Product and Furniture Design - BA (Hons)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
| 2023-07-01 | 2023-04-28 |
| 2023-09-19 | 2023-05-25 |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
London Metropolitan University's Product and Furniture Design program combines traditional craft techniques with digital fabrication technologies, equipping students with the skills and experience to succeed in the evolving design world. Through collaborations with major brands and renowned designers, students develop their own design voices and gain valuable industry connections. The program emphasizes the intersection of traditional and contemporary design methodologies, preparing graduates for diverse careers in the field.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Product and Furniture Design - BA (Hons)
at London Metropolitan University offers students a comprehensive design education in a vibrant and collaborative learning environment. Combining traditional craft techniques with digital fabrication technologies, the program equips you with the necessary skills and experience to succeed within the expanding and evolving product and furniture design world.
Program Objectives:
- Develop into a competent maker, opinionated thinker, and adaptable designer with relevant industry skills and expertise.
- Cultivate your own design voice through exploration and experimentation in the context of the program's dynamic practice-based learning culture.
- Gain experience through collaborations and live project briefs with major brands, fostering valuable professional networks.
- Learn from internationally renowned product and furniture designers, benefiting from their industry knowledge and expertise.
- Be immersed in London's creative hub - Shoreditch - gaining unparalleled access to design studios, galleries, retailers, journalists, and curators.
- Develop strong presentation and communication skills using industry-standard software tools, ensuring you can effectively present and discuss your work.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program focuses on developing students' practical skills through first-year briefs centered around specific materials and processes, including wood, ceramics, metal, and digital fabrication. In subsequent years, you'll gain real-world experience working on live project briefs for major brands like 1882, SCP, Lodes Lighting, and Brompton.
Structure and Schedule
Students have the option of studying part-time or full-time, with full-time studies commencing in January or September. Part-time studies are offered on request and require applying directly to the University. Full-time students can expect a course load of around 1200 learning hours per year, split amongst taught sessions (lectures/workshops) and independent study (including studio time, research and project work).
Modules Covered
Year 1
- 3D Design and Development 1
- 3D Workshop Practice
- Critical & Contextual Studies 1 (3D)
- Research and Visual Communication
Year 2
- 3D Design Realisation
- 3D Design and Development 2
- Critical & Contextual Studies 2 (3D)
- Professional Practice 1
Year 3
- 3D Design and Development 3
- Major Project Resolution: Product and Furniture Design
- Professional Practice 2
- Critical & Contextual Studies 3: Dissertation (3D)
Individual Module Description
1st Year:
- 3D Design and Development 1: Introduces fundamental principles and processes for successful 3D design solutions, focusing on research, analysis, experimentation, and prototyping.
- 3D Workshop Practice: Develops skills and understanding in material and process through workshop inductions and engagement with specific technologies and techniques relevant to the discipline.
- Critical & Contextual Studies 1 (3D): Explores the history and theory of 3D design, examining its scope, conventions, and social context in culture and practice. Encourages critical reflection and personal development within the field.
- Research and Visual Communication: Introduces research and communication methods and skills specific to 3D disciplines and artefacts, focusing on drawing and visual expression for research and design development.
2nd Year
- 3D Design Realisation: Concentrates on achieving professional standards of production, with emphasis on material selection justification and consideration of social, functional, and environmental impacts.
- 3D Design and Development 2: Advances design development by incorporating insights into human needs, individual and collective contexts, and ethical and environmental considerations. Students undertake studio projects with potential industry partners, gaining mentorship from professional practitioners.
- Critical & Contextual Studies 2: Continues the study of 3D design history and theory, building on knowledge gained in Year 1 and preparing students for independent research in the form of a dissertation in Year 3.
- Professional Practice 1: Provides research and engagement with professional practices and career paths in the field, focusing on self-promotion, commercial practice, changing markets and trends, and legal, ethical, and regulatory aspects in the industry. Students begin to define their professional identity and portfolio.
3rd Year:
- 3D Design and Development 3: Offers opportunities for self-directed projects, including the "major project", where students synthesize knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program. Projects require negotiated and approved proposals, reflecting a comprehensive design development process, critical thinking skills, and professional production skills.
- Critical & Contextual Studies 3: Dissertation Students pursue an in-depth research and writing project (6,000-7,000 words) on a topic chosen from their area of study or, upon approval, from outside of their degree course. The dissertation format can include visual materials and non-written forms of presentation, and may incorporate primary research and fieldwork with prior approval.
- Major Project Resolution: Product and Furniture Design: Students focus on their self-determined design projects, refining and completing them to professional standards, including detailed planning, recording of process, professional-standard realization, contextualization, and presentation. This module prepares students for a career in the industry or further postgraduate studies.
- Professional Practice 2: Students produce comprehensive and competitive career-launch materials, including digital portfolio presentations, to demonstrate their strengths and attract potential employers or clients. They research diverse roles and employability opportunities within the field, making informed career choices and building valuable networks.
Assessment:
Students' progress and understanding are evaluated throughout the program via various methods:
- Portfolio Assessment: A core component focusing on student's project work and creative output, demonstrating their design development, problem-solving abilities, technical skills, and overall progress.
- Essays: Written assignments delve into specific topics, requiring in-depth research and critical analysis, and contribute to the overall assessment.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
Learning takes place through a combination of one-to-one tutorials, group critiques, seminars, student presentations, and various studio sessions. This blended approach equips graduates with strong presentation skills, facilitates constructive feedback on their work, encourages collaborative brainstorming sessions within a friendly environment and allows for individualized support and mentoring from faculty members.
Faculty
The teaching team comprises experienced educators and internationally recognized designers who share their expertise, insights, and industry connections with students. Their practice and experience contribute to a dynamic learning atmosphere that encourages exploration and experimentation within a realistic studio setting..
Unique Approach
- The curriculum emphasizes the intersection of traditional and contemporary design methodologies, exploring digital 3D fabrication technologies alongside traditional craft skills, ensuring graduates are well versatile and prepared for the evolving landscape of design practice,
- Emphasis is placed on developing students' own creative voices through experimentation, critical reflection, research-based design processes, and material exploration.
- Strong industry connections provide opportunities to work on live project briefs for major companies, collaborate with professional designers, and visit leading design firms, galleries, retailers, and other relevant organizations in London's design hub, Shoreditch, fostering unique networking and learning experiences.
Careers:
Job Prospects
The program prepares students for diverse careers in the field of design. Potential job opportunities include:
- Product designer
- Furniture designer
- Interior Designer,
- Exhibition Designer,
- Concept designer
- Design consultant, and
- Freelance designer.
Professional Development:
Graduates can also pursue further postgraduate studies, enhancing their knowledge specialization, or choose to establish their own independent studio or practice.
The career path is determined by individual interests and aspirations, and the program equips individuals for lifelong learning and adaptable navigation within the evolving realm of the product and furniture design industry.
Graduate Success:
- London Met alumni includes successful and rising stars within the industry such as Yinka Ilori M.B.E. (with a London Design Museum mini-retrospective in 2022), Amechi Mandi (House & Gardens Magazine Rising Star 2022) and Ella Merriman (Merri Intimates underwear), along with established names like Lola Lely, Tom Price, Matthew Hilton and Michael Marriott.
Other:
- University Campus: The program is currently based at London Met's Holloway, Aldgate, and Shoreditch locations in the city. The university is reviewing the usage of these campuses to ensure appropriate access, facilities, and support are provided to all students, ensuring the teaching location and overall learning experience are continuously optimized.
- Students are encouraged to actively contribute to the learning process and take responsibility for developing their knowledge and skills through critical engagement, independent research, self-reflection, and proactive participation in all aspects of the program.
