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UX design

JVM2020

What skills / experience are needed for this?

I have a degree and office based job experience for 5 years.

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by JVM2020

What skills / experience are needed for this?

I have a degree and office based job experience for 5 years.

I think this is something you can quickly google for. See the following for example:
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/ux-designer
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/job-sectors/media/job-profile/ux-designer

There are also other pages with different opinions:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/ux-designer
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/ux-designer-job-description

In essense, you can more or less go into the job as an apprentice (I think they refer to them as advanced apprenticeships, but you're qualified for a degree apprenticeship). If you really want to get a qualification in UX (you technically don't need one) to boost your competence, then I would pick something very specific to UX as opposed to general computing and digital design courses at college.

The sort of course that is heavily branded and known in the UK is from the UX Design Institute: https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/
If you are intent on doing a postgrad degree in it (even though you don't need it), most MA/MScs tend to vary in what they require your undergrad to be in, but the range of subjects a lot would accept include anything in design, computer science, engineering, maths, psychology, business, or media. I would check the entry requriements for the specific degree first before deciding on anything else. If worse comes to worse, you can always consider Falmouth's online MA, which accepts degrees in any subject.

As you already have a degree, you would likely need to fund course yourself at college or uni (if it's your second bachelor's). Having said that, there are Advanced Learner Loans for college courses if it's from a recognised UK college (you will need to check with Student Finance to be sure). Having said that, most of these courses at college won't break the bank (e.g. less than £3000 usually).

All in all, I would try to apply for apprenticeships or entry level jobs in UX where possible without going for further qualifications. I would also look into preparing a portfolio of draft work that you can possibly showcase to employers, as it's something that would really help the application.