User Experience - Foundation Degree (Progression from Cert HE)
Summary
After successfully completing the first year of the Digital Enterprise programme, you can choose to specialise by progressing into the second-year foundation degree in User Experience (UX). This pathway prepares you to design accessible, engaging, and user-focused digital experiences through a strong combination of creative thinking, technical skills, and industry practice.
In this year, you'll develop your ability to research, prototype, and evaluate design solutions using modules such as User-Centred Design, Prototyping, Design Principles, and Technoculture & Design Ethics. You’ll also explore project management practices and gain real-world experience through Work-Based Learning. Tools like Figma and Adobe XD are embedded throughout the programme, helping you build a portfolio of interactive prototypes, artefacts, and reports grounded in real user insight.
Whether you're designing wireframes, testing usability, or considering ethical design decisions, this pathway gives you the confidence and skillset to start a professional journey into UX design, research, and digital product development.
- Course code DP1HE0002
- Duration 1 Year
- Day/s of week Monday and Thursday
- Time 09:00 - 16:30
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
07 Sep 2026
|
University Centre
|
1 Year
|
Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The UK User Experience (UX) market is rapidly expanding, creating a wealth of employment opportunities for professionals who specialise in understanding and improving how people interact with digital products. As organisations prioritise customer satisfaction and accessibility, demand for UX designers, researchers, interaction designers, and usability specialists is on the rise.
As a graduate of the User Experience pathway at foundation degree level, you'll be equipped with the creative, technical and analytical skills needed to begin a career in the digital design and UX sector.
You can also progress directly into the final year (Level 6) of the full honours degree in User Experience at Blackpool and The Fylde College, further developing your expertise in inclusive design, psychology, and user research.
Next steps at B&FC
BSc. (Hons) User Experience
Employment Opportunities
Common progression routes include roles such as:
- Junior UX/UI Designer – designing and testing user interfaces for websites, apps, and digital services
- Digital Product Designer – combining UX and product thinking to develop solutions that meet both business and user needs
- Content Strategist – shaping how content is structured, delivered, and experienced across digital platforms
Key information
Entry Requirements
To progress onto the Foundation Degree (Year 2) in User Experience at Blackpool and The Fylde College, you must have successfully completed the Certificate of Higher Education in Digital Enterprise (Year 1).
Applicants must have:
- Successfully completed all Level 4 modules within the Digital Enterprise programme
- Achieved a pass in the Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits at Level 4)
This pathway is open only to students who have completed the first year of the Digital Enterprise degree. If you are applying with alternative qualifications or prior learning, your application will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Qualification obtained
FdSc User ExperienceFees and funding
Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding, including additional financial support for those on low incomes, with dependent children or adults or with disabilties.
Extra costs and equipment
You will not be required to purchase any additional equipment to undertake this programme as the college has resources available to students.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institute: N/A
Awarding Body: The University of Lancaster
Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)
Terms and conditions
Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.
What will I learn?
In this second year of the Digital Enterprise degree, specialising in User Experience (UX), you'll build on your foundational knowledge to develop the practical and professional skills needed to design intuitive, inclusive, and engaging digital experiences. The modules you study are grounded in real-world UX practices, helping you explore everything from interface design and usability testing to ethics, accessibility, and project delivery.
User-Centred Design – Explore the principles of human-centred design and learn how to develop solutions grounded in user needs, behaviours, and expectations. This module introduces design thinking techniques, persona creation, and user journey mapping through practical, hands-on tasks.
Prototyping – Learn how to bring your ideas to life through iterative design. You’ll develop interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools, test usability with target users, and refine designs based on feedback and evaluation.
Design Principles – Build a strong foundation in layout, typography, colour theory, and accessibility. This module focuses on visual clarity, consistency, and how effective design choices enhance usability and engagement.
Technoculture & Design Ethics – Consider the wider impact of digital design on society. You’ll explore issues like inclusivity, data privacy, digital wellbeing, and the ethical responsibilities of a UX practitioner in shaping the online experience.
