Overview
People are passionate about turning their everyday into the extraordinary, and the course entitled Product and Furniture Design is on demand in this time. Students get the chance to explore the fundamentals of thinking through a mix of digital and analogue methods of production and design. The current concept of minimalistic lifestyle expects the relationship between products and furniture items that are minimal in terms of space occupying, as well as complementary to the architecture and interior of the space.
As part of the study, students not only will get a wide range of knowledge from the industries through live project opportunities along with the master classes, but also will achieve a professional work experience placement to get ready for the workplace.
While graduating with success, students will be developed with a curious outlook along with a bold approach while exploring how product and furniture design can serve society with sustainability.
Course Details
The motto of this course is to realize that a designer’s imagination and the impact of design can have on social, political, environmental and commercial contexts. The Product & Furniture Design course focuses on use of materials, technologies and production processes with practical experimentation. Students will learn about the qualities of materials, products potential sustainability and their appropriate application.
Universities are offering BA (Hons) under single honors title. Most of the universities share two study options-
- Integrated Foundation Year (UCAS code: TT20) – The preliminary and intensive foundation for progressing the degree programme.
- Professional Placement Year (UCAS code: TT19) – Provides candidate to secure a professional experience. Successful completion of this module ensures the ability of a candidate to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.
The assessment criteria are on three different steps depending on university curriculum and academic lineup. These are-
- Exams – oral test or written exam
- Practical- presentations, performance and
- Coursework- essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation.
The approximate percentage of assessment on this course depends to some extent on the optional modules of academia a student acquires. .Some universities offer the program with integrated foundation year and professional practice year. The universities also offers the combination of integrated and placement opportunity of five years, including a year of foundation period. Some leading universities offers the program with integrated foundation year and professional practice year. They also offers the combination of integrated and placement opportunity of five years, including a year of foundation period.
The universities design the course in three different modules. These are-
| Year one (Level 4) – modules Material Processes and Workshops, the subjects are- |
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| Year two (Level 5) modules- Deals with contemporary issues and practice. Subjects to be covered are- |
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| Year three (Level 6) modules- Defining the student’s practice, the covered areas are- |
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The teaching fraternity is complied with a team of designers, practitioners and academics. Students may require to work with leading companies with their ideas while gaining invaluable commercial experience.
Available UK Universities for Product and Furniture Design
Here are some renowned universities according to the QS and THE (Times Higher Education) ranking who offer Product and Furniture Design course:
- University for the Creative Arts
- University of the Arts London
- Kingston University London
- Newcastle University
- Bath Spa University
- University of Plymouth
Along with these institutes, there are also some universities who offer the same course with affordability. These are-
Entry Requirements
English Language Proficiency Tests
- IELTS: At least 6, and a minimum score of 5.5 in each element of the test.
- TOEFL: 100 overall with 25 in writing and 23 in each of the other skills.
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate (CAE): 191 overall; minimum 185 in all skills
In order to take up a place on this course, one must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency at the University’s standard or higher level. Some universities does not require to provide test scores while submitting the application. Some universities offer an online based pre-sessional English course if a student has taken a language test result within the past two years.
Academic Qualification
Undergraduate:
The universities encourages students who have passed GCSE at grade A-C and/or grade 4-9 including English. Students who have passed at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design are also encouraged to apply. Candidates passed A levels including minimum grade C in Product Design equivalent other Art and Design subject, or an extended Diploma grades from distinction are asked for the application as well. Students must submit their portfolio and other documents as per the university’s regulations designed for different modules.
Graduate:
Students from arts and craft discipline, or relevant fields with no less than upper second class are desirable. Some universities offer foundation and pre-masters programmes for candidates who require to meet up their academic credentials. These programmes are designed for the international direct entry students including full duration visa sponsorship who are facing problems meeting the university’s academic requirements.
Fees and Scholarships
| Terms | Expenditure (for overseas students) |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Approximate £14,600-24,000 |
| Additional costs | Approximate £15-40 for undergraduates and research students. |
| Travelling costs | Minimum £12.70 is required per visit. |
| Accommodation | Varies depending on finding inside or outside of campus living facilities. |
Depending on the coursework and activities, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students should consider while planning their studies. The cost may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, and engineering), security checks, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships. Some universities provides option for the tuition fees in optional placement years.
There are plenty of university and departmental scholarships opportunities for the international students which offer waivers deepening or student’s curricular performance. The UK universities offer plenty of scholarships and fundings in postgraduate studies for international students. Scholarships, funding, and on campus jobs are available in universities depending on individual’s qualifications matching with universities criteria.
Some of the available scholarships are-
- Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries
- Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
- British Chevening Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarships (on selected universities for selected countries students)
- Academic Excellence Scholarships
- British Council scholarship for women in STEM – and many more university and departmental scholarships.
Employability
On successful completion, students can apply for internships in various organizations, or in for-profit agencies. Many graduates choose to continue practicing their creativity in some way, while holding a lucrative career.
On entry level position, the graduates can find the jobs like, assistant designer or CAD project designer, and others with starting salary range of approximate £21,000 yearly.
- Creative director
- Design director
- Design manager
- Design consultant
- Furniture consultant
- 3d designer
- Packaging designer
- Product and furniture designer
- Product design manager
The graduates of this arena get the chances of working in the design studios of manufacturing companies like Lego, Dyson, Macpac and many more. Some graduates are aiming to their own entrepreneurial making to celebrate their unique design voice, like furniture designer Hugh Evans, Laura Lane Ceramics and Otter Surfboards.
FAQ
Where can I study product design in UK?
- Loughborough University
- The University of Edinburgh
- University of Leeds
- University of Liverpool
- University of Glasgow
- Queen's University Belfast
- University of Nottingham
- University of Strathclyde
How long is a product design course UK?
The three-year Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Product Design and Manufacture programme is designed to give students a solid foundation in both design and engineering. There are a lot of issues in the world today, from minor annoyances to major catastrophes like climate change.
What is the best degree for a furniture designer?
A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for entering the field of furniture design. The majority of furniture designers have training in either graphic design, interior design, or the fine arts. The average educational level of a furniture designer is a bachelor's (73%), with 11% holding only an associate's.
Is product design in high demand?
Startups, major product-based enterprises, and software companies have the most demand for product designers.
What qualifications do you need to be a product designer UK?
Most product designers hold a bachelor's, associates, or higher education diploma in product design or a closely related field. Relevant courses can also include those that focus on design as part of a broader study of design or technology.
Why should I study product design?
You'll learn what it takes to bring cutting-edge innovations to market, enhancing the quality of life and increasing productivity for consumers who appreciate novel approaches.
Where can a product designer work?
In order to better manage their finances and increase their revenue, financial institutions frequently contract the services of professional product designers to create apps. Product designers are valuable to marketing companies since they aid in the creation of new items and their packaging.
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