LANCASTER UNIVERSITY · UNITED KINGDOM
Design (Placement Year) BA (Hons)
Bachelor's · Taught in en · UCAS W282
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 7thfor Product Design (The Guardian University Guide 2026)
- 9thfor Art and Design (The Complete University Guide 2027)
- 12thfor Art and Design (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
The BA Design (Placement Year) program is for individuals who are passionate about creative thinking and aim to shape the future through design. This course encourages you to go beyond traditional design practices and explore societal, business, technological, and environmental challenges. You will develop a versatile skill set in areas like graphics and user experience (UX) design, while also learning to question existing norms, envision new possibilities, and propose innovative solutions. Taught by experts from ImaginationLancaster, a leading design research lab, you will build a strong portfolio and gain the confidence and adaptability sought by employers across various sectors. The program emphasizes designing for sustainable futures, collaborating with real clients, and leading creative projects, preparing you for roles in design agencies, tech companies, healthcare, public services, and more.
Curriculum
The curriculum is structured around practical, collaborative studio work, informed by current research. You will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics, including sustainable futures, climate action, and emerging technologies. The program emphasizes creative experimentation, critical thinking, and ethical awareness, alongside the development of design solutions rooted in solid research. You will learn to frame problems, generate ideas, and translate insights into industry-standard visual outcomes.
- Year 1-3
- Core Design Skills
- Societal and Business Challenges
- Sustainable Futures Design
- Live Briefs and Client Projects
- Placement Year
- Industry Internship/Placement
- Final Year
- Major Independent Design Project
- Design Consultancy Module (with a real client)
Careers
The program is designed to equip you with a versatile skill set for a broad range of careers. You will develop a strong portfolio reflecting your design identity and values, and gain professional contacts through industry events and alumni interactions. Working on live briefs and with real clients provides practical experience for your future career.
- Designer
- UX/UI Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Service Designer
- Product Designer
- Design Strategist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Design (Placement Year) BA (Hons) program?
- The typical entry requirement is BBB at A-levels. The university also considers applications holistically, looking at predicted grades, previous qualifications, academic references, and personal statements.
- How do I apply for this program?
- All full-time undergraduate applications are submitted through the UCAS website. You will need to create a UCAS Hub account, complete the application form with your academic details and personal statement, and submit it by the relevant deadline.
- What are the application deadlines for 2026 entry?
- The UCAS Equal Consideration Deadline for 2026 entry is 14 January 2026 at 18:00 (UK time). The final UCAS Application Deadline for 2026 entry is 30 June 2026 at 18:00 (UK time).
- What is the duration of the Design (Placement Year) BA (Hons) program?
- The program includes three years of study with a dedicated placement year. You will complete core design skills, societal and business challenges, sustainable futures design, and live projects in the initial years, followed by an industry internship, and culminating in a major independent project and a consultancy module in the final year.
- What career paths can I pursue after graduating from this program?
- This program equips you for roles such as Designer, UX/UI Designer, Graphic Designer, Service Designer, Product Designer, and Design Strategist. You will develop a strong portfolio and gain professional contacts through industry events and alumni interactions.
- Where can I find information on tuition fees and living costs?
- Specific tuition fee and living cost information for international students is not provided here. It is recommended to check Lancaster University's official fee pages for the most up-to-date details.
Entry requirements
A-levelsBBB
The university considers applications holistically, taking into account predicted grades, previous qualifications, academic references, and personal statements. For some courses, interviews, portfolio assessments, or admissions tests may be required. If you require a Student visa, additional factors may be considered to ensure support for your visa application.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Specific tuition fee and living cost information for international students is not provided on the source pages. It is recommended to check the university's official fee pages for the most up-to-date details.
How to apply
1. Create a UCAS AccountRegister on the UCAS website and set up your UCAS Hub.
2. Complete the Application FormFill in your personal details, academic qualifications (including predicted grades), and provide an academic reference. You will also need to write a personal statement.
3. Submit Your ApplicationSubmit your completed UCAS application by the relevant deadline.
4. Application AssessmentLancaster University will review your application, considering your academic background, personal statement, and reference. Decisions are made on a rolling basis, typically within three weeks for most courses, though some may take longer if interviews or portfolio assessments are required.
5. Receive an OfferIf successful, you will receive an offer from Lancaster University.
6. Provide Supporting DocumentsWhile it's not currently possible to upload documents directly to UCAS, you can email any necessary supporting documents to the admissions team at ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Design (Placement Year) BA (Hons) program?
+
The typical entry requirement is BBB at A-levels. The university also considers applications holistically, looking at predicted grades, previous qualifications, academic references, and personal statements.
How do I apply for this program?
+
All full-time undergraduate applications are submitted through the UCAS website. You will need to create a UCAS Hub account, complete the application form with your academic details and personal statement, and submit it by the relevant deadline.
What are the application deadlines for 2026 entry?
+
The UCAS Equal Consideration Deadline for 2026 entry is 14 January 2026 at 18:00 (UK time). The final UCAS Application Deadline for 2026 entry is 30 June 2026 at 18:00 (UK time).
What is the duration of the Design (Placement Year) BA (Hons) program?
+
The program includes three years of study with a dedicated placement year. You will complete core design skills, societal and business challenges, sustainable futures design, and live projects in the initial years, followed by an industry internship, and culminating in a major independent project and a consultancy module in the final year.
What career paths can I pursue after graduating from this program?
+
This program equips you for roles such as Designer, UX/UI Designer, Graphic Designer, Service Designer, Product Designer, and Design Strategist. You will develop a strong portfolio and gain professional contacts through industry events and alumni interactions.
Where can I find information on tuition fees and living costs?
+
Specific tuition fee and living cost information for international students is not provided here. It is recommended to check Lancaster University's official fee pages for the most up-to-date details.