Project Management – Develop your ability to plan, manage, and deliver digital projects within a UX context. Learn how to scope tasks, meet deadlines, work collaboratively, and apply project management tools to real-world briefs.
Work-Based Learning – Gain valuable real-world experience through live briefs or short placements. This module gives you the opportunity to apply your UX knowledge in a professional context while building your portfolio and reflecting on your practice.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
As part of the Work-Based Learning module, you’ll complete a short industry placement or live project designed to give you practical experience in a professional UX or digital design environment. Our delivery team will support you in finding a suitable placement, whether that’s through local employer links, remote opportunities, or a collaborative industry brief.
Across the academic year, students on all Digital Enterprise pathways benefit from a programme of guest speakers drawn from a range of digital industries; including UX design, product development, marketing, and tech. These sessions are designed to give you real insight into career pathways, industry tools, and current trends, helping you connect your learning to the world beyond the classroom.
How will I learn?
Your learning on the User Experience pathway combines practical project work with supportive, engaging teaching. You'll take part in a mix of interactive workshops, seminars, design labs, and tutorials, with plenty of opportunities to apply your skills through hands-on tasks, peer collaboration, and real-world briefs.
Throughout the course, you’ll work with industry-standard tools to develop prototypes, conduct user research, and create design artefacts. Teaching is designed to mirror the kind of creative, agile environments found in UX teams, with a strong focus on feedback, iteration, and problem-solving.
You’ll also benefit from:
- Access to dedicated workshop spaces
- One-to-one tutorials and group critiques
- Blended learning using platforms like Canvas and Microsoft Teams
- Remote access to design software and resources
- Supportive feedback from tutors throughout your design process
This flexible and collaborative approach means you can develop both the creative and professional skills needed to thrive in user experience roles — all while building a strong portfolio along the way.
Expert tutors
Our Digital Enterprise programmes are taught by a dedicated team of tutors with strong academic backgrounds and real-world industry experience. From UX and web development to eSports and data analysis, our staff bring their specialist knowledge into every session — combining technical expertise with creative insight to help you thrive in your chosen pathway.
We’re passionate about digital innovation and committed to delivering up-to-date, industry-relevant teaching. Our tutors regularly engage in continuing professional development (CPD) to stay current with the latest tools, techniques, and trends. Whether it’s gaining new certifications, exploring emerging technologies, or working directly with employers to shape our curriculum, we ensure our teaching remains closely aligned with the demands of the digital sector.
You’ll benefit from small group teaching, personalised feedback, and approachable, supportive tutors who care deeply about your progress. We aim to create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and your ideas can grow.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 0 | 288 | 0 |
| Independent | 0 | 880 | 0 |
| Placement | 0 | 32 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 1200 | 0 |
How will I be assessed?
The User Experience foundation degree (Digital Enterprise pathway) includes six modules designed to help you develop practical skills, professional knowledge, and real-world experience. Each module is assessed through a mix of creative projects and written work — all designed to reflect how things are done in the digital and design industries.
- In User-Centred Design, you'll design a solution based on real user needs. You'll be marked on both your final design work and a short written explanation of your thinking and process.
- Prototyping focuses on bringing your ideas to life. You’ll create an interactive prototype and write about how it works, what it solves, and how users might experience it.
- Design Principles helps you build strong visual skills; from layout and colour to typography and clarity. You’ll produce a design piece and explain how your choices support a better user experience.
- In Technoculture & Design Ethics, you’ll explore the bigger picture; like accessibility, online behaviour, and how technology affects people’s lives. You’ll create a piece of design work and reflect on the ethical decisions behind it.
- Project Management gives you the tools to plan and deliver digital projects. You’ll be assessed on your ability to manage a brief, meet deadlines, and document your progress.
- Finally, in Work-Based Learning, you’ll gain real experience through a short placement or project. You’ll build a portfolio of your work and reflect on what you’ve learned — as well as update your CV and practise interview skills to help you prepare for employment.
By the end of the year, you’ll have a collection of practical work, reports, and project experience that demonstrate your skills — ideal for applying to jobs, freelance work, or continuing onto the final year of your degree.
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 0% | 50% | 0% |
| Exam | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |