UI Design for 15 – 17 Year Olds
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£545
- Start Date(s): 3 August 2026
- Duration: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, one week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
3 - 7 August 2026, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week
Ever wondered how apps and websites are designed to look so good and feel so easy to use?
That’s the world of UI design, or User Interface design. It’s all about creating digital spaces that look great and help people do what they need to; whether that’s ordering food, chatting with friends, or playing games.
On this fun, hands-on course, you’ll learn how to design your own app or website using Figma software, a powerful and easy-to-use design tool used by professionals all over the world.
You’ll explore layout, colour, typography, and interaction design, discovering how to make your ideas come to life on screen.
Whether you’re thinking about a future in graphic design, web design, or app development or you just love digital creativity, this course will help you build real design skills and create a mini app prototype to show off in your portfolio.
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You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your designs at home or work. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance from a well respected University
Doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Award?
This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential Award and is an amazing opportunity to make new friends and memories. It will be fun and gently challenging, allowing you to follow your passion and discover talents you never knew you had.
DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.
You must also attend the social events that are planned on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and you must plan and attend your own social activities with other participants on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
What you’ll study
You’ll start by learning the basics of Figma and exploring what makes great UI design. Then, through a series of creative challenges, you’ll design your own app screens and connect them together to make an interactive prototype.
During this course, you will:
- explore the Figma interface and learn how to use its core tools
- experiment with layouts, colours, and typography to create your own design style
- build buttons, icons, and menus to make your app come to life
- create an interactive prototype that simulates real user experiences
- work collaboratively and share ideas with other young designers.
By the end of the week, you’ll have developed a clear understanding of how digital interfaces are created and an interactive prototype you can include in your portfolio. This course is perfect if you’re considering studying graphic design, digital media, or app development in the future.
Social events
We appoint NTU Student Ambassadors who host social events on Monday and Wednesday evening to help you make friends across the whole of our summer school programme for 15-17 year olds, which are free to attend.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll study (daily course outline)
Introduction to UI Design and Figma
- What is UI design and why does it matter?
- Exploring the Figma workspace and basic tools
- Creating simple shapes, text, and layouts
Working with Layouts and Styles
- Frames, grids, and alignment tools
- Choosing colours and fonts
- Creating a design system for consistency
Building UI Components
- Designing buttons, icons, and navigation bars
- Using components and reusable styles
Prototyping and Interaction Design
- Linking screens together
- Adding transitions and animations
- Testing your prototype on a phone or tablet
Final Project and Presentation
- Designing a mini shopping app or themed project
- Refining and presenting your interactive prototype
- Sharing your work with the group for feedback
How you’re taught
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University.
Contact hours
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
The course is designed to give you a real experience of university life, make new friends who share similar interests and develop your portfolio so that ultimately, you can make an informed decision about your future.
You’ll gain experience using professional tools and techniques used in the design industry, preparing you for roles such as UI or UX designer, web designer, app developer, digital product designer, or creative technologist.
On successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the Nottingham School of Art and Design on the City Campus.
You'll work in bright, modern studio spaces with access to the latest computers and design software.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
Entry requirements
You should have an enthusiasm for design, digital creativity, and trying out new ideas.
You must be 15, 16 or 17 years old at the time of the course in order to attend.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £545.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
All your materials and equipment will be provided, but you may also want to bring with you:
- Sketchbook, notebook and pens
- A USB stick.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
Need accommodation?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £266 per week, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation.
If you're aged 16 or 17 then you can stay unaccompanied with agreement from a parent/guardian (to support safeguarding, all guests aged 16 and 17 will be accommodated together in the same halls of residence and there is a dedicated Warden available).
If you're aged 15 then you can stay as long as you are accompanied by a parent/guardian (you must book two separate rooms and let us know so we can place you in rooms next to each other).
This option is particularly popular with students completing their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Award.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
How to apply
You can book this course via the NTU online store:
3 - 7 August 2026, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week
Browse all our summer courses for 15 – 17 year olds.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
- Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
- Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813
