Entry requirements

A good Honours Degree in Product Design or a closely related three-dimensional design discipline, or equivalent qualifications.

Good quality language skills are essential as this is a taught MA and all project work requires accurate and appropriate communication in English language.

As a minimum, applicants should have a portfolio demonstrating their critical thinking, technical abilities and creative process in a range of media.

Portfolios can be either posted or sent digitally (e.g. in the form of an easily accessible website link, PDF or PowerPoint format and not larger than 10Mb).

Applications from European or International mature students (+21) with alternative quailfications and/or substantial work experience will be considered on their merits/portfolio.

Non-English speakers ideally should have IELTS 6.0 overall. However, applicants may apply with lower IELTS if they successfully participate in the BCU Pre-sessional English Language courses that are delivered just before the main programme begins.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Summary:

This course looks at theory alongside real-world practice and fuses the best of both in a unique approach to product design. Students are encouraged to take part in debate and analysis to create exciting new concept proposals.

The course challenges perceptions around 'alternative living' to see what else might be possible in a world already full of things. The course will prepare students for professional life in a wide range of product design related roles.

The course is focused around a creative studio hub and provides a supportive environment where students can develop your personal design agendas.

Studio-based sessions are complemented by a virtual learning environment, offering 24/7 online access to the latest information, course documentation and examples of previous student work.

Students learn from successful collaborative projects with renowned organisations such as Marks and Spencer, Cadbury, Pashley Cycles, Triumph Motorcycles and Saint-Gobain PAM.

Classroom hours:

Students will study for 18 hours split from Monday to Friday, which breaks down into the following percentages:15% lectures, 5% seminars, 35% tutorials, 45% independent study.

How students learn:

Studies include structured, project based learning activities which develop creative, design and making skills, research and investigative abilities, evaluation and independent learning to an advanced level. It includes individual and group tutorials, tutor-led and student-led seminars, lectures, and workshops as well as report writing and project work.

Taught modules are assessed through assignments and these account for half of the credits available on the course. Examples of modules include: Realism and Conceptualism, Design Culture and Exploratory Research Practices. The majority of the remaining half of the course consists of a personal project involving a negotiated combination of research and practice. Students will receive regular feedback on their performance throughout the course.