User experience (UX) designer

You could do a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate award in:

• UX design
• product design
• graphic design
• human computer interaction (HCI)
• digital media and web design

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do a college course, which may lead on to more advanced qualifications, or help you to get a trainee position with a company.

Courses include:

• digital media design
• digital product design
• T Level in Digital Software Development

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do a Digital User Experience (UX) Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

You may also find a Digital Accessibility Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship useful for this job.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

If you're working in an organisation that conducts user research, you could get work experience by volunteering to help in research sessions and user interviews.

You could also get involved with the online user experience community for advice and tips, and to find a mentor to help you.

You can apply directly to companies or go through an agency that specialises in providing digital design professionals to clients.

You'll need qualifications and relevant experience to do this.

Career Tips

You'll find it useful to have:

• knowledge of coding like HTML , CSS and JavaScript so you can build wireframes and prototypes
• experience of using design software like Adobe Creative Suite
• an understanding of agile project development methods

It will also help if you have a portfolio to showcase examples of your work.

Further Information

You can find out more about working as a user experience (UX) designer from techskills .

As a UX designer you'll:

• work with user researchers and service designers to understand user needs
• gather business requirements from project leaders
• design and test prototype solutions based on user research results
• write clear specifications and guidelines for developers
• use data and evidence from follow-up research to refine designs
• make sure designs meet accessibility standards
• explain design solutions clearly to stakeholders

You could work in an office, from home or at a client's business.