COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) Product Design course is structured to develop students’ creative, technical, and professional skills over three years. In the first year, modules such as Introduction to Design Practices, Communications – Sketching and Drawing in 3 Dimensions, and Digital Making and CAD introduce students to core design principles, visual communication, and digital fabrication techniques. Production in Furniture and Product Design develops practical making skills, while Wicked Problems: The Complexity of Critical Design Thinking and Communicating and Externalising encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to articulate design ideas effectively. In the second year, students explore Sustainability, Human Centred Design, and Critical Design Thinking and Contemporary Issues, fostering socially responsible and user-focused approaches. Industry Live, Professional Practice, and the Independent Project provide real-world experience, skill development, and the opportunity to engage with live briefs, while the Professional Placement Year offers hands-on industry exposure. In the final year, modules such as Defining Your Practice, Public Platform, and Design Futures: Independent Critical Project allow students to consolidate their knowledge and skills, develop a personal design identity, and produce a professional portfolio. The Final Project enables students to apply their learning in a comprehensive, self-directed design project. Overall, the course equips graduates with the creativity, technical proficiency, and professional confidence needed for careers in product design, furniture design, and related creative industries.