🎓 Level 6 UX Professional Apprenticeship Curriculum

Duration: 36–48 months (3–4 years, full-time)
Level: 6 (UK RQF)
Award:

• BSc (Hons) User Experience Design / Digital Experience Design

• Level 6 UX Professional Apprenticeship Certificate

• Includes a portfolio and End-Point Assessment (EPA)

🧭 Programme Overview

This programme trains apprentices to deliver inclusive, ethical, evidence-based UX design across digital platforms. It covers the full UX lifecycle, from research to interface design to testing and iteration.

🧩 CURRICULUM STRUCTURE (120 credits + EPA + Portfolio)

✅ Year 1: UX Foundations

ModuleCreditsDescriptionIntroduction to UX & Design Thinking20User needs, HCI, empathy mapping, design systemsFundamentals of Psychology & Behaviour20Cognitive load, visual perception, behaviour modelsWeb and Interface Design Principles20HTML/CSS, design systems, responsive layoutDesign Research Methods20Interviews, usability testing, accessibility auditsVisual Communication & Branding20Typography, colour theory, brand coherenceWorkplace UX Project 120Real-world design project with reflection and feedback

✅ Year 2: Applied UX + Tools

ModuleCreditsDescriptionInformation Architecture & Navigation20IA strategies, card sorting, menus, flowInteraction & Prototyping Tools20Figma, Adobe XD, InVision, clickable prototypesUX for Mobile & Emerging Platforms20Gesture design, AR/VR UX, mobile-first designInclusive & Ethical Design20Accessibility (WCAG), bias mitigation, ethical UXWorkplace UX Project 2 (Iterative)20Live project with stakeholder testing & versioningUser Testing & Feedback Techniques20A/B testing, heatmaps, interviews, feedback loops

✅ Year 3: UX Strategy + Final Project

ModuleCreditsDescriptionUX Strategy & Stakeholder Engagement20Personas, value proposition, roadmap alignmentUX Metrics, Analytics & KPIs20Conversion rates, NPS, usability scoresService Design & Cross-Channel UX20Omnichannel UX, journey mapping, service blueprintsCapstone UX Project (EPA-Aligned)20Designed to meet end-point assessment requirementsPortfolio Compilation & Review20Curated work aligned to IfATE KSBsEPA Preparation20Interview practice, case study writing, mock reviews

📁 End-Point Assessment (EPA)

Conducted in the final 3–6 months by an independent End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO):

✅ EPA Components:

1. Synoptic UX Project

   • Based on a real business problem solved with UX methods

   • Includes discovery, wireframes, testing, stakeholder feedback

   • Final report + artefacts submission

2. Professional Discussion

   • Based on the apprentice’s portfolio (20+ pieces of evidence)

   • Validates Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours (KSBs)

3. Employer Reference

   • Supporting letter confirming applied skills and workplace outcomes

🎯 Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

1. Lead UX Research: Conduct and analyse user research using qualitative and quantitative methods

2. Design Inclusive Interfaces: Build and test wireframes/prototypes using ethical and accessible design practices

3. Apply UX Tools and Platforms: Use industry-standard tools (Figma, Adobe XD, Notion, Jira, Maze, Lookback)

4. Evaluate Design Impact: Track success using UX metrics (e.g., SUS, task success rate, drop-off points)

5. Communicate Professionally: Present ideas visually and verbally to stakeholders, clients, and developers

6. Embed Legal & Ethical Awareness: Apply GDPR, IP rules, DfE guidance on AI-generated content, user protection

7. Manage Projects & Deadlines: Deliver work within agile or design sprint frameworks

👨‍💼 Entry Requirements

• Typically 3 A-levels (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications)

• GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)

• Digital/creative background helpful (e.g., graphic design, computing, psychology)

• Some employers may set technical or portfolio assessments

🏁 Outcomes & Career Pathways

Job TitleAverage UK Salary (2025)UX Designer (Junior)£28,000 – £35,000UX Researcher£30,000 – £40,000UI/Interaction Designer£32,000 – £42,000Digital Product Designer£35,000 – £45,000Service Designer£40,000 – £55,000UX Consultant£45,000 – £65,000+

🔧 On-the-Job Learning

• 20% of time is dedicated to off-the-job training (e.g., online learning, tutorials, bootcamps, university days)

• Weekly mentoring check-ins, reviews with line manager, and reflections

• All coursework tied directly to real UX projects or internal platform development