BA (Hons) Product Design

Introduction to the Course

Product Design is concerned with designing objects and artefacts which shape the
world around us, from consumer goods and medical products to safety equipment and communication devices .The course explores the relationship between human factors and the design process and examines social and cultural issues that influence design decisions. The course develops both studio- and workshopbased
skills and introduces a range of new technologies, manufacturing processes and 2D and 3D visualisation techniques.

The course is part of the Design Studies Programme and shares modules with Interior Products Design, Interior Design and Design Management Strategies. Links with these subject areas enable you to explore a variety of design areas in a holistic context while also widening your career prospects.

Your learning experience

Learning is project based and supported by lectures, tutorials, seminars and specialist workshops. These will ensure that you learn to be proficient in critical and analytical skills and are aware of the commercial, cultural and technological contexts within which business operates. Industry- related projects will ensure
that you have team-working skills and can present concepts with authority and confidence using a variety of presentation technologies.

Our industry experienced staff will encourage you to develop transferable intellectual and personal skills appropriate to the changing environments of professional employment. You will be provided with studios to work in, as well as access to computer suites with the latest industry standard software. Drawing and model making facilities are provided, along with e-learning and extensive subject specific literature in the library.

Industry links

There is an opportunity to participate in exchange programmes with overseas universities and to work on live projects with industry. Clients working with the university have included Marks and Spencer, Phillips and John Lewis.

Career Prospects

Graduates may pursue a variety of careers within manufacturing industry or in consultancy, as design practitioners, design managers or freelance designer-makers. Related fields of employment, such as marketing or design research, also attract graduates.

Student Comments:

“It seemed the best city and university that did my course with excellent staff and workshop facilities”
Charlotte Davies

“My course has been challenging and varied giving me the opportunity to decide on my award at Level 5. All the lecturers have been friendly and very helpful. The facilities are good and the library has a range of facilities available. My department is well equipped with new computers, latest CNC router and rapid prototyping facilities to name a few.”
Rowan Green

Graduate Comment:

My years at the University were ones which were crucial to my early development as a designer, a thinker, a person and a leader, and formed a solid foundation for my career in design.
Lee Smith, Haughton Design Ltd.