On this page
The short answer
A UX (user experience) designer studies how people use a product and designs the flow, structure and interface so that it is clear and useful. There is no single required qualification. Some people take a design degree such as a B.Des, usually admitted through design entrance tests, while others come from technology, psychology, art or other fields and build skills through projects. Employers look closely at a portfolio of case studies that show how you understood a problem, tested ideas and improved them. Plan the route around learning the method and building that portfolio, and check courses for real project work and honest claims.
Admission rules change; confirm with the official notice.
The basics
Typical entry
Design degree or skills plus portfolio
Both routes exist.
Core skills
Research, wireframing, prototyping, testing
Plus visual design basics.
Also useful
Accessibility, writing and working with developers
They improve every project.
Proof of skill
A portfolio of case studies
More important than a certificate.
Related roles
UI designer, product designer, researcher
Titles vary by company.
The common routes
Choose the one that suits your age, finances and interests.
-
Design degree after Class 12Degree route
Programmes such as B.Des are offered by design institutes and universities, usually with a design entrance test and a studio round. Check each institute's notice.
-
Any degree plus a skills routeSkills route
Graduates from technology, psychology, media or other fields move into UX by learning the method through courses and projects.
-
Postgraduate design studyCheck rules
Master's programmes in design and human-computer interaction exist for those who want a deeper grounding. They have their own entrance rules.
-
Within a companyInside move
Some people move into UX from development, content or testing roles, using work projects as their portfolio.
A practical plan
- Learn the process: user research, defining the problem, sketching, wireframes, prototypes and testing.
- Practise with real problems, such as improving a local service app, and talk to actual users rather than only imagining them.
- Build three to five case studies that show your thinking, the ideas you rejected, what you tested and what changed.
- Learn the basics of visual design: layout, spacing, type and colour, and the habits that make interfaces accessible.
- Show your work online in a simple portfolio and ask for feedback from designers and users.
- Apply for internships and junior roles, and keep improving each case study with what you learn.
Where UX sits among design and technology routes
UX sits between design, technology and psychology. Careers for students interested in design describes the wider design field, and career after 10th if you are interested in design covers routes that start earlier.
If you are moving from another field, moving into tech from a non-tech background sets out how to learn alongside study or work.
Frequently asked questions
Official sources to check
Use these for current design entrance notices. Private courses differ widely, so check each one yourself.
