Crafting the Next Generation of Digital Designers
PixelForge Academy Ltd has been training web design and UI/UX professionals across the UK since 2018. We're committed to hands-on learning, real industry experience, and helping you build a career you're genuinely excited about.
How We Started
Understanding the gap between education and industry needs shaped everything we do.
Back in 2018, our founder Sarah noticed something frustrating. Design graduates weren't getting jobs because they weren't learning the right skills. They'd studied theory but had no portfolio, no real-world experience, and no idea how modern design teams actually work. That's why we created PixelForge Academy Ltd.
We weren't interested in building another online course platform. We wanted something different—small cohorts, experienced mentors who'd worked at agencies and tech companies, and genuine projects that clients actually use. Within two years, we'd trained over 100 designers. By 2024, we'd expanded to six cities across the UK and partnered with major design studios.
Today, we're proud that our alumni work at companies like Monzo, John Lewis, and the BBC. But here's the thing we're most proud of—they actually enjoyed the learning process. That's not luck. It's intentional. We've designed our programmes so that learning feels real because it is real.
How Training Works Here
We've stripped away the fluff and focused on what actually matters for a design career.
Foundation First
We don't assume you know anything. Whether it's your first time using Figma or you're switching careers, we'll build solid foundations in design principles, typography, colour theory, and user-centred thinking. Most people notice the difference in their work within three weeks.
Real Projects, Real Feedback
You'll work on live briefs from actual clients and established companies. Our mentors critique your work the way industry professionals would. It's not always comfortable, but it's how you actually improve. And you'll have something tangible for your portfolio.
Specialisation Path
After the core curriculum, you'll choose your direction—UI design, UX research, web design, design systems, or motion design. You'll work deeper into what genuinely interests you, not what you think you should learn.
Launch Your Career
We don't just wish you luck after graduation. You'll have portfolio reviews with hiring managers, interview coaching, and direct introductions to our partner companies. We've invested in your growth—we want to see you succeed.
Core Competencies
Every course covers the essentials. You'll build on these throughout your journey with us.
Design Fundamentals
Layout, grid systems, typography, colour, and composition. You'll understand why certain designs work and others don't.
User Experience
Research methodologies, user testing, prototyping, and iteration. We'll teach you to design for people, not just aesthetics.
Web & Digital Design
Responsive design, design systems, Figma mastery, and understanding how developers build your designs.
Digital Tools
Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, prototyping software, and collaboration platforms. We keep pace with industry standards.
Design Strategy
How to think strategically about design problems, communicate your ideas, and justify design decisions with data.
Career Preparation
Portfolio building, interview skills, negotiation, and navigating the design industry. You'll feel ready.
"I came in with some design knowledge but no real structure. The mentors here didn't just teach—they showed me how to think like a designer. Within six months I had a portfolio I was genuinely proud of, and three companies wanted to interview me."
— Marcus, UI Design Graduate
What Drives Us
These aren't mission statements on a wall. They're what shape every decision at PixelForge Academy Ltd.
Real Skills Matter
We don't celebrate certificates. We celebrate portfolios and job placements. That's how you know training actually worked.
Mentorship Is Central
You'll learn from designers with real experience, not instructors reading from a script. We believe mentoring is a responsibility.
Diversity Strengthens Design
Better design comes from diverse perspectives. We're committed to making design training accessible to people from all backgrounds.
Important Information
Our educational programmes are designed to provide comprehensive training in web design and UI/UX development. While we've worked with many successful graduates who've secured positions in the design industry, individual outcomes depend on personal dedication, prior experience, practice, and market conditions. The job placement statistics and success stories shared represent individual experiences and may not reflect typical results for all participants. We recommend complementing our training with independent study, portfolio development, and engagement with the broader design community. Our role is to provide structured education and mentorship—your success ultimately depends on applying these skills in real-world contexts.