At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape innovative programmes in Interaction Design and Visual Communication.
- Company: Join a dynamic design school committed to creativity and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working, inclusive policies, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse communities and contribute to meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of design education and student experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in academic leadership and deep knowledge of design practices.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to provide academic leadership for Interaction Design and Visual Communication (IDVC), one of three programme areas within LCC’s Design School. The role offers the chance to shape a dynamic and evolving area of provision at the intersection of design, technology, communication and creative practice. The courses sitting within IDVC include BA (Hons) Interaction Design, BA (Hons) Illustration and Visual Media, MA Illustration and Visual Media, MA Service Design, MA Interaction Design and MA User Experience.
As Programme Director, you will play a pivotal role in setting the academic vision and strategic direction for the programme, working closely with Course Leaders, academic teams, technical colleagues, professional services and senior leaders across the College. You will lead the development, delivery and enhancement of the programme’s offering, ensuring that its courses remain ambitious, inclusive, research-informed, professionally relevant and responsive to current and future developments in design practice.
You will have responsibility for the day‑to‑day academic leadership and management of the programme, including learning, teaching, assessment, student experience, quality enhancement, admissions, resource planning and staff development. You will use data and student feedback to identify priorities, support continuous improvement and maintain high academic standards across the programme.
You will also help strengthen the programme’s external profile, building relationships with academic, cultural, commercial, governmental and creative communities in the UK and internationally. This includes supporting enterprise, collaboration, research alignment and engagement with emerging technologies, while contributing to wider College and University priorities around equality, diversity and inclusion, decolonising the curriculum, climate justice and social purpose.
About you
This is a role for someone who can combine academic leadership with deep design expertise, bringing strategic vision, clarity and credibility to a complex and evolving programme area. We are looking for an experienced academic leader, practitioner and researcher with strong knowledge of interaction design, service design, illustration, visual media and contemporary communication design practice. You will understand how current and future technologies, changing professional contexts and global trends are reshaping design education, and be able to translate this insight into a clear and compelling academic direction.
You will bring experience of leading academic programmes, curriculum development, teaching, assessment and quality enhancement, alongside the ability to support excellent pedagogy, inclusive practice and strong student outcomes. You will be confident working with Course Leaders and programme teams to maintain standards, enhance the student experience and support students across different learning styles, backgrounds and developmental stages.
As a senior academic leader, you will be able to motivate teams, manage resources effectively, identify and solve problems, prioritise complex work and contribute confidently to strategic decision‑making within the School, College and University.
UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn – a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.
Programme Director - Interaction Design & Visual Communication employer: UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
The University of the Arts London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. As a Specialist Technician in Metal, you will not only contribute to the development of future artists and designers but also benefit from professional growth opportunities within a prestigious institution located in the heart of King's Cross. With a commitment to employee well-being and a collaborative environment, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in the educational landscape.
Contact Details:
UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director - Interaction Design & Visual Communication
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
In the world of UX/UI design, your portfolio speaks volumes! Make sure it's packed with your best work and showcases your process, not just the final product. We want to see how you tackle design challenges, so consider adding case studies that reflect your thought process and user-centric approach.
✨Get Involved in Design Communities
Jump into local or online design meetups and workshops! Places like UXPA or local design events can be goldmines for networking and learning. Plus, mingling with fellow designers can introduce you to potential job openings that might not be listed elsewhere.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you find a role that excites you, like the one at UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON for a Programme Director - Interaction Design & Visual Communication, make your application count! Highlight specific projects and skills that directly relate to the job description. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who fit into their specific team, so show them you’re the one!
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in finding a UX/UI design job! Follow design leaders on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, share your work, and engage in conversations. It’s a great way to get noticed by recruiters and even catch wind of openings at companies like UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON before they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director - Interaction Design & Visual Communication
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Process:When you're applying for a UX/UI Design role like Programme Director - Interaction Design & Visual Communication at UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON, make sure to include examples that clearly highlight your design process. We want to see not just the final product but also the journey that led you there—wireframes, user personas, and iterations demonstrate your thought process and user-centric approach!
Tailor Your Portfolio:A tailor-made portfolio is crucial for a full-time design role! Curate your best projects that align with the kind of work UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON does. We suggest including 3-5 case studies that showcase a variety of skills such as wireframing, prototyping, and user testing to really make your application pop.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just be a summary of your CV. Use it to express why you’re excited about UX/UI Design and what draws you specifically to UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON. Mention any relevant experience, tools you’re proficient in (like Sketch or Figma), and how you can contribute to their projects.
Highlight Collaboration Skills:In the world of UX/UI Design, teamwork is crucial. Make sure to highlight any past experiences where you worked in cross-functional teams. Illustrate how you communicated design decisions and listened to feedback, as this will resonate well with the culture at UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON.
How to prepare for a job interview at UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
When you're gunning for a full-time UX/UI design role, your portfolio is your best friend! Make sure you've got a solid selection of your work, showcasing not just the final designs, but the process behind them—think wireframes, user flows, and any user research you've conducted. During the interview with UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON, be prepared to discuss your design decisions and how they solve specific user problems.
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Expect to face some practical design tasks during your interview. UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON might ask you to tackle a quick design challenge or critique an existing interface. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and try to articulate your thought process as you work through these scenarios. Showing how you approach a design problem is just as important as the final output!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with the tools commonly used in the industry—figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch should be second nature to you. Be ready to discuss your preferred tools during the interview and how they've shaped your design process at previous positions. This knowledge could give you an edge at UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON!
✨Show Passion for User Experience
In a full-time UX/UI design role, having a genuine passion for improving user interactions can set you apart. Be prepared to share instances when you went above and beyond to ensure a great user experience in your previous projects. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a designer, but a user advocate, which is exactly what UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON is looking for.
