User Experience Design BA (Hons)

On this course you will be introduced to User Experience Design principles, analyse historical and emerging challenges and undertake projects. Learn about creating interactive products, including:

• Websites
• Apps
• Wearable tech
• Mobile experiences
• Virtual/augmented reality experiences

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach and you will work closely with students who are studying other design courses. You will also incorporate elements from other disciplines in your learning, such as psychology and information architecture. This will equip you with a holistic understanding of user experience principles.

Professional practice is embedded into our modules, from working on live projects to studio visits. You will also utilise emerging technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality. This allows you to test innovative solutions in an industry standard setting. Practical projects will give you the opportunity to gain valuable skills to prepare you for the workplace. The design process mirrors the nature of the profession, from trial and error testing to prototyping and empathy testing. 

This course is aligned with a range of industry leaders, including BBC Interactive and United by Design. You will hear from professionals in the field during guest talks. Our connections to industry partners mean that there will be opportunities for portfolio reviews from professionals and work experience opportunities. You will also have the opportunity to undertake an optional year in industry or a semester abroad at one of our partner institutions. 

Year 1

Our academic year is split into 2 semesters.

In your first year, you will study:

• 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
• 1 compulsory module in semester 2

You can find out which modules are available in each semester in the Course Specifications.

Modules

Year 2

In second year you will study:

• 3 compulsory modules in semester 1
• 1 compulsory module in semester 2

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Year 3

In third year you will study:

• 2 compulsory modules in semester 1
• 1 compulsory module in semester 2

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

You will learn through a range of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Demonstrations
• Practical sessions
• Seminars
• Studio visits
• Guest speakers

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages

Assessment

Live projects and work experience are central to our ethos. Assessment types will vary module to module. They may include:

• Portfolios
• Practical work
• Research reports
• Presentations

Feedback is an important part of the course to ensure you are supported and help you develop your individual User Experience practice. You will have access to academic writing support throughout the course.

Your future with a degree in User Experience Design

Studying User Experience Design can help you achieve your career ambitions. You will gain skills including problem solving and managing deadlines that are valued in a range of fields. This degree could be your first step towards a career as a:

• User interface designer
• User experience designer
• Motion graphic designer
• Web designer
• Digital producer
• Digital art director
• Creative technologist
• Usability consultant

Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.

You could also progress to postgraduate study.

Virtual and Augmented Reality MA

Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.

Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed. It's your career, your way.

Qualifications

Calculate your UCAS Tariff points

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements 

Mature Learners Entry Scheme

If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.

Mature entry offer scheme

Interview and Portfolio

In addition to the above, you will be required to attend an interview and present a creative portfolio for this course. This is an opportunity for you to meet your tutors and share with them your passion for the subject.

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

To study for a degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.

UK 2025 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry onto this course is £9,250 per year for full time study.

This price applies to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page.

Funding Opportunities

Placement year funding

If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.

Tuition fees

International 2025 entry

The tuition fee for 2025 entry to this course is £11,500 per year for full time study.

This price applies to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your degree.

International Fees and Funding

Accommodation and living costs

For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.

Financial help and support

Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.

For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.