BA (Hons) Design Interaction
Start date
September 2020
Subject area
Art and Design
Attendance
Full-time, 3 years
Full-time, 4 years
Part-time, six years
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
Studying on BA (Hons) Design Interaction you will be at the forefront of future-focused design. You will experiment and develop emerging technology such as AR/VR (XR), AI, game engines, electronics, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and robotics. You will play a role in shaping the world around us with free thinking ideas and opportunities.
Interdisciplinary collaboration with students from e.g. Fine Art Technology, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation and Photography allows you to exchange skills and to access technical support and subject expertise across disciplines.
You will be supported by yearly employability initiative Detour Ahead: Roadmaps for the Art and Design Industry, week-long inter-disciplinary guest talks offering you industry insights as well as guidance on subjects such as freelancing, copyright and tax.
You will gain fresh perspective and approaches (divergent thinking) giving you edge in the competitive creative job market, skills for the fourth industrial age (4iR).
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out morePlacement
Optional placement year available
Experiment and develop
Experiment and develop emerging technology such as AR/VR (XR) in a design context
Career focused
You will work alongside and share modules not just with BA (Hons) Graphic Design but also with BA (Hons) Fine Art Technology students gaining fresh perspective and approaches (divergent thinking), giving you edge in the competitive job market for Industry 4.0 (fourth industrial age)
Jackie Normington
Design Interaction
There is always something new to be learning, from new technologies, new techniques and new perspectives. The course really helped refuel my own curiosity for design.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Maintenance Loan
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation. How much you can borrow depends on where you live and study, and whether you are currently on welfare benefits. The maximum loan you can apply for is £12,729.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Supplementary Grants
The government also offer the following additional support:
- Parents' Learning Allowance
- Adult Dependants' Grant
- Childcare Grant
- Disabled Students’ Allowance
- All nursing and many allied health students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year from the government.
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance or contact Student Finance England.
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will automatically be cancelled.
For information visit gov.uk/student-finance
Please note EU students can only apply for their funding using a paper application form.
To download a form visit www.gov.uk/student-finance-forms
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
At UEL, we understand that studying in another country is a big financial commitment. If you apply early for an undergraduate, you may be entitled to a scholarship of up to £3,000.You can find out more about the international scholarships here.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) also run an Emergency International Fund to assist international students in hardship.
You can contact our SMART team on 02082233333 or study@uel.ac.uk
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money. Please make sure you also factor in the fees for the visa application and immigration health surcharge when budgeting.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA pages for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.
Deposits and paying by instalments
International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Entry requirements
- September 2020
-
Degree
96
New UCAS Points
The portfolio is a very important part of the application process. It should reflect broad examples of your work. This will be used as evidence of your creative ability and potential.
Your portfolio may include paintings, drawings, sketches, a personal sketchbook, design and photographic work, 3D-modelling, work in progress, etc. It should exhibit an understanding of spatial awareness.
We like to see the creative and planning processes that have contributed to your work, not just the final pieces. We also like to see some work that reflects your own personal interests, i.e. work that you might have undertaken in your own time.
We want to see your passion for your work and you’re expected to present the portfolio in a positive and interesting manner. You will be expected to display care and thought in the way that your portfolio is presented; the organisation is no less important than the content.
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. Find out more.
Level 2 equivalences such as Level 2 Functional Skills in English / Maths, Level 2 Key Skills in Communication / Application of Number and Level 2 Adult Literacy / Adult Numeracy
Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at Level 3
What you'll learn
Through learning by doing, problem solving and exploring, you will use practical training and theoretical knowledge to succeed in design interactions.
You’ll gain a critical understanding of the technical, historical, theoretical and political potential of the medium and an understanding of the collaborative nature of the medium and skills to identify, reflect and develop employability competencies and professional skills to enter the creative industries.
