Product Design with Professional Experience BSc (Hons)

• A-levels: ABB. Must include an A-level in a technology-based subject.
• BTEC: DDM.
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, specified subjects.
• Access to HE Diploma: pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 30 credits at merit or distinction.
• GCSE (minimum grade C): GCSE grade C or above in a minimum of five subjects including English language, maths and science.
• Foundation degree/HND: may enable you to start the course in year 2.
• Other: recognised foundation programme in relevant area or relevant professional experience will be considered.

English Language Requirement:

• IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

Interview

You will be invited to attend an interview at one of our applicant days, held between October and March. Applicant days are an opportunity for you to meet our staff and students, and to find out more about our courses and facilities.

The interview meanwhile is a chance to ask us questions, present your portfolio and tell us about yourself. In particular, be prepared to tell us about your:

• research skills
• creative strengths
• technical abilities
• understanding of people and behaviour
• business acumen.

 Product Research

• Research and analyse relevant literature, and understand how to apply your findings to develop your own product
• Apply core design research methods to solve real-world design challenges
• Analyse yours and others' research data
• Document the knowledge in a formal and accessible format that you can use to inspire your own designs

Product Ideation

• Master creative techniques that you can apply at concept stage
• Produce concept sketches, technical drawings and rendered images to professionally communicate your ideas
• Create principle models using appropriate techniques and materials to explore, test and illustrate your ideas and any working mechanisms
• Present and pitch your ideas in a live group setting and on your digital online portfolio

Product Development

• Evaluate, specify and select suitable materials for your product
• Find practical solutions to engineering problems
• Create and develop working prototype models using professional standard techniques

Product Launch

• Begin to plan how to market your product by applying costing techniques
• Gain awareness of product testing and evaluation before you release your product commercially
• Select and apply basic visual techniques to promote your newly developed products

Design Studies

• Understand design and lifestyle trends, including contextual cultural issues such as fashion, tradition, gender and consumerism
• Learn to critically apply cultural awareness in the design of contemporary products

Placement year

A year-long placement in the third year is integral to this course. The experience you gain is invaluable in helping you on your way to becoming a professional designer. Many students find that this year informs their final year projects and enhances their employment prospects after graduating. Some go into their final year with a job offer from their placement company when they graduate. You might choose to spend this year in local or international industry, gaining professional experience. If you want a more varied experience, you can work for a number of companies rather than just one. You may even try your hand as a self-employed designer, honing your entrepreneurial skills. Our Product Design students have undertaken placements with industry heavyweights in the UK and abroad, including Adidas, L’Oréal, Triumph, The Body Shop, Amplicon, Triumph, Trivista, Puma, Mini, Jaguar, Nokia, Mars and Dyson.