| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The 3D Design and Craft BA(Hons) at the University of Brighton empowers students to become skilled makers and designers of 3D objects and products. Through hands-on workshops, historical studies, and critical thinking, students develop their creativity, innovation, and technical proficiency in various materials and processes. The program culminates in an independent body of work, preparing graduates for diverse careers in product design, furniture design, and other creative industries.
Program Outline
The curriculum integrates hands-on design and making with historical and critical studies, providing students with freedom to develop personal specialisms and graduate with an impressive portfolio.
Objectives:
- Equip students with professional design and making skills.
- Nurture creativity, innovation, and critical thinking in product development.
- Expose students to diverse materials and processes, including woodworking, ceramics, metalwork, polymers, and digital technology.
- Encourage collaborative learning through hands-on workshops and group projects.
- Foster a culture of research and experimentation, encouraging students to explore new approaches to design.
Description:
The program features a strong emphasis on practice, with dedicated workshops for each material area. The teaching team comprises practicing designers and makers, who guide students on a diagnostic and investigative learning journey. Students have the opportunity to exhibit their work and gain real-world experience through live projects and case studies.
Highlights:
- 91% of graduates are satisfied with the program's teaching quality.
- 91% are satisfied with the learning opportunities.
- Alumni have progressed to leading roles across diverse industries and exhibited their work in renowned institutions like the Design Museum and MOMA.
Outline
Year 1
focuses on fundamental skills and exploration of various material areas like wood, metal, ceramics, polymers, and composites. This phase also includes a short period of self-directed study or design project. Students delve into themes like culture of making, resource consumption, technology impact, and object context. The year culminates in a student-curated exhibition showcasing their learning journey.
Year 2
allows students to specialize in specific materials and processes, refine their individual practice, and develop their professional profile. Structured projects alongside live and research-led initiatives contribute to their personal development plans and research questions for the independent project in year 3. Year 2 also offers the opportunity for a student exchange to Nagoya University.
Final year
is dedicated to developing a major independent body of work in 3D design and craft. Supported by rigorous creative enquiry research, a professional practice portfolio, and an extended essay, students refine their independent practice and research skills.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary depending on modules and project type. They include:
- Practical work: Demonstrating skill development and technical proficiency in the chosen material area.
- Portfolio presentations: Showcase design process, research findings, and creative exploration.
- Written assignments: Critical analysis of theoretical concepts, historical references, and contemporary design discourses.
- Group projects: Teamwork and collaboration in creative problem-solving and design solutions.
- Exhibition participation: Presenting finalized work in professional settings and engaging with public audiences.
Teaching
The program boasts a passionate and experienced teaching team, including practicing designers, makers, artists, and researchers. They provide individual guidance and mentorship alongside technical support from dedicated workshop technicians. Students benefit from a nurturing environment that encourages dialogue, experimentation, and independent learning. The unique structure of the program combines studio-based learning with theoretical and critical engagement. Students develop their creative vision alongside a robust understanding of historical and contemporary design contexts.
Careers
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across various industries, including:
- Product design
- Furniture and lighting design
- Jewelry and ceramics
- Applied art and sculpture
- Interior architecture
- Exhibition and installation design
- Trend forecasting and styling
- Teaching and research positions Alumni have found success at leading companies like Habitat, Nike, IKEA, Lego, Disney, Heals, Liberty, Saatchi Gallery, and the Milan Furniture Fair. They have also exhibited at prestigious institutions like the London Design Museum, Tate Modern, and MOMA.
Other
The program provides several opportunities for students:
- Study abroad: Exchange program with Nagoya University in Japan.
UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP International (full-time) 15,900 GBP