You will be in the forefront of future-focused design, experimenting and developing emerging technology such as AR/VR (XR), AI, game engines, electronics, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and robotics. You will play a role in shaping the world around us with free thinking ideas and opportunities
Studying design interactions will teach you confidence in visualising ideas and briefs, will enable you to create and maintain professional online portfolio/presence/ promotional skills and will set you up with life and work skills for Interpersonal, team working, collaborative and negotiations.
What you'll study and when
- Contextual Studies 1 (Core)
- Practice 1 (Core)
- Experimentation and Application 1A (Core)
- Experimentation and Application 1B (Core)
- Research into Practice 1 (Core)
- Professional Life 1 (Mental Wealth) (Core)
- Contextual Studies 2 (Core)
- Practice 2 (Core)
- Advanced Experimentation and Applications (Core)
- Advanced Practice (Core)
- Research into Practice 2 (Core)
- Professional Life 2 (Mental Wealth) (Core)
This course offers the opportunity of year-long placement between years two and three. If you choose to take this option, you’ll spend your third year on a placement with a relevant company or organisation, adding valuable practical experience to your growing academic knowledge.
The extra placement year means it will take four years to complete your studies, instead of three.
- Practice 3 (Core)
- Research into Practice 3 – Extended Research Project (Option)
- Research into Practice 3 – Art & Design 4.0 (Option)
- Independent Major Project Part A (Core)
- Independent Major Project Part B (Core)
- Professional Life 3 (Mental Wealth) (Core)
How you'll be assessed
We’ll assess you through a combination of coursework and exams. Coursework will include presentations, exhibitions, pin-ups and critiques. Furthermore you'll also be assessed through learning, research journals, online portfolios and degree shows. You’ll always receive detailed feedback outlining your strengths and how you can improve.
Students with disabilities and/or particular learning needs should discuss assessments with the Course Leader to ensure they are able to fully engage with all assessment within the course.
How you'll learn
Benefit from our progressive approach to learning through forward thinking and inclusive blended/ flipped learning and patchwork assessment, allowing you to make connections between modules, technical skills and research and your practice. This is a practical course, so you’ll spend plenty of time in our Docklands-based design studios.
You’ll be expected to carry out your own independent study to build on what you learn during lectures, seminars and workshops. To support you, we’ll provide digital materials, notes and handbooks and you’ll also receive individual supervision and feedback from our experienced lecturers.
Gain insights in our yearly cluster employability initiative Detour Ahead: Roadmaps for the art and design industry, week-long inter-disciplinary guest talks as well as advice about copyright and licensing, freelancing and tax. Gain fresh perspective and approaches (divergent thinking) giving you edge in the competitive job market, and skills for the fourth industrial age (4iR).
Much of your learning will focus on project work, and you’ll sometimes be expected to work as part of a team.
You’ll have opportunities to gain valuable work experience during the course to improve your practical skills, understanding and CV. Research will build up the other area of your learning, guided reading and independent research, research skills-based activities with feedback.
Who teaches on this course
Dan Duran, Leon Barker, Bryony Quinn, Ed Gill.
Your future career
When you graduate from this course, a wealth of opportunities within the broad area of design interactions will be open to you.
As a design graduate you’ll be able to exhibit your work at UEL and at Free Range, an annual exhibition in London’s Brick Lane for interior, architecture and design students which is increasingly popular with potential employers.
Professional studies modules will also prepare you for the world of work by giving you an understanding of how the industry works, covering areas such as on-line and published design magazines, making and publishing CVs. You’ll also put together you own portfolio to showcase your work to potential employers.
Industry links
- Blind Pig - A multidisciplinary creative studio. Creative director and founder Ric Combline has helped shape the course through his feedback and encouragement for art and design based courses at UEL.
Career destinations for our students include: Design interaction; interaction designer; information architect; User Experience (UX) designer; User Interface (UI) designer; web designer; app designer; designer/ developer; content strategist; AR/VR designer; exhibition designer; artist.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.
