insights that inform the design process. UX researchers collaborate with designers, product managers, and stakeholders to develop evidence-based design solutions that address user needs and drive business outcomes.
6. Product Manager: Graduates with strong leadership and strategic skills can pursue careers as product managers, overseeing the development and optimization of digital products and services. They define product strategies, prioritize features, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver products that meet user needs and business objectives. Product managers play a central role in shaping the user experience and driving product innovation within organizations.
