BA (Hons) in Design with Study Abroad, Lancaster University

Lancaster,

48 Months

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About this course

If you're passionate about applying creative design to real-world issues, this course at Lancaster is a great choice. It emphasizes design as a tool for social, cultural, and environmental change, encouraging students to think beyond traditional boundaries. You'll learn industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, and develop practical skills through live briefs, group projects, and work experience. The program is led by staff from ImaginationLancaster, a globally recognized design research lab, ensuring you stay at the cutting edge of design thinking and practice. Over four years, including a year abroad, you will explore various areas of design, conduct research, prototype solutions, and build a strong portfolio to prepare for a broad range of careers. The course also offers flexibility in the first year to develop foundational skills and a possible minor specialization.

Why this course is highly recommended

Lancaster's design course is highly regarded for its focus on tackling significant societal issues through innovative design practice. The integration with ImaginationLancaster ensures exposure to cutting-edge research and real-world projects, enhancing employability. The course’s emphasis on practical skills, critical thinking, and professional development—including internships and live briefs—makes graduates highly sought after. Being top-ranked for graduate prospects and design in national guides highlights the university’s reputation in arts and design education. Additionally, the international study year offers valuable global exposure and networking opportunities, broadening career horizons.

Specialisation

This course provides a broad set of skills in creative design, focusing on issues like sustainability, urban wellbeing, and digital futures. You will study modules in areas such as design research, prototyping, visualisation, and user experience. Advanced topics like Design Interactions, Creative Enterprise, and Futures Design are available as optional modules, allowing you to tailor your study to specific interests. The course also emphasizes developing a critically reflective approach, exploring how emerging technologies and societal challenges influence contemporary design practice.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.07L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should have an ABB A-level qualification or equivalent, with specific subject requirements detailed in the admissions criteria. Other accepted qualifications include the International Baccalaureate with 32 points overall, BTEC DDM, and Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, among others. English language proficiency requires an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. No specific GCSE requirements are listed, though overall profile considerations apply.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates from this course go on to a variety of careers such as User Experience Designer, Design Researcher, Graphic Designer, Interaction Designer, and Brand Manager. Many find roles in large organizations as design researchers or facilitators, while others enter freelance or consultancy roles. The course’s focus on broad-ranging design skills and professional development, including networking and internships, ensures graduates are well-prepared for diverse employment opportunities within the creative industries and complementary sectors.

FAQs

What is the duration of the course?

The course lasts four years full-time, including a year abroad.

Can I study abroad during the course?

Yes, the third year offers an international study abroad year at partner universities worldwide, with options in countries like Australia, USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia.