BA (Hons) Product Design

Program Overview

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This three-year product design degree equips students with the skills to conceive, develop, and deliver innovative design solutions. Through hands-on learning, industry connections, and a focus on ethical and sustainable practices, graduates are prepared for diverse careers in product design, packaging, and user experience design.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Vision:

To equip students with the skills and knowledge to conceive, develop, and deliver innovative product design solutions, pushing boundaries and thriving within the sector.

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Key Objectives:

• Develop critical thinking skills to identify and address complex design challenges.
• Foster creative problem-solving abilities through iterative design processes.
• Master the application of technology in product design.
• Understand user needs and integrate those insights into functional and intuitive designs.
• Cultivate proficiency in communication and presentation skills, showcasing design concepts effectively.
• Gain expertise in physical and digital prototyping, demonstrating ideas through tangible forms.

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Approach:

The program emphasizes a "hands-on" learning environment where students engage in:

• User research and analysis to thoroughly define problems and opportunities.
• Concept generation and development, exploring diverse avenues for product solutions.
• Prototype construction, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and fabrication methods.
• Design thinking with a focus on ergonomics, aesthetics, usability, sustainability, and the responsible application of technology.
• Professional presentation, communicating design solutions through compelling narratives, visuals, and prototypes.

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Distinctive Features:

• Strong industry connections through live client projects, internships, and expert guest lectures.
• Access to cutting-edge prototyping studios and advanced 3D printing facilities.
• Development of professional-level portfolios for a seamless transition into the design industry.
• Emphasis on ethical and sustainable design practices.

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Outline

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Year 1

• Focus: Establishing core design skills and foundational knowledge.
• Modules:
• Design Approaches
• Design Skills
• Ergonomics, Inclusion and Empathy
• Interacting with Products
• Professional Life Practice: Developing Your Practice
• Professional Life Practice: Exploring Your Practice.

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Year 2

• Focus: Deepening understanding of design processes and fostering advanced skills.
• Modules:
• Sustainable Design in Practice
• Interface, Experience and Service Design
• Open Innovation
• Professional Life Practice: Applying Your Practice
• Work-based learning

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Year 3

• Focus: Independent project development, portfolio creation, and professional preparation.
• Modules:
• Negotiated Brief
• Final Major Project
• Portfolio and Promotion
• Professional Life Practice: Situating Your Practice.

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Assessment

• Continuous Assessment: Throughout the program, students' work and engagement are evaluated through various assignments, presentations, and projects.
These assessments contribute to the overall grade throughout the year.
• Final Major Project: An in-depth design project assessed based on its originality, creativity, feasibility, and demonstration of acquired skills.
• Dissertation: An academic research paper exploring a contextual area of product design and showcasing critical analysis and research abilities.

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Teaching

• Emphasis on Individuality: Small class sizes enable personalized attention and guidance from experienced faculty.
• Industry Expertise: Lecturers are active professionals in the design industry, bringing real-world perspectives and insights to the classroom.
• Collaborative Learning: Encouragement of teamwork and peer-to-peer learning to foster intercommunication and collaboration skills.
• Studio-Based Teaching: Hands-on learning environment with dedicated studios and equipment for practical experimentation and creation.
• Guest Lectures and Industry Visits: Exposure to external perspectives and insights from renowned designers and leading companies within the field.

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Careers

• Wide Range: Graduates pursue careers in diverse areas such as product design, packaging, service design, retail interior design, 3D promotional design, and user experience design.
• Specific Examples: Electronics development, food packaging design, customer experience enhancement in industries like finance, transport, and entertainment.
• Work-based Learning: Encouragement to actively participate in internships and industry projects to gain real-world experience and shape future career paths.

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Other

• Course Duration: 3 years, full-time study.
• Course Fees: £9,250 (UK students), £17,000 (International students).
• Admissions Requirements: At least a Grade 4 (GCSE) in English, plus:
• Two A-Levels at grade CC or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade MPP
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other qualifications equivalent to 64 UCAS Tariff points.
• Consideration of Portfolio and Qualifications: While meeting the minimum requirements is essential, the program also considers the quality of the applicant's portfolio and demonstration of skills through prior academic work or relevant work experience.