Product Design (with Foundation Year) - BA(Hons)
Bachelor's degree
In Bristol
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Bath Spa University
Foundation degree Avon / Classroom-based£ 7,500 -
City of Bristol College
Course Avon / Classroom-based£ 5,421 -
City of Bristol College
Course Avon / Classroom-based£ 5,421
See all
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
Bristol
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Start date
Different dates available
Why study BA(Hons) Product Design?
In the 21st century, we have reached a point where many products work well and meet our everyday physical needs - but how well do they satisfy and enhance our lives on an emotional level?
The products of design surround us, from the everyday objects we use to the spaces we occupy both inside and outside. There are many design disciplines which practice at a variety of scales to form our human environment. The factors influencing design decisions and the design process are similar to each of these disciplines.
Why study our course?
This course will help you to develop your creativity. You will gain the confidence and ability to take design risks, challenge conventional thinking and design innovative products that surprise and delight. You will develop an empathetic, intuitive understanding of people and how we use and respond to products and advanced knowledge of form, ergonomics and materials.
Learning from friendly tutors with extensive industry expertise, you will work on a series of projects in our Design Studio. As well as enhancing your creativity, these will help you develop advanced skills in concept sketching and 3D form, verbal and visual communication, model making, CAD and the business of design.
You will have the opportunity to refine your design skills at a variety of scales and the course will assist you with raising your awareness of the historical, cultural, mechanical and environmental factors which influence design.
Real world experience
As you progress, you will work on design briefs for live projects for a range of industry clients. In previous years, these have included Jaguar Land rover, Dremel Bosch, Omlet and Virgin Marussia Formula 1. You will have the opportunity to take part in exhibitions and grow your network at industry presentations.
Where it can take you
On graduation, you will have the skills to succeed in industry or your own business venture. Career opportunities are...
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
Placements
Students who do a work placement are more likely to graduate with a better degree and get higher quality work on graduation. So as well as helping hone your professional skills, industry knowledge and network, a placement will make you highly employable on graduation.
We have many placement opportunities for students in the UK and Europe, the US and China. Past students have worked for in-house design teams, design consultancies and manufacturers. These were with companies such as Opel cars, Disney, Omlet, Kinneir Dufort, Trunki, Mathmos, Mira Kohler and many small design...
Reviews
Subjects
- Design
- Industry
- Product Design
- Teaching
- Project
- CAD
- 3d training
- 3D
- Materials
Course programme
The core of the course throughout all years are the Design Studio modules where your new skills and knowledge are applied to diverse projects which solve human centred problems through design practice. Intensive one-to-one tutoring with tutors and practising designers brings leading edge thinking and practical guidance to your work.
Foundation year (Year zero)
You will study the following compulsory modules:
- Foundation Project in Sustainability
- Foundation Design Communications
- Foundation Design Studio
- Foundation Design History
- Foundation Engineering for Designers.
You will study the Foundation year alongside students from our other Architecture and Product Design courses, and so you may be able to transfer to a course in one of these areas at the end of the Foundation year.
The normal expectation is that you must pass all Year zero modules before progressing to Year one.
Year one
This year builds the skills of a professional designer, through tutorials and design projects including: 3D design, sketching, concept generation, presentation skills, CAD skills, practical workshop skills and understanding of people and their complex emotional relationships with products.
You will study the following compulsory modules:
- Product Design Studio 1
- Design Communication
- Objects and Experiences
- Graphic Design
- Design in Context.
Year two
This year develops an understanding of human-centred design, co-design and innovative design processes, advanced CAD, materials and manufacturing, and advanced form and aesthetics development.
You will study the following compulsory modules:
- Creative Product Design Studio 2
- Product CAD
- Engineering for Designers
- Aesthetics and Product Language
- Materials and Processes.
Optional placement year
A quarter of students take a placement year working in the design industry. We will provide our students with assistance to develop their portfolio and CV, getting the placement and support them as a mentor whilst on placement.
Final year
The final year works on a range of studio based projects, often working with real companies (Brabantia, Dremel, Bloodhound and Piper Moto), on real briefs, to tight deadlines. Culminating in an individual major project to research, design and develop a product. Culminating in a portfolio of projects to market the graduate in an area of the product design, design or the diverse creative technology industry where the graduate"s passion for design will continue to grow.
You will study the following compulsory modules:
- Individual Project Product Design
- Product Design Studio 3
- Design Research Methods
- Design Futures.
In addition, you will study one of the following optional modules:
- Industrial Placement
- Design in Practice.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we will inform you.
Learning and TeachingTeaching methods are varied depending on the module; lectures, project work and tutorials all have a part.
The teaching staff provide a friendly, enabling environment for learning. They are also actively engaged in research or professional practice, ensuring that you learn directly from the latest academic and business developments.
For more details see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
AssessmentAssessment is achieved through a balance of coursework and examinations. Examinations are held in either January or May/June. Coursework will be a variety of essays, reports, surveys, design projects, teamwork or progress tests.
You are encouraged to do 'formative work' to prepare for assessments: this does not count towards your marks but the feedback which you receive will help you to improve your performance. Support is available for students who have difficulties with numeracy, IT, literacy and study skills.
For more details see our full glossary of assessment terms.
Product Design (with Foundation Year) - BA(Hons)
-
Bath Spa University
Foundation degree Avon / Classroom-based£ 7,500 -
City of Bristol College
Course Avon / Classroom-based£ 5,421 -
City of Bristol College
Course Avon / Classroom-based£ 5,421
See all