Program Overview

Introduction to the BA Digital Design Program

The BA Digital Design program at Roehampton University is designed to equip students with the creative, technical, and business skills necessary to thrive in the fast-evolving digital industries. This innovative, industry-led degree focuses on user experience, user interface, and interaction design, preparing students for careers in communication strategies, web and app design, UI/UX, social design, and emerging fields like VR and AR.

Program Structure and Modules

The program is structured around a series of modules that cover the fundamental principles of digital design, including graphic design, 3D modeling, and user experience design. Students will develop a deep technological foundation paired with a strong focus on socially conscious design. The modules include:

• Brand Identity: Exploring the strategic and creative processes involved in building, managing, and evolving a brand's identity.
• Graphic Design: Introducing the fundamental principles of graphic design, digital imagery, and concepts of typography, iconography, color theory, and illustration.
• 3D Modelling: Introducing the tools and techniques to create 3D assets for different forms of media.
• Communications Challenge: Equipping students with foundational knowledge and practical experience in strategic communication, addressing real-world communication problems using live briefs from industry clients or simulated business scenarios.
• Asset Creation: Putting into practice principles and techniques of creating assets for animation and games, emphasizing art direction, technical requirements, and integration into game engines or animation pipelines.
• User Experience Design: Incorporating concepts of desirability, empathy, and affect to arrive at impactful user experience design for both design and games applications.
• Data Storytelling: Exploring how to transform complex data into meaningful and engaging narratives, developing skills to interpret, visualize, and communicate data effectively.
• Extended Reality: Introducing the role and responsibilities of an interaction designer, critically reflecting on best practices for effective interface and interaction design.
• Design for Change: Challenging students to explore how graphic design can address urgent societal issues, using design skills to communicate, influence, and drive positive transformation.
• Project Management: Planning and leading creative projects from start to finish, mastering project lifecycles, team collaboration, and budgeting.
• Final Project: Completing an individual project that draws upon interests developed over the course of the degree, with the emphasis on research, innovation, and execution to a professional standard.
• Advanced Studio Practice: Focusing on the development and realization of research briefs and creative challenges, honing technical skills, showcasing and exhibiting work across platforms, and preparing a professional portfolio.

Foundation Year

The program offers a foundation year, which provides academic and practical experience, giving students a strong introduction to their subject and ensuring they succeed on their undergraduate degree. Modules in the foundation year include:

• Academic Skills and Communication: Developing core academic and integrated English language skills.
• English for Academic Practice: Developing core academic and integrated English language skills for international students.
• Data Analysis and Research Skills: Developing research, numeracy, and information technology skills.
• Fundamentals of Audiovisual: Inviting students to take on the role of a video content creator, building on skills acquired in Fundamentals of Image Making.
• Fundamentals of Image Making: Critically exploring how media representations are constructed and manipulated, examining semiotics, framing, and context.

Careers and Opportunities

Upon graduation, students will be equipped for various communication and digital design positions across different sectors, including businesses, agencies, public sector organizations, and third sector entities. Potential roles may include digital designer, content designer, UX/UI designer, and web designer. The university's Student Futures team provides support throughout the student's time at Roehampton and beyond, offering career workshops, events, and opportunities to engage with employers and develop skills necessary to succeed in the workplace.

Learning and Assessment

The program emphasizes hybrid learning sessions that connect theory with practice through seminars, studio workshops, and live design projects. Students will use industry-standard tools and technologies to develop concepts and solve problems, with project-based learning allowing them to take ownership of their ideas and work collaboratively. Assessments will help students create a compelling portfolio to showcase their skills and knowledge, with a focus on developing the ability to communicate in different ways and apply skills to real-world scenarios.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for the program include:

• UK students: 112-128 UCAS points (or equivalent), with a foundation year available for those with 64-80 UCAS points.
• International students: 112-128 UCAS points (or equivalent), with an International Foundation Pathway available for those with 64 UCAS points and IELTS 5.5.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for the program are:

• UK students: ｣9,790 for the first year of undergraduate study, with prices subject to change.
• International students: ｣17,628 for the first year of undergraduate study, with prices subject to change.

Conclusion

The BA Digital Design program at Roehampton University offers a comprehensive and innovative approach to digital design education, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to succeed in the digital industries. With its focus on socially conscious design, industry-led approach, and commitment to student support, this program provides an excellent foundation for a career in digital design and related fields.