Product & Furniture Design BA (Hons)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Product & Furniture Design BA (Hons) at UCA Canterbury equips students with the skills to design and create bespoke furniture and products. Through a comprehensive curriculum covering the design process from concept to production, students develop their understanding of product style, technology, cost, and value. The program emphasizes critical analysis, equity, and sustainability in design, preparing graduates for careers in various design-related fields.
Program Outline
Product & Furniture Design BA (Hons) at UCA Canterbury
Degree Overview:
This program equips students with the skills and knowledge to design and create bespoke furniture and products. Students will learn how to consider the relationship between their products and the spaces they occupy, focusing on the product's style, technology, cost, and value. They will also be trained to understand their audience and identify market gaps to fill with their ideas and prototypes.
Outline:
This three-year program consists of modules that cover the full design process, from concept development to prototyping and production.
Year One:
- Sketch and Build: Students will learn basic skills in sketching, model making, and representation.
- Design for Equity 01: This module focuses on the technological, social, and environmental challenges of contemporary design.
- Briefs and Positions 01: Students will develop their ability to create briefs and proposals for design projects.
- Iterate and Adapt 01: This module focuses on the fundamental processes of design practice, including analysis, deconstruction, and documentation.
- Critical Analysis 01: Students will learn how to critically analyze design theories and practices.
- Material and Digital Practices: This module introduces students to the use of digital tools and materials in design.
Year Two:
- Fabricate and Form: Students will further develop their skills in sketching, model making, and representation, with a focus on digital technologies and material constraints.
- Briefs and Positions 02: Students will further develop their skills in creating briefs and proposals for design projects.
- Context and Constraint: This module focuses on constraint-based design, exploring the concepts of transformation and uncertainty.
- Pathways and Mentors: Students will explore their career options and receive mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Critical Analysis 02: This module provides further training in critical analysis and design theory.
Year Three:
- Pitch and Prototype: Students will develop their skills in using new technologies and rapid prototyping techniques.
- Critical Analysis 03: Students will conduct independent research on a topic related to design history, theory, or criticism.
- Briefs and Positions 03: Students will create a comprehensive brief for their final project.
- Major Project: Students will complete a major design project that integrates all the skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout the program.
Assessment:
Assessment methods may include written assignments, presentations, portfolios, projects, and examinations.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and professionals in the design industry. Students will benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention.
Careers:
Graduates of this program can pursue careers in a variety of roles, including:
- Furniture designer
- Product designer
- CAD designer
- Product developer
- Technical designer
- Product technician
- Furniture maker
- Design and communications manager
- Market research specialist
- Purchasing manager
Other:
- The program offers opportunities to participate in industry projects and competitions.
- Students have access to extensive workshop facilities and equipment. The actual program content and structure may be subject to change.
UK
Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 BA course: £9,250 If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,850. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.
EU
Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated International Foundation Year: £9,250 (see fee discount information) BA course: £9,250 (see fee discount information) If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,850. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.
International
Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated International Foundation Year: £16,950 BA course: £17,500 If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £3,390. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.
