User Experience DesignBSc Hons

Interactive technologies such as touchscreen and smart devices, face and voice recognition systems, and virtual and alternative reality applications (VR/AR) are becoming more embedded in our everyday lives. Become the architect of these applications and experiences on our User Experience Design degree course.

You’ll learn how to develop online and offline digital projects and code innovative, interactive content for marketing and data-sharing purposes – ranging from websites to mobile applications to AR, VR, and wearables. You’ll also study how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and experimental reality (XR), are transforming the way we interact with technology.

This course can prepare you for entrepreneurship if you want to start your own business, or learn about industry from the inside by going on a placement. Our strong industry focus ensures your technologies, techniques and competencies are always up-to-date.

After this course, you'll transform into a skilled user experience designer and developer capable of working across all sectors adopting interactive technologies.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Services), a group of industry professionals and employers.

The JAMES accreditation lets potential employers know that this course gives you the relevant skills and abilities you need to work in the industry when you graduate. This gives you an edge over students who didn’t do an accredited course when you’re applying for jobs.

JAMES reviews our accreditation every three years to make sure the course content remains up-to-date with industry trends and developments. So you’ll always be learning skills relevant to your career.

Virtually all sectors require user experience design to ensure they create products that best achieve the needs of their target audiences. You’ll graduate with current skills and knowledge to work in many industries, adapting to whatever aspect of user experience design you want to specialise in.

You can also freelance or continue your studies to postgraduate level.

Placement year (optional)

Between your second and third year, you can complete an optional work placement to gain professional experience and enhance your skills. It's also a great incentive for employers once you graduate.

You can work for a company, organisation or agency, or you can go self-employed and start your own business with fellow students or by yourself.

Whatever you decide – or even if you just want some employability advice – our exclusive Creative Careers team can support you every step of the way.

Creative Careers

Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.

They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:

• Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
• Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
• Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
• Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route

The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

How you're assessed

You’ll be assessed through:

• practical projects
• work portfolios
• essays/review articles
• multiple choice tests
• oral presentations
• examinations

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• laboratory sessions
• online lessons
• project work

Teaching staff profiles

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Tuition fees (September 2024 start) – Indicative

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
• EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
• International students – £17,900 per year (subject to annual increase)

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.