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Design (Placement Year) at Lancaster University - UCAS

Course options

2023 - 20242024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Lancaster University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

What does this TEF outcome mean?

Open days

29Jun
Lancaster University Open Day
Undergraduate
13Jul
Lancaster University Open Day
Undergraduate
14Sep
Lancaster University Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Lancaster’s approach to design reflects a department that is actively seeking new and innovative ways to apply design to complex cultural, social and environmental problems. This degree is taught by leading design researchers who advance the theory and practice of design, moving it beyond the scope of traditional disciplines such as graphic or product design. You will learn how to conduct robust design research so that you are able to conceptualise physical and digital products, services, systems and environments that seek to responsibly enhance human, non-human and planetary wellbeing. This intellectually stimulating course introduces you to a broad range of areas in which design plays a critically important role. These areas may include (but are not limited to) designing for:

  • sustainability
  • healthier lifestyles
  • urban wellbeing
  • future workplaces
  • meaningful home environments
You will develop vital, transferable skills in problem-finding and problem-solving that enable you to creatively address a broad range of issues through design. You will learn how to research, ideate, prototype, visualise, iterate and present your design work as well as learning how to work effectively in a design team. You will also experience working with various types of materials and processes including 3D printing and laser-cutting as well as developing skills using industry standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator. To prepare you for your work placement year, our Careers and Placements Team will provide advice and guidance on: the skills required to create effective CVs, cover letters and applications; tips and techniques on how to make an impact at interviews and assessment centres; how to create a relevant digital profile; and how to research employers and career sectors of interest. In addition, there is great emphasis placed upon developing self-awareness and on how to present yourself in a professional manner to employers. This optional provision will be delivered via a blend of traditional and digital methods including face-to-face workshops, online webinars, e-courses and 1:1 appointments. Our distinctive design course will equip you for a range of exciting careers in existing, new and emerging industries. You will gain real world experience through authentic projects and live briefs, including a group consultancy project. We also aim to include guest speakers and external organisations to provide insight into design and related industries, giving you the opportunity to build professional contacts and gain work experience during your degree. You can find out more about our facilities, research and the work experience we offer on our departmental website The University will use all reasonable effort to support you to find a suitable placement for your studies. While a placement role may not be available in a field or organisation that is directly related to your academic studies or career aspirations, all placement roles offer valuable experience of working at a graduate level and gaining a range of professional skills. If you are unsuccessful in securing a suitable placement for your third year, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent non-placement degree scheme and continue with your studies at Lancaster, finishing your degree after your third year.

How to apply

25Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W282
Institution code:
L14
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
65%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1

Additional fee information

For details of the fees for Channel Islands and international students, please visit our website for details of the specific fees for the degree programme you wish to study.
Design (Placement Year) at Lancaster University - UCAS