University of the Creative Arts
Overview:
University of the Creative Arts (UCA) is a specialist creative university in the UK, known for its high-quality art and design programs. It is ranked among the top specialist creative universities in the UK, particularly for its world-leading research outputs.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available across its various campuses.Student Support:
Comprehensive student support services are provided, including academic guidance, career advice, and mental health support.Libraries:
Well-equipped libraries are available on each campus, providing access to a vast collection of resources.Students' Union:
The Students' Union offers a platform for student engagement, social activities, and representation.Galleries:
UCA has galleries on its campuses showcasing student and professional artwork.Fees & Finance:
Information on fees and funding options for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is available.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment for its students. The university emphasizes diversity and inclusion, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all. Students can expect:
Active Student Life:
Opportunities for social interaction, clubs, societies, and events.Creative Community:
A strong sense of community among students and staff, passionate about the creative arts.Modern Facilities:
Access to state-of-the-art studios, workshops, and equipment.Campus Locations:
UCA has campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, and Maidstone, offering diverse learning environments.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Rankings:
UCA consistently ranks among the top specialist creative universities in the UK.World-Leading Research:
The university excels in research, particularly in the field of art and design.Industry Connections:
Strong links with industry professionals and employers, providing valuable career opportunities.Diverse Programs:
A wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various creative disciplines.Supportive Environment:
A welcoming and inclusive campus culture that encourages student growth and development.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in various creative fields.Postgraduate Programs:
Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees.Research Degrees:
PhD and MPhil programs in specialized areas of creative research.Other:
International Students:
UCA welcomes international students and provides support services for their transition.Study Abroad:
Opportunities for students to study abroad at partner institutions.Innovation Hub:
UCA has an Innovation Hub that fosters collaboration and entrepreneurship among students and researchers.The provided context does not include information on the following sections:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions diversity and inclusion, it lacks details about specific student life aspects and campus experiences.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context highlights rankings and research, but it does not explicitly state other key reasons for choosing UCA.Entry & Portfolio Requirements
UK
BA (Hons) course & BA (Hons) course with Professional Practice Year:
- 112 UCAS tariff points: This includes qualifications such as A-levels, BTECs, and International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas.
- Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4): This is a one-year course that can be taken after completing your GCSEs.
- Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma / BTEC National Extended Diploma: This is a two-year course that can be taken after completing your GCSEs.
- Merit at UAL Extended Diploma: This is a two-year course that can be taken after completing your GCSEs.
- 112 UCAS tariff points from an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma in appropriate subject: This is a one-year course that is designed to prepare students for university study.
- 27-30 total points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma with at least 15 IB points at Higher level: This is a two-year program that is offered in schools around the world.
- **Four GCSE passes at grade 9-4/A*-C including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2).
Portfolio requirements:
- You will need to submit a portfolio for review.
BA (Hons) course with Integrated Foundation Year & BA (Hons) course with Integrated Foundation Year and Professional Practice Year:
- 32 UCAS tariff points: This includes qualifications such as A-levels, BTECs, and IB diplomas.
- Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4): This is a one-year course that can be taken after completing your GCSEs.
- Pass, Pass, Pass at BTEC Extended Diploma / BTEC National Extended Diploma: This is a two-year course that can be taken after completing your GCSEs.
- Pass at UAL Extended Diploma: This is a two-year course that can be taken after completing your GCSEs.
- 32 UCAS tariff points from an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma in appropriate subject: This is a one-year course that is designed to prepare students for university study.
- 24 points from the International Baccalaureate: This is a two-year program that is offered in schools around the world.
- **Four GCSE passes at grade 9-4/A*-C including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2).
Portfolio requirements:
- You will need to submit a portfolio for review.
International and EU
BA (Hons) course & BA (Hons) course with Professional Practice Year:
- The entry requirements for these courses will depend on the country your qualifications are from.
- **Any additional entry requirements listed in the UK requirements section, e.g., subject requirements, work experience, or professional qualifications, also apply to international applicants applying with equivalent qualifications.
- Portfolio requirements: You will be required to submit a portfolio for review.
BA (Hons) course with Integrated International Foundation Year & BA (Hons) course with Integrated International Foundation Year and Professional Practice Year:
- **For these courses, you need to have completed 12 years of schooling (with good grades) and show strong evidence of your ability to successfully complete the program and progress onto your chosen degree.
- **Any additional entry requirements listed in the UK requirements section, e.g., subject requirements, work experience, or professional qualifications, also apply to international applicants applying with equivalent qualifications.
- Portfolio requirements: These courses do not require a portfolio.
English language requirements:
- To study at UCA, you will need to have a certain level of English language skill.
- Pre-sessional English courses
- UCA International Foundation courses
- The UCA International College
