Career interest in User Experience Design (or UX design for short) has skyrocketed in recent years. But what’s the best way to learn the skills you need to break into the industry? If you’re considering a UX design qualification, there are many different options available—some university credit-rated, and some not.
So what’s the difference? Is it better to opt for a credit-rated course?
In this article, we explain exactly what it means for a UX certification to be university credit-rated. We then take a look at 6 great reasons to choose a university credit-rated UX certification to help kick start your career in UX.
What does it mean when a course is university credit-rated?
A credit-rated course is one that has been reviewed and approved by a professional, external body. A course will only be credit-rated if it meets certain standards of quality and accuracy, as set out by the accrediting body.
In psychology, you’d look for a course endorsed by the British Psychological Society (BPS). If you wanted to become an accountant, you’d look for a degree credit-rated by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Likewise, when training to become a UX designer, you might look for a qualification with a university credit rating.
These credit ratings tell you that your chosen course has been thoroughly vetted— and that your qualification will be accepted and recognised within the industry.
A university credit rating also equates your qualification to a certain number of credits. Credit rating frameworks vary from country to country, but you’ll be able to convert your credits accordingly. For example, a course worth 20 credits in Scotland may be worth 10 credits in Europe.
University credit rating is a long and rigorous process. The credit rating body will audit the school to see if they have the materials, policies and procedures in place to offer a high quality learning experience. Once a school or provider receives a university credit rating, they will undergo regular checks in order to maintain their credit-rated status.
So, as an aspiring UX designer, why should you choose a university credit-rated qualification? Here are 6 compelling reasons.
6 Benefits of choosing a university credit-rated UX certification
1. University credit ratings are globally recognised
When a university credits an educational programme, it immediately signals a high standard of quality, accountability and authenticity. It’s the most legitimate level of educational endorsement possible.
A university credit-rated course is universally recognisable, no matter where the awarding body sits. So, while there might be a ton of UX design courses out there, a university credit-rated course offers an immediate and objective guarantee that your particular qualification is credible.
As such, a credit-rated UX certification will help convince employers of your skills. It confirms that you’ve been through official, high quality training with a reputable provider. The skills you’ve learnt are relevant, up to date, and in line with industry standards. In other words: You’re a job-ready UX designer with a verifiable qualification.
2. A quality-assured, up to date curriculum
There are many UX design courses and qualifications out there, but not all of them have been through the rigorous credit-rating process. As such, the difference in quality can be vast.
Part of the process involves checking the course materials and the quality of the learning experience provided. So, with a university credit-rated course, you know you’re getting a certain standard.
This is crucial for ensuring you’re investing your time and money wisely, and that you’ll graduate with the skills needed to actually work in the field.
Schools and learning providers have to reapply for credit rating every few years, and regularly report on any changes to the curriculum. If a UX qualification has a current university credit rating, you know the curriculum and training are up to date.
3. You can wave bye-bye to “imposter syndrome” with a university credit-rated UX certification
Aside from universal recognition of quality, a university credit-rated UX certification will instil a sense of confidence in your abilities and skills. It proves to you (as well as others) that you’re no ‘imposter’ or accidental player; that you’ve put the time, effort and dedication into honing your skills on your journey to becoming a UX designer.
As you apply for jobs, it’s important that you’re able to talk confidently about your skills and the value you bring. With a university credit-rated qualification to your name, you’ll feel confident in your abilities as a UX designer—and employers will, too.
4. Transferable credits for further education
A university credit-rated qualification can be equated to a certain number of universally recognisable—and transferable—credits. Not only is this beneficial for getting your qualification recognised in other countries; it’s also useful for further study.
For example, you might complete a UX certification worth 10 ECTS credits. If, one day, you decide to complete a master’s program in a related field (such as human-computer interaction or artificial intelligence), you may be able to transfer your UX credits to your next qualification.
Even if further study is not on the agenda, having a recognised number of credits ensures your qualification is quantifiable in different locations and job markets.
5. A competitive edge in the job market
As a newly qualified UX designer, you’ll need to stand out in the job market. A university credit-rated UX certification will help set you apart, demonstrating that you’ve completed thorough and up to date training.
The e-learning industry is growing at a rapid rate, which means that more and more UX designers are entering the field via online courses. Those who graduate from a university credit-rated course will have the advantage of a recognisable, quality-assured certification.
So, in addition to your UX portfolio, a university-endorsed qualification is another way to stand out in the job market and give yourself the best chance of getting hired.
6. A university credit-rated UX certification gives the best springboard to advance your career in UX design
Ultimately, a university credit-rated UX certification offers a clear and effective route into the UX industry. Whether you’re starting from scratch or coming in with some experience, following a structured learning path and a quality-assured curriculum will ensure you’re ready to apply UX in the real world.
From there, you can apply for UX jobs, use it as a springboard for further study, or start applying UX to your current role. Whatever your goals, a university credit-rated qualification is a great first step.
To summarise, here are the benefits of a university credit-rated UX certification at a glance:
- A globally recognisable, credible qualification in UX
- A quality-assured, up to date curriculum
- Confidence in your newfound skills and abilities
- Transferable credits for further education
- A competitive edge in the job market
- An effective and proven route into the UX industry
The future of UX design is still very much open, with all the makings of an exciting and challenging career where many of the rules are yet unwritten. All the more reason to establish recognised fundamental skills and know-how that can be built on efficiently.
Choosing a university credit-rated UX certification
If you’re looking to kick-start your career in UX design, a university credit-rated certification is an excellent way to learn the necessary skills and gain hands-on experience.
When choosing a UX certification, consider additional factors such as how the curriculum is created and delivered, the overall course duration, how flexible or rigid the course schedule is, and how much it costs. It’s important to find a course that fits with your personal learning style, your budget, and your schedule.
Do your research and weigh up your options until you find the UX certification course that works for you. From there, you’re well on your way to becoming a qualified UX designer.
Not sure where to start? Learn more about the university credit-rated UX certification offered by the UX Design Institute in this video:
