BA (Hons) Product Design

The BA (Hons) Product Design program at Ravensbourne University London is designed to nurture the next generation of innovative and socially conscious product designers. The curriculum provides a holistic education in product design, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students engage in hands-on projects that challenge them to think critically, solve problems creatively, and consider the broader impact of their designs on users and the environment. The multidisciplinary nature of the program ensures that graduates are versatile, equipped with a diverse skill set that spans sketching, prototyping, and digital design. Collaboration with industry partners and exposure to real-world projects enhance students' understanding of industry expectations and trends. Graduates emerge from the program with the ability to create products that not only meet functional needs but also contribute positively to society and the planet.

Curriculum:

1. Innovative Design Thinking: The BA (Hons) Product Design program at Ravensbourne is centered around fostering innovative design thinking. Students are encouraged to explore creative solutions to real-world problems, developing a deep understanding of the design process from concept ideation to prototyping and implementation.

2. User-Centered Design Approach: The curriculum emphasizes a user-centered design approach. Students learn to empathize with users, conduct user research, and integrate feedback into their designs. This human-centric approach ensures that graduates create products that meet the needs and preferences of end-users.

3. Multidisciplinary Skill Development: Product design is a multidisciplinary field, and the program reflects this by offering a diverse range of modules. Students acquire skills in areas such as sketching, 3D modeling, materials science, manufacturing processes, and digital prototyping, preparing them for the complexities of modern product design.

4. Collaboration and Industry Engagement: Ravensbourne promotes collaboration and industry engagement. Students have opportunities to work on real-world projects with industry partners, gaining insights into current trends and challenges. This exposure ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the professional demands of the product design industry.

5. Sustainable Design Practices: The program places a strong emphasis on sustainable design practices. Students explore eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and sustainable product life cycles. This focus aligns with contemporary expectations for responsible and environmentally conscious design.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements:

1. Educational Qualifications:

   • Completion of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)/Standard XII with an overall average of 60% or higher.
   • Acceptance of qualifications from all boards, including CBSE and CISCE.
   • A specific emphasis on English language and Medium of Instruction (MOI) with a requirement of 70% marks.
      

2. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no individual component below 5.5.
   • TOEFL: Minimum overall score of 72, with at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 17 in Writing.
   • PTE Academic: Minimum overall score of 42 with no individual score below 42.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Ravensbourne University London is dedicated to supporting the academic journey of international students through various scholarship opportunities. As Ravensbourne continues to empower the next generation of creative leaders, its scholarship programs play a pivotal role in ensuring that deserving international students have the opportunity to thrive in the vibrant and dynamic academic environment.

1. Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements and leadership qualities. It covers a significant portion of the tuition fees for the duration of the student's program.

2. International Merit Scholarship: Designed to recognize and reward academic merit, the International Merit Scholarship is open to high-achieving international students across all disciplines. Successful applicants receive financial support to assist with tuition fees.

3. Global Future Scholarship: Ravensbourne is committed to nurturing future global leaders. The Global Future Scholarship is aimed at international students who exhibit exceptional potential and a commitment to making a positive impact in their chosen field. Recipients benefit from financial assistance and mentorship opportunities.

4. Cultural Diversity Scholarship: Acknowledging the importance of diverse perspectives in creative industries, Ravensbourne offers the Cultural Diversity Scholarship. This scholarship is open to international students who contribute to the cultural richness of the university community. It provides financial support to aid in the pursuit of academic goals.

5. Industry Engagement Scholarship: For students with a passion for industry collaboration, the Industry Engagement Scholarship encourages international students to actively participate in real-world projects and internships. This scholarship not only supports academic endeavors but also facilitates networking and career development.

Ravensbourne University London is committed to supporting the professional development of its Product Design graduates. The university's career services provide resources for job searches, portfolio development, and industry networking. Workshops, industry collaborations, and guest lectures contribute to the practical experience graduates gain, ensuring they are well-prepared for diverse and dynamic careers within the global product design industry. The BA (Hons) Product Design program positions graduates to make meaningful contributions to the field, creating products that enhance functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.

1. Product Designer: Graduates of the BA (Hons) Product Design program are well-prepared for careers as product designers. They work across industries to create innovative and aesthetically pleasing products, from conceptualization to the final design stages.

2. Industrial Designer: Industrial design is a common career path for graduates. They specialize in designing products that prioritize functionality, usability, and aesthetics. Industrial designers often work with manufacturers to bring their designs to mass production.

3. User Experience (UX) Designer: With a focus on user-centered design, graduates can pursue roles as UX designers. They optimize the interaction between users and products, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience through research, prototyping, and usability testing.

4. Prototyper or Model Maker: Graduates may choose to specialize in prototyping or model making. They create physical prototypes of designs, allowing clients and manufacturers to visualize and test product concepts before mass production.

5. Sustainable Design Consultant: Given the program's emphasis on sustainable design practices, graduates can become consultants specializing in sustainable product design. They advise companies on eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and environmentally conscious design choices.

6. Entrepreneurial Ventures: Some graduates may choose to start their own product design firms or entrepreneurial ventures. This path allows them to bring their unique design concepts to market or offer specialized design services to clients.

7. Design Researcher: Graduates interested in the theoretical and research aspects of design can pursue careers as design researchers. They investigate user behaviors, market trends, and technological advancements to inform the design process.

8. 3D Modeler or CAD Designer: Proficiency in 3D modeling is a valuable skill acquired during the program. Graduates can work as 3D modelers or Computer-Aided Design (CAD) designers, creating digital representations of products for visualization and manufacturing purposes.

9. Materials Specialist: With knowledge of materials science, graduates may specialize as materials specialists. They explore and recommend materials suitable for product design, considering factors such as durability, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal.

10. Innovation Manager: Graduates may take on roles as innovation managers within companies. They lead teams in developing new and groundbreaking products, driving creativity, and ensuring that products align with market demands and technological advancements.