Certificate in User Experience (UX) Design
The course next runs in January 2025.
Course Overview
The aim of the Certificate in User Experience (UX) design course is to give students extensive knowledge, understanding and competencies across a wide range of user experience design principles and practices including: User Experience design theory, creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation, digital visual communication and web design fundamentals. As part of product design, user experience (UX) designers use creativity and computer skills to create products that provide meaningful and relevant experiences to users. This involves the research and design of the entire user experience of a product, including aspects of user research, user journeys, design thinking techniques, usability, prototyping and branding.
The aim of the Certificate in User Experience design (UXD) course is to provide students with a strong balance of technical knowledge and theory in usability, digital design and branding. The theoretical grounding will complement their practical skill-set, in turn benefiting their overall capabilities as a creative practitioner. The course will provide a solid grounding in researching target audiences, understanding the role of user research and for the creation of UX design across divergent digital mediums. The user experience (UX) design course will also encourage enterprise and the development of entrepreneurial skills, behaviours and attitudes. In addition, students will also be encouraged to consider user experience issues from a variety of cultural and accessibility perspectives.
The course will give students extensive knowledge, understanding and competencies across a wide range of UXD principles and practises including: UXD theory, creativity, entrepreneurship, digital visual communication and web design fundamentals. This one-year, part-time programme is ideal for anyone wanting to switch their current career path to become a UXD professional. It will encourage graduates to become idea-driven UX designers competent in communicating through a variety of mediums. The course is delivered in the evenings and fully online making it possible for students to attend classes from anywhere in Ireland.
By the end of the course, students will be equipped to find employment in the following broad categories: User Experience (UX) Designer, Product Designer, Digital Designer, Graphic Designer or Web Designer. Participants will acquire skills in industry standard software for UX, Design and apply various human computer principles to develop an online portfolio.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the programme will have a detailed knowledge and understanding of both the creative and developmental strands within the UX design discipline and will be skilled in the use of a range of digital media. They will be equipped to follow career paths in the following broad categories:
- UX designer - providing information architecture, high-quality designs, graphics, mock-ups, prototypes, and layouts for web sites and applications.
- Product designer - use their design skills and technical knowledge to improve the way that existing products work and look.
- Graphic/digital designer- designs graphic content and layout for both print and digital platforms.
- Web designer / front end developer – integrating visual elements into web pages.
- UI designer - User interface (UI) designers work closely with user experience (UX) designers and other design specialists. Their job is to make sure that every page and every step a user will experience in their interaction with the finished product will conform to the overall vision created by UX designers.
Course Delivery and Modules
The course is delivered 3 evenings a week (6.00pm-10.00pm) Mondays through Thursdays (exact evening TBC at the start of the course) and fully online making it possible for students to attend classes from anywhere in Ireland.
The programme will run two semesters:
- Semester 1 (Spring: January to May)
- Semester 2 (Autumn: September to January)
The programme comprises five taught modules over two semesters and a 70 hour work placement within the web/digital sector. If you are employed, you can complete the work placement module with your current employer or complete a commercial project in your own time. If you are unemployed, DkIT will endeavour to find a suitable placement for you.
-
Modules
- Digital Visual Communication - View Module Descriptor: This module will give students an interdisciplinary understanding of communication, design, and illustration at tertiary level. This general introduction enables students to experience and broaden their comprehension of each discipline area through a series of practical workshops.
- UX Web Design Fundamentals - View Module Descriptor: This module will equip students with the visual design and HCI skills to create a user-centred website. Students will also acquire the skills to setup, design and user test a website using a content management system connected to a database.
- User Experience (UX) Concepts - View Module Descriptor:This module develops a greater practical understanding of an industry standard user experience design package. They will show an understanding of various human computer interaction principles and user experience theory for information design and architecture.
- UX Front-End Development for Web - View Module Descriptor: This module provides a platform for learning popular UX/UI, interface design and responsive design techniques. It also allows students to apply programming principles into their websites to enhance the user experience. In addition, the module provides an opportunity for students to research into emerging trends and learn about current best practices in the UX/UI/Web design industry.
- Entrepreneurship for Digital Industries - View Module Descriptor: This module will give students the understanding of key concepts of entrepreneurship and the practice of entrepreneurship in the creative Industries. Students will follow a design thinking process (problem-solving, ideation, testing) and business strategies (to market and commercialise) for new venture creation.
- Work placement for Digital Industries - View Module Descriptor: Assess personal growth and professional performance in the work environment through reflective practice. (If you are currently employed, you can complete the work placement module with your current employer. If you are unemployed, we suggest you source a suitable design agency or company to work with. If you’re unable to do either of these two options, you can complete a college project that is industry focused and meets the learning outcomes of the module).
Fees and Funding
Course fee is €385 payable in 2 instalments as follows:
- Instalment 1: €200 (non-refundable) is payable to confirm your acceptance of a course place.
- Instalment 2: €185 is payable by the end of February.
Course is FREE to unemployed people in receipt of an eligible DSP Jobseekers payment. Find out more here: https://www.dkit.ie/part-time/fees,-concessions-and-policies.html
Fees
€385
Entry Requirements
The standard entry requirement to Level 7 courses at DkIT are:
Six grades at O6 or H7 in Leaving Certificate or minimum points score of 200
Applicants who have significant relevant experience in the technology or media sectors can also apply under the Institute’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The RPL policy allows for the recognition of both formal and informal learning, non-accredited personal and professional education and work-based learning. The RPL Application process may include an appraisal and online interview with an academic. Learn more about RPL at DkIT
Ask us a Question
If you have a question about the Certificate in User Experience (UX) Design please ask it below and we will get back to you.
Disclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